March 20, 2018 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2018-03-20
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-27 21:29 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
March 20, 2018
Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript of the meeting. They may contain errors or omissions. Please consult official board minutes for the authoritative record.
Call to Order & Opening
- Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM; quorum confirmed.
- Invocation: Board member Mr. Hubert
- Presentation of Colors: The Woodlands College Park Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard, led by Major Cody Stewart and Sergeant Major Chris Wounds
- Pledges led by: Mr. Sanders (Pledge of Allegiance); Texas Pledge also recited
Special Board Recognitions (Items 2A–2E)
The Woodlands High School Swimming & Diving Teams
Presenter: Principal Greg Coulson and Head Coach Jeremy Wade
Key accomplishments recognized:
- Girls team: Back-to-back State Champions
- Boys team: State Runner-Up
- Both boys and girls won District and Regional titles
- 5 school records broken; 1 state record set
- Boys State Champion 200 Medley Relay Team: Alberto Gomez (Sr.), Keenan Wolf (Sr.), Tyler Hewlett (Fr.), Luke George (So.)
- Alberto Gomez broke two school records, including a 19-year-old 100 backstroke record; committed to Texas A&M
- Girls State Champion 200 Medley Relay (new state record): Lucy Nordmann, Kaitlyn Rhaneyra, Lily Nordmann, Valerie Anstaphil
- Girls State Champion 400 Free Relay: Lucy Nordmann, Ainsley Everett, Madelyn Krypton, Sid Roycraft, Lily Nordmann
- Lucy Nordmann: Individual state champion in 200 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke (won 100 backstroke four years in a row); committed to Stanford
- Multiple other swimmers recognized for individual placements at state
- Coach Wade noted many swimmers achieved All-American time standards and will receive Academic All-State/All-American accolades
Board President Bush congratulated the swimmers and coaches, noting the extraordinary commitment required of competitive swimmers.
Citizen Participation (Item 2F)
Heather Carrier — Parent (Oak Ridge Elementary & Irons Junior High)
Ms. Carrier expressed serious concerns about school safety and security in the wake of recent school shootings:
- Reported that her 7th-grade son at Irons Junior High learned of a student who allegedly threatened to bring a gun to school; confirmed this involved two separate incidents with two different students just days apart
- Described receiving "scripted responses" from school administrators that did not alleviate her concerns; praised Principal Fuller for a more personal, extended conversation
- Noted that security measures identical to those in place (armed officers, hallway patrols) did not prevent the Parkland, FL shooting (Feb. 14, 2018) or the Great Mills, MD shooting (that same morning, March 20)
- Cited statistics: 208 school shootings since Columbine (1999), with 141 people killed; 73% of shooters had no prior criminal record
- Urged the board not to arm teachers, stating teachers should not bear the burden of deciding to take a child's life
- Drew an analogy to airport security evolution after 9/11
- Asked the board: "How much exactly is my child's life worth?"
- Requested more formidable, comprehensive security measures in schools
Naming of Principal — York Junior High School (Item 6A — Moved Up)
Recommendation: Dr. Stockton recommended Bryan Lee as principal of York Junior High School (part of the new Grand Oaks feeder area).
Vote: Approved unanimously (by voice vote)
Mr. Lee thanked the board, acknowledged his family (wife Nikki, daughter Lainey, son Camden, and other family members present), and expressed his commitment to serving the Grand Oaks community and continuing the work started by Dr. Povich.
Closed Session
- Board entered closed session at 6:28 PM as authorized by Section 551.074 of the Texas Open Meetings Act
- Board returned to open session at 6:44 PM
Naming of Lone Finalist for Superintendent of Schools (Item 3)
Motion by Board President Bush: To select Dr. Curtis Null as the lone finalist for Superintendent of Conroe ISD.
Seconded and followed by extensive board discussion.
Board Member Statements:
- Mr. Hubert: Praised Dr. Null's ability to communicate and advocate for students, administrators, and teachers; noted his leadership is evidenced by the number of people supporting him
- Mr. Kidd (Scott Kidd): Served nearly 8 years on the board; said Dr. Null "nailed it" in the interview; highlighted his student-centric approach and outstanding communication skills; noted importance of continuity from Dr. Stockton's leadership
- Another board member: Called the decision to recommend Dr. Null one of the easiest decisions in six years on the board; expressed absolute confidence in his ability; humorously noted Dr. Null's inability to recite the "power pledge" on the spot during the interview
- Another board member: Shared personal connection — first met Dr. Null's father as an educator years ago; praised the family legacy of genuine love for students
- Board President Bush: Reflected on years of conversations with Dr. Stockton about personnel development; praised both Dr. Stockton's vision in grooming future leaders and Dr. Null's character; made personal remarks about Dr. Null's role in supporting her family
- Another board member: Described getting to know Dr. Null personally and professionally; noted former students and mentees still quote his teachings; expressed confidence he will be "the next greatest superintendent in the state of Texas"
Tribute to Dr. Don Stockton (Outgoing Superintendent):
Multiple board members praised Dr. Stockton's 15-year tenure, noting he:
- Transformed CISD from a little-known district mired in controversy to one of the most recognized in the state
- Demonstrated unmatched integrity and work ethic
- Served as mentor to Dr. Null and many other district leaders
Vote: Approved unanimously (by voice vote)
Note: Per Texas law, the lone finalist designation begins a mandatory 21-day waiting period before the board can take final action to hire.
Dr. Curtis Null's Remarks:
Dr. Null delivered an extended, emotional address:
- Expressed honor at assuming the role in the district where he began his teaching career
- Praised Dr. Stockton's 15-year tenure and personal mentorship
- Acknowledged that CISD's willingness to hire an internal candidate reflects confidence in the entire district team
- Credited the district's educators for his professional development
- Introduced family members: parents Mike and Lynda Null, wife Tania (a Pre-K teacher in CISD), children Travis and Kaylie (students at Conroe High School), in-laws, and childhood best friend Leonard Guitars and family
- Emphasized CISD's culture of love — for students, for colleagues, and for education — citing examples including community support after Hurricane Harvey
- Challenged everyone present to thank someone who made a difference in their lives
- Stated: "Every day in education is special... this job is great because it matters so much"
Board President Bush congratulated Dr. Null and told him: "You only need to fill one set of shoes... and those are yours."
Brief recess taken for attendees to congratulate Dr. Null.
Consent Agenda (Item 5)
No items were pulled for separate discussion.
Vote: Approved unanimously (by voice vote)
Action/Discussion Items
Item 7A: 2018–2019 TEA Homeless Children and Youth Grant
Presenter: Dr. Hines
- Requesting board approval to apply for a competitive grant for homeless children and youth
- Grant amount: up to $35,625 for up to 3 years
- Would fund 42% of one new position (homeless liaison); remaining 42% funded locally; 16% from existing Title I funds
- Current homeless student count: approximately 945 students (up significantly due to Hurricane Harvey)
- ~21 displaced from other storms; ~665+ displaced due to Harvey
- Pre-Harvey baseline: approximately 475 students
- Position would support connecting homeless students with services, arranging transportation, assisting with registration, etc.
- Current liaison Linda Gowen wears multiple hats
- Board questions addressed: "Homeless" has a broad federal definition including families in transitional housing or doubled-up with other families; Title I connection does not preclude serving students at non-Title I schools (all homeless students qualify for Title I under McKinney-Vento Act)
- Board members expressed concern about the growing homeless student population in the district and Montgomery County
Vote: Approved unanimously (by voice vote)
Item 8A: Clark Intermediate School Mascot and Colors (Informational)
Presenter: Dr. Phelps
- Katherine Johnson Clark Intermediate School scheduled to open in the future
- Survey of approximately 300 future Clark students conducted
- Proposed mascot: Clark Cubs (orange and blue colors)
- Colors align with the Grand Oaks feeder pattern
- Thematic connection: Bradley Bears → Clark Cubs → Grand Oaks Grizzlies
- Orange is also a favorite color of the school's namesake, Kathy Clark
- Informational only — will return for formal board vote at the next meeting
Item 8B: Guaranteed Maximum Price — District-Wide Safety & Security Upgrades Phase 3
Presenter: Mr. Foster
- Phase 3 (final phase) of the district-wide safety and security upgrades project from the 2015 bond referendum
- Construction manager at risk: Elsor Constructors (selected March 22, 2016)
- GMP: $3,715,314
- Upon completion, every campus in the district will have been touched by security upgrades
- Upgrades include:
- Secure vestibule entries at elementary and intermediate schools (controlled access)
- Access control on exterior doors
- Camera system upgrades
- Multi-layered security approach
Vote: Approved unanimously (by voice vote)
Item 8C: Capital Improvements Update (Informational)
Presenter: Mr. Foster
| Project | Status |
|---------|--------|
| Grand Oaks High School | On schedule for August 2018 opening; building largely enclosed and conditioned; furniture delivery starting April |
| Katherine Johnson Clark Intermediate | On schedule for August 2018 opening; exterior nearly complete; interior finishes progressing |
| Life Cycle 2018 Projects | Gym floors replaced at Oak Ridge Elementary and Haley Elementary; roofing at North Magnus, Traverse, Textbook Warehouse; HVAC digital controls at Mansion; classroom build-out at Stuart Elementary |
| Stadium Scoreboards | Design/fabrication complete with Daktronics; installation begins after soccer season ends |
| Flex 19 | Working through MUD district jurisdictions on drainage; mobilizing on site |
| Austin Elementary Renovation | Site preparation underway; reorganizing traffic flow for safety |
| Irons Junior High Addition | 10 classrooms being added; good progress over spring break; scheduled for use by winter break 2018 |
| New Junior High School | Nearing end of City of Conroe permitting; mobilization imminent |
| Conroe High School Addition/Renovation | New addition on schedule; roof concrete work completed over spring break; classrooms to be available by winter break 2018; main building renovation through end of 2019 |
Item 9A: Award of RFP 17-01-01A — Contracted Educational Services
Presenter: Mr. Ice
- Award to 21 vendors for professional development and educational consulting services
- Estimated annual expenditure: approximately $12,000
- 223 of estimated 350 vendors awarded since June 2017
- Contracts firm through March 31, 2019, with option to renew annually through March 31, 2023
Vote: Approved unanimously (by voice vote)
Item 9B: Transfer of General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance to Capital Projects Fund
Presenter: Mr. Ice
- Recommended transfer of $8.2 million from general fund unassigned fund balance to capital projects fund
- ~$5 million for Irons Junior High classroom additions
- ~$3.2 million for scoreboard replacements at Moorehead Stadium, Woodforest Bank Stadium, and the Natatorium
- Noted that scoreboard funding will be recouped through advertising sales over several years
Vote: Approved unanimously (by voice vote)
Item 9C: Financial Reports — February 2018 (Informational)
Presenter: Mr. Ice
General Fund:
- Total cash and investments: $371.8 million
- Cash on hand: $2,500
- Bank deposits: $2 million
- State pool investments: $243.5 million
- Short-term investments: $74.3 million
- Longer-term investments (TCG): $51.9 million
- Property tax collections ahead of prior year
- Hurricane Harvey reappraisal impact: ~$72 million reduction in levy; ~$800,000 revenue loss (to be repaid through state funding formula next year)
- Projected fund balance increase: ~$10 million (includes ~$7 million increase in compensatory education funding due to September free/reduced lunch designation for all CISD students post-Harvey)
2015 Bond Referendum Status:
- Expended/encumbered: $419.8 million
- Estimated to complete: $97.5 million
- Total project forecast: $517.3 million
Self-Funded Insurance:
- Good month in February
- Total revenues: ~$24 million; expenses: ~$20.3 million
- Revenues over expenses: $3.7 million
- Employee participation in district wellness/healthcare provider trending positively
Investments:
- Total portfolio par value: $692 million
- Combined portfolio yield: 1.59% (WAM: 52 days)
- 90-day T-bill benchmark noted for comparison
Additional Board Comments
A board member reported attending the Lone Star Clinic open house in East County, noting:
- The clinic board was very appreciative of the relationship with CISD
- Community utilization was already evident within the first few days of opening
- Expansion of the facility is already being considered
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM
These unofficial notes were generated from an auto-generated transcript and may contain inaccuracies in names, figures, or other details. For official records, please consult the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees approved minutes.