January 17, 2018 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2018-01-17
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-27 21:26 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District – Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting – January 17, 2018
These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript and may contain errors or omissions.
Public Hearing #1: Texas Annual Performance Report (TAPR)
Presenter: Dr. Null
Dr. Null presented the district's Annual Performance Report, which draws from the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR), PEIMS financial data, criminal incidents data, and graduate performance at Texas public higher education institutions.
Key highlights:
- Accountability Rating: Met Standard (highest possible); Special Education determination: Meets Requirements
- Enrollment: Official 2016-17 enrollment was 59,489; as of meeting date, enrollment stood at 61,580. Approximately 800 new students enrolled in the prior week alone.
- STAAR Performance (All Students, All Subjects): 85% at Approaches Grade Level or above
- Attendance Rate: 96.4% — believed to be the highest in district history; current year maintaining the same rate
- Dropout Rate: Lowest among benchmark districts (Cy-Fair, Fort Bend, Humble, Katy, Klein)
- Graduation Rates: Class of 2015 five-year cohort: 97.4%; Class of 2016 four-year cohort showed 2.3% continuers still working toward graduation
- AP Participation: 36.8% of students taking AP exams; 64% scoring above criteria. District encourages students to sit for all exams even if they may not pass.
- FAST Report: Conroe ISD is one of only three districts statewide to receive all five stars for six consecutive years (academic performance + financial stewardship)
- Tax Rate: $1.28 — well below comparable benchmark districts
- Financial Highlights: 60.9% of budget goes to instruction (4+ points above state average); district runs a very small central administration; transportation costs above state average due to district size
- Criminal Incidents: 57 reportable incidents; 36 were felony controlled substance, with the majority involving prescription drugs from students' homes
- College Performance: 1,718 graduates attending Texas public colleges/universities; strong majority maintained 2.5+ GPA
Public Comment: No members of the public offered comments. Public hearing concluded.
Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 6:13 PM. Quorum confirmed; proper notice posted per Texas Open Meetings Act.
Invocation: Mr. Kidd — included remembrance of Larry Moore and the Moorhead Junior High family, and recognition of CISD staff.
Pledges: Led by Mr. Williams.
Item 2A: Special District Recognition — School Board Appreciation Month
Presenter: Tasha Smith (on behalf of Dr. Stockton)
January is School Board Appreciation Month. Ms. Smith thanked board members on behalf of all CISD administrators, educators, staff, and students. Students provided cards, posters, letters, drawings, gifts, and candy for the board. The audience joined in a round of applause.
Item 2B: Public Comment
No members of the public signed up to speak.
Item 3: Consent Agenda
Item 3G was pulled for separate discussion at the request of a board member.
Motion: Accept consent agenda as presented, with the exception of Item G.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote, all in favor).
Item 3G: Local Policy Manual Update 109 (Lunch Waiver Period)
Discussion: Mr. Moore requested background on reducing the lunch payment waiver period from 30 days to 15 days. Dr. Stockton (or administration) explained:
- The 30-day period was relatively new and somewhat arbitrary
- Shortening to 15 days allows earlier conversations with families, many of whom end up qualifying for free/reduced lunch
- Does not change the commitment to serving meals to all students daily
- District currently averages slightly over $15,000/month in uncollected lunch charges
Motion: Approve Item 3G.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote, all in favor).
Public Hearing #2: Turnaround Plan for Sam Houston Elementary School
Board recessed at 6:20 PM for public hearing.
Presenter: Debbie Phillips, with Principal Viviana Harris
Background/Timeline:
- August 2017: Sam Houston Elementary received a second consecutive Improvement Required rating
- September 2017: Board approved the Targeted Improvement Plan (three strategies: guided reading through PLCs, writer's workshop conferring, small group math instruction)
- January 2018: Turnaround Plan presented for approval
- August 2018: Anticipating Met Standard rating; board will then decide to implement, modify, or discontinue the turnaround plan
- If implemented, the plan would run for two years beginning August 2018
Turnaround Plan — Instructional Rounds:
- Modeled after medical rounds; same approach used successfully at Austin Elementary
- Teachers observe each other's classrooms in small groups (administrators not present)
- Led by an instructional coach/lead teacher
- Focus areas align with existing plan (questioning in guided reading, conferring in writing, small group math)
- Goal: enhance pedagogical skills and build collaborative culture
- Campus and district coaches support teachers implementing new practices observed during rounds
Significant Board Discussion:
- Mr. Williams asked about external/community factors and parental involvement beyond the internal instructional focus. Principal Harris described extensive outreach: weekly newsletters, one-on-one parent calls, car-rider line interactions, home visits, and community partnerships through churches and volunteer organizations (Girls on the Run, community mentors). She noted many parents cannot read or write and are often hesitant to come to school.
- Mr. Kidd expressed concern about educating the whole family and asked what the board could do to support efforts to help parents who struggle with literacy. He suggested partnerships with local churches (noting Miss Drummond's church teaches English to parents) and community organizations. He encouraged connecting these resources with the campus.
- Principal Harris described a mentor program where every adult on campus mentors a student monthly, addressing academic, social, and emotional needs.
- Mr. Moore asked whether the plan's reliance on instructional coaches created staffing or funding concerns. Dr. Phillips confirmed that specific staffing requests from Principal Harris had been met, including behavioral support and tutoring, to free coaches to focus on working with teachers.
- Mr. Husbands publicly commended Principal Harris for leaving a high-performing school to take on the challenge at Sam Houston.
- Dr. Stockton emphasized that placing Principal Harris at Sam Houston was a major part of the plan and publicly committed to providing whatever the school needs.
Public Comment: No members of the public offered comments. Public hearing concluded.
Item 4A: Resolution to Adopt Turnaround Plan for Sam Houston Elementary
Board reconvened at 6:26 PM.
Motion: Approve the turnaround plan.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote, all in favor).
Item 4B: TEA Technology Lending Program Grant
Presenter: Mr. Baker
- TEA grant previously used at Washington Junior High in 2014 for math
- New application targets Washington Junior High again, this time for English Language Arts (7th-grade writing)
- Provides technology and home access for students, also supporting the parent community
- Grant amount: $150,000 for one year; no matching funds required
- Noted: Washington Junior High is in the same feeder zone as Sam Houston Elementary
Motion: Approve.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote, all in favor).
Item 5A: 2018-19 School Calendar
Presenter: Dr. Null
Process: District-level planning and decision-making committee began work in October; two draft calendars posted in November for public comment; nearly 3,000 comments received. Committee unanimously recommended Draft 2, which received approximately 60% of public responses. Principals also unanimously preferred Draft 2.
Key features of the approved calendar (Draft 2):
- 177 instructional days for students; 187 days for teachers
- Early release at end of each grading period
- First day of school: August 15 (mid-week start)
- Full week Thanksgiving break
- Winter break begins: December 20
- Spring break: March 11-15 (aligns with Lone Star College and Sam Houston State)
- Holidays: April 19 and April 22 (new addition)
- Last day of school: May 30
- Sufficient minutes built in to avoid make-up days for inclement weather
Motion: Accept Draft 2 for the 2018-2019 school calendar.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote, all in favor).
Item 5B: Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) — Austin Elementary Additions & Renovations
Presenter: Easy Foster
- Contractor: GTT, Inc. (selected February 2017 as Construction Manager at Risk)
- GMP: $18,271,121
- Authorizes superintendent to execute contract documents
Significant Discussion: Mr. Husbands raised concerns about value engineering/budget trimming ($48,000 in cuts) and whether reductions would compromise the building's energy efficiency or long-term quality. Mr. Foster provided detailed assurances:
- Original bid-day quotes were approximately $1 million over current pricing
- Unforeseen infrastructure issues required significant drainage and water system changes (including land purchase for a retention pond, on-site water storage tank)
- Mechanical/energy equipment is the same first-class equipment going into new flex schools and the new high school
- Concessions were cosmetic in nature; no energy efficiency compromises
- Building insulation and envelope integrity maintained
Motion: Approve as presented.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote, all in favor).
Item 5C: GMP — New Junior High School (Conroe Feeder Zone)
Presenter: Easy Foster
- Contractor: Marshall Construction (selected April 2017 as CMR)
- Project includes a 10-classroom addition at Irons Junior High
- GMP: $55,948,324
Motion: Approve.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote, all in favor).
Item 5D: Amendment to Design Build Contract — Stadium Scoreboard Systems
Presenter: Easy Foster and Darrin Rice
- Contractor: Daktronics (selected October 2017)
- Replaces scoreboard systems at Buddy Moorhead Memorial Stadium, Woodforest Bank Stadium, and the natatorium
- Negotiated price: $3,124,526
Financial context (provided by Darrin Rice):
- Current contract generated over $4 million in advertisement revenue
- Previous scoreboard project cost approximately $2.8 million; $1.2 million surplus split 68/32 (CISD/Daktronics)
- Projected payoff of new scoreboards in approximately 8.5 years
- Anticipated revenue: ~$415,000/year
- Current scoreboards completing their 10th season; similar lifespan expected for replacements
Discussion on salvage: Daktronics will dismantle existing systems; district gets first right of refusal on usable parts; remainder recycled.
Motion: Approve.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote, all in favor).
Item 5E: Architectural, Engineering, and Building Commissioning Service Providers
Presenter: Easy Foster
Following a Request for Qualifications, 19 responses received. Recommended pool:
- Architectural: PBK Architects, Texas-IBI Group, DLR Group, VLK Architects
- MEP Engineering: PBK Architects, DBR Engineering Consultants, DLR Group, CMTA, Inc.
- Building Commissioning: PBK Architects, DBR Engineering Consultants, DLR Group, CMTA, Inc., ENVI Engineering
Purpose: Create a pool for future planning, facility evaluation, and potential construction needs. Being on the list does not guarantee work, and other firms are not excluded from future consideration. Building commissioning is now required by updated energy codes.
⚠️ Notable Discussion/Unusual Outcome:
Mr. Husbands expressed concern that he had not personally vetted all firms on the list and was uncomfortable approving architectural and engineering firms beyond the commissioning category. He stated he understood the commissioning requirement but felt approving architects and engineers for potential future bond work warranted more review time.
Mr. Husbands moved to table the item until the next month. The motion to table failed for lack of a second.
The original motion to approve proceeded to a vote:
- In favor: Majority (voice vote)
- Opposed: At least one (voice vote indicated opposition)
- Abstentions: Mr. Husbands indicated he would abstain
Motion passed.
Item 5F: Capital Improvements Update
Presenter: Easy Foster
Grand Oaks High School:
- On schedule to open August 2018
- Finishes coming together; lights and air on in academic wing
- Bridge connection to Clark Intermediate nearing completion
Clark Intermediate:
- Also on schedule for August 2018 opening
- Kitchen nearly ready for equipment; building systems well advanced in classroom areas
- Masons working to close in the building
Conroe High School (Addition & Renovation):
- Classroom addition framing progressing; central plant equipment installed
- On schedule through December 2019
Weather Impact: No significant construction damage from the cold snap. A ruptured backflow preventer at Grand Oaks was handled by the on-site contractor at no additional cost to the district. District maintenance teams addressed pipe breaks at existing campuses; all schools ready to open the following day.
Item 6A: 2016-2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
Presenter: Darrin Rice; Sarah Roberts (Weaver, independent auditor)
Audit Results:
- Unmodified (clean) opinion on financial statements — highest level of assurance
- No material weaknesses in internal control
- No instances of reportable non-compliance
- Major federal program audited: Title I (~$7.2 million, 22% of total federal expenditures) — clean opinion on compliance
Financial Highlights:
- Total net position: ~$155 million (~$15 million unrestricted)
- General fund total fund balance: ~$134 million (~$130 million unassigned)
- Net change in general fund balance: +$9.5 million (after $16 million in transfers out; +$25.5 million before transfers)
- Unassigned fund balance represents approximately 28% of general fund expenditures
Board Comments:
- Audit committee chair commended Weaver and the finance team
- Board President noted the board does not take a clean audit for granted
- Internal auditor Kema Newton was also recognized for efforts that reduce external audit costs
Motion: Approve the CAFR.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote, all in favor).
Item 6B: Final Results — 2018 Series Bond Sale
Presenter: John Robuck, District Financial Advisor
- Bonds sold: $174.4 million on December 14, 2017
- Net premium: $28.8 million (investors paid above par)
- Total proceeds: ~$202 million (deposited to construction fund)
- All-cost true interest rate: 3.442%
- Average life: 18.055 years
- Funds delivered: January 11, 2018
Market context: December 2017 saw extraordinary volume ($20 billion/week vs. normal $10 billion/month) due to uncertainty about the tax reform bill's impact on municipal bonds (advance refunding elimination). Despite challenging conditions, the district's strong rating and underwriting team achieved excellent results.
Significance: This sale completes the financing for the 2015 bond election program. The district completed the program within budget and maintained the tax rate promised to taxpayers.
This was informational — no vote required.
Item 6C: Award of RFP #17-01-01(A) — Contracted Educational Services
Presenter: Darrin Rice
- Award to 30 vendors for professional development and educational consulting services
- Estimated annual expenditure: ~$10,000
- 190 of an estimated 350 vendors awarded since June 2017
- Proposal remains open for submissions through May 31, 2018
- Contracts firm through January 31, 2019, with option for four one-year renewals through January 31, 2023
Motion: Approve.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote, all in favor).
Closed Session
Board entered closed session at 7:21 PM under §551.072 of the Texas Open Meetings Act (real property).
Board returned to open session at 7:46 PM.
No action was taken following closed session.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn approved. Meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM.
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Description | Result |
|------|-------------|--------|
| 3 (minus G) | Consent Agenda | Approved (unanimous) |
| 3G | Lunch waiver policy update (30→15 days) | Approved (unanimous) |
| 4A | Sam Houston Elementary Turnaround Plan | Approved (unanimous) |
| 4B | TEA Technology Lending Program Grant ($150K) | Approved (unanimous) |
| 5A | 2018-19 School Calendar (Draft 2) | Approved (unanimous) |
| 5B | GMP – Austin Elementary ($18.27M) | Approved (unanimous) |
| 5C | GMP – New Junior High/Irons addition ($55.95M) | Approved (unanimous) |
| 5D | Scoreboard systems contract ($3.12M) | Approved (unanimous) |
| 5E | Architectural/Engineering/Commissioning pool | Approved (majority; motion to table failed for lack of second; at least one abstention — Mr. Husbands) |
| 6A | 2016-17 CAFR | Approved (unanimous) |
| 6C | RFP Educational Services (30 vendors) | Approved (unanimous) |
⚠️ Flagged Item: Item 5E — Mr. Husbands' motion to table failed for lack of a second. He expressed discomfort with approving architectural/engineering firms he had not personally vetted and abstained from the final vote.