May 15, 2018 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2018-05-15
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-27 21:32 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
May 15, 2018
⚠️ Disclaimer: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript of the board meeting. They may contain errors or omissions. Please consult official minutes for the authoritative record.
Opening
- Meeting called to order with a quorum present.
- Presentation of colors by NJROTC cadets (Lt. Commander Cortes, Cadet Lt. JG Vanderhorst, Cadet PO3 Landboat, Cadet CPO Rafiki Kitty, Cadet CPO Sterner).
- Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Hubert.
- Invocation led by Mr. Hubert.
Item 2: Special District Recognition — Patrons Influencing Education (PIE) Award
Presenter: Dr. Hines
Recipient: Assistance League of Montgomery County
Key Details:
- Through its Operation School Bell program, the Assistance League provided new clothing to 1,760 Conroe ISD students (K–12) this school year, spending over $176,000.
- K–8 students receive $90; high school students receive $125 in clothing.
- Students are invited to "dressing events" at local stores where League members assist and pay for clothing.
- In 2016–17, the program dressed 1,935 students and spent over $177,000.
- The Legacy of Literacy program provided $2,000 each to 10 CISD schools for library books, totaling nearly $20,000 this year.
- Total spent on Conroe ISD students this year: $196,000; two-year total: over $373,000.
- Funding comes from the Assistance League Thrift Shop in Conroe and donations/grants.
- The organization operates with 100% volunteers — no paid staff.
- President Janet Chien accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
- Dr. Stockton commended the organization and recognized former and current Operation School Bell/Literacy program chairs in attendance.
Item 3: Public Participation
Speaker 1: Dana Anderson
- Spoke as a concerned citizen and grandparent of an autistic child regarding David Simms, a 12-year-old autistic 5th grader at Bozeman Intermediate School.
- Alleged that David was removed from class, arrested, handcuffed, and transported to Montgomery County Juvenile Detention Center without his parents being contacted.
- Alleged David had been constantly bullied at school without repercussions; other students involved in the incident were not arrested.
- Alleged David was subjected to a urine test without parental knowledge.
- Stated David's mother was refused access to full school records and was treated rudely by the principal, who hung up on her.
- Stated that a request for David's arrest record from the CISD Police Department was denied.
- Requested a full investigation and asked that the matter be added to the June 2018 board agenda.
Speaker 2: Courtney Brinegar
- Architect at Burdick Consultants, representing the City of Conroe.
- Announced an open town hall meeting for a feasibility study on Conroe's first official community center:
- Thursday, May 17, 4:30–6:30 PM at the Oscar Johnson Community Center (100 Park Place).
- An online survey is available on the City of Conroe website in English and Spanish.
- Noted youth-based programs will be included; encouraged CISD input.
Speaker 3: Kristi Swoboda (TST/Conroe)
- Thanked the board for support of the Salute to Education event held the previous week.
- District Teacher of the Year winners: Amy Kazi (Conroe High School 9th) and Hannah Janiszewski (Runyon Elementary).
- Presented a $1,500 check to the Conroe ISD Education Foundation (correcting an earlier non-negotiable $500 check presented to Dr. Stockton at the event).
Speaker 4: Ann Alexander Stone
- Longtime Conroe resident (40+ years); son is a CISD product; two granddaughters attend Runyon Elementary.
- Addressed a social media rumor about Booker T. Washington Junior High School closing.
- Spoke about the legacy and community pride associated with Booker T. Washington, naming numerous beloved educators.
- Expressed excitement about the new school opening in 2020 and thanked Deputy Superintendent Curtis Snow for information about plans.
- Requested the board "handle with care" the building, name, and legacy of Booker T. Washington.
- Offered herself as a community liaison to help provide accurate information and counter rumors.
Speaker 5: Teresa Wagaman
- PTO Programs Chair at The Woodlands High School.
- Praised the CISD Police Department for a school safety informational program held May 1st for PTO parents, organized after concerns following the Parkland, Florida shooting.
- Recognized Chief Harness (41 years of police service), Sergeant Blakelock, and Sergeant Thompson for their presentations on officer training, mental health identification, and cyber security.
- Encouraged all parents to monitor children's cell phones and apps.
- Noted the CISD Police Department is eager to present at any interested school.
Item 5A: Naming — Principal of Hawk Academic Alternative High School
Presenter: Dr. Null (Deputy Superintendent)
Recommendation: Dr. John Williams as Principal of Hawk Academic Alternative High School
- Dr. Null described Hawk as a campus that "changes lives" and "changes generations."
- Praised Dr. Williams as having "a great heart for children" based on years of working alongside him.
- Dr. Williams thanked the board, recognized his wife and two daughters (both Conroe High School graduates), and pledged to "give students purpose, faith in their abilities, and a desire to succeed."
Vote: Approved (unanimous, voice vote — all in favor)
Item 5B: Naming — Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education
Presenter: Dr. Null
Recommendation: Mr. Greg Colson as Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education
- Mr. Colson served 16 years as principal of The Woodlands High School.
- Dr. Null praised his visibility, love of children and staff, and noted he was the person who previously followed Dr. Stockton at The Woodlands.
- Mr. Colson thanked Dr. Stockton for 16 years of faith in his leadership, recognized his family (wife Sandra, sons David and Michael, their wives, and four grandchildren, with a fifth expected in September).
- Thanked Dr. Null for the opportunity.
Vote: Approved (unanimous, voice vote — all in favor)
Item 6: Consent Agenda
- Items 6E and 6F were removed from the consent agenda at a board member's request for separate consideration.
- Remaining consent agenda items approved.
Vote: Approved (unanimous, voice vote — all in favor)
Item 6E: Stanbury Uniforms Inc. — Marching Band and Concert Uniforms
- Estimated expenditure: $450,000
- Uniforms are part of the lifecycle replacement schedule and include uniforms for Grand Oaks High School.
- Programs receiving uniforms: Conroe High School Band & Orchestra, Oak Ridge High School Choir & Orchestra, Keeney Creek Orchestra, The Woodlands High School Orchestra.
- Funded from the general fund.
- Board member noted this was pulled for transparency due to the large dollar figure and to publicly express support for CISD's fine arts programs, described as among the most outstanding in the state.
Vote: Approved (unanimous, voice vote — all in favor)
Item 6F: Paxton Patterson LLC — Junior High School Technology and Human Services Labs
- Estimated annual expenditure: $490,000
- Represents a change in vendor from the previous supplier.
- Paxton Patterson provides learning systems, tools, and instructional supplies aligned with TEKS objectives.
- Products allow for small group and individualized instruction.
- Labs will be implemented at all seven junior high schools.
- Staff confirmed the previous vendor's product was not meeting district needs and was shipping products the district was not satisfied with. A year-long evaluation confirmed Paxton Patterson as the better value.
Vote: Approved (unanimous, voice vote — all in favor)
Item 7A: Capital Improvement Update
Presenter: Mr. Foster
Projects on schedule:
| Project | Status/Details |
|---|---|
| Grand Oaks High School | Opening August 2018; landscape and interior finishing underway; CISD takes possession in July |
| Katherine Johnson Clark Intermediate School | Opening August 2018; interior finishing underway; possession in July |
| Natatorium (Life Cycle) | HVAC replacement; new ductwork installed; startup expected beginning of June |
| Glenn Loch Elementary | Reroofing underway; benefiting from good weather |
| Life Cycle projects overall | Will touch 31 campuses this summer |
| Woodforest Stadium scoreboard | Structure complete; weld/windstorm inspections underway; scoreboard installation begins next week |
| Moorhead Stadium scoreboard | Foundation and structure installation underway; approximately 2 weeks behind Woodforest; both to be completed end of June |
| Safety & Security project | Contracts executed this week; camera/equipment orders being placed; most work above ceiling; on schedule |
| Flex 19 (new campus) | Opening August 2019; building pad complete; foundation construction starting in coming days |
| Austin Elementary renovation | Phase 1 underway; new detention/drainage and parking lots being built; project through all of 2019 |
| Irons Junior High classroom addition | Foundation/slab poured; structural steel arriving Monday; turnover planned for December 2018 winter break |
| New Junior High (behind Bozeman) | Site mobilized; clearing underway; opening August 2020 |
| Conroe High School building addition | Closing up exterior; near dry condition; turnover planned for December 2018 winter break; main building renovation to follow |
Item 8A: Financial Reports
Presenter: Dr. Darren Rice
General Fund:
- Cash and investments: $297 million total
- Cash on hand: $500
- Bank deposits: $959,000
- State pool investments: $155 million
- Short-term investments (<1 year): $89 million
- Longer-term investments (TCG): $51.6 million
- Property tax collections slightly behind prior year but expected to reach 100%.
- Projected fund balance increase of ~$1.6 million to $135.9 million at 8/31/2018.
Child Nutrition:
- Expected fund balance increase of ~$800,000.
2015 Bond Referendum:
- Expended/encumbered: $460 million
- Estimate to complete: ~$65.5 million
- Total project forecast: $525.5 million
- Contingency remaining: ~$2.9 million
Self-Insurance Fund (April):
- Roughly break-even month.
- Year-to-date: revenues of $32 million vs. expenses of $28.3 million = $3.7 million surplus.
- Wellness center participation remains strong.
- Note: May expected to show higher claims due to preemie babies and other high-cost claims.
Investment Portfolio:
- Par value: $612 million
- Pool yield: 1.94%
- Short-term yield: 1.81%
- Long-term yield: 1.46%
- Combined WAM: 88 days; yield: 1.88% (vs. 90-day T-bill benchmark of 1.78%)
Item 9A: Special District Recognition — Service to Conroe ISD (Dr. Don Stockton)
President Bush invited former and current board members to recognize Dr. Don Stockton, who is retiring after 15 years as superintendent and 34+ years in public education.
Former Board Member Tributes:
Dr. Ann Schneider:
- Praised Dr. Stockton's integrity, moral character, and respect for everyone.
- Said he transformed the district so that "all schools are important" with strong leadership and financial foundation.
- Noted his impact on student confidence: "Students graduate with not only competence but with confidence."
- Thanked Kara Stockton for sharing her husband with the community.
Mr. Mel Brown:
- Described the crisis conditions when he joined the board (no superintendent, no fiscal officer, two lawsuits, questioned bond money).
- Was initially opposed to hiring Stockton as permanent superintendent but changed his mind after watching his leadership as interim.
- Called hiring Dr. Stockton "the best decision ever made as a school board member."
Mr. Gerald Irons:
- Praised Dr. Stockton's integrity, quality, and "Barnabas character" — the ability to see potential in people.
- Valued his honesty and willingness to give candid opinions.
- Commended how Stockton revitalized the curriculum.
Mrs. Barbara Watson:
- Quoted: "Power comes from values, from beliefs, from purpose, from within."
- Called out his integrity and dedication to "all means all."
- Thanked Kara Stockton.
Mr. Bruce Tough:
- Recalled the crisis period and inappropriate behavior by the prior superintendent.
- Called Stockton's integrity "impeccable" and "unimpeachable."
- Praised the district's combination of academic excellence, low costs, and transparency as a "triple crown."
- Credited Stockton with creating a "magnet for extraordinary people" to join the district.
Mr. Joe Michaels:
- Called Stockton "a man of the utmost charity and dignity."
- Thanked him on behalf of his three children in the district.
Mr. CJ Haynes:
- Recalled the tumultuous early board meetings (midnight adjournments, 75 speakers, divided votes).
- Called hiring Stockton "the proudest moment of my public career."
- Credited Stockton with teaching him patience and understanding.
Mrs. Linda Sasser:
- Praised Stockton's vision, communication, community alignment, and 24/7 commitment.
- Highlighted programs like Reading for a Better Life and Field Trip Friday.
- Said "it was all about him — his leadership and 24/7 commitment mattered."
Dr. Alan Moore:
- Noted the district was already good before Stockton but "nobody knew it."
- Credited Stockton with telling the story and expanding on what was already excellent.
- Shared personal family connection to Don and Kara Stockton going back decades to their parents.
Current Board Member Tributes:
Dr. Skeeter Hubert:
- Shared a humorous personal story about first meeting Dr. Stockton at a "Men Who Cook" event.
- Praised his consistent humility and willingness to give time to anyone.
Mr. Ray Sanders:
- Read an extended tribute highlighting Stockton's respect, understanding, acceptance, and appreciation for all (quoting Mahatma Gandhi).
- Referenced Philippians 2:3 regarding valuing others above yourself.
- Praised the Reading for a Better Life program, annual convocation words, and Stockton's role in making CISD "the example for other schools to follow."
- Offered personal friendship and golf tee times in retirement.
- Thanked Kara Stockton.
Mr. Dale Inman:
- Shared a story of witnessing Dr. Stockton's personal impact on a former student who was bullied — Stockton had walked her to class daily, something the now-adult parent remembered years later.
- Called Stockton a mentor and friend who made him "a better boss, a better leader, and a better person."
Mr. Scott Kidd:
- Compared Dr. Stockton to George Bailey from It's a Wonderful Life (Stockton's stated role model).
- Drew parallels to decisiveness, empathy, dedication, servant leadership, and faith.
- Thanked Kara Stockton.
Mr. John Husbands:
- Reflected on knowing Stockton since their children were in nursery together.
- Said "Don didn't become special when he became superintendent — Don was special before."
- Praised transparency, leadership in principal selection, and making zoning painless.
- Thanked Stockton for "brilliant leadership and exemplary service."
Mr. Datren Williams:
- Shortest-tenured board member but longtime community volunteer.
- Praised the culture of accessibility — Stockton, Dr. Hines, Dr. Null, and Darren Rice never said "no" to a meeting request.
- Noted that when he announced his candidacy, his motivation was "I want to be a part of that."
- Said the entire community is better for the strength Stockton gave the district.
- Quoted the "three pillars" of a strong community: business, faith, and schools.
President Melanie Bush:
- Said Stockton's legacy is in every teacher who returned to CISD, every classroom where a child feels cared for, every hallway smile and kind word.
- "You sir have made Conroe ISD a wonderful place to work and a wonderful environment for all our kids to learn."
Item 9B: Dr. Stockton's Farewell Remarks
- Recognized his wife Kara Stockton.
- Reflected on his start as interim superintendent in 2003 and sending the first-ever email from a superintendent to district staff.
- Noted he has presided over hundreds of board meetings and shaken the hands of over 50,000 graduates.
- Thanked former and current board members for always putting children first, valuing employees, being good community members, and being good stewards of taxpayer money.
- Thanked them for challenging him and holding him accountable.
- Individually recognized:
- Cathy (longtime staff member receiving recognition)
- Kari (leadership and "spirited arguments")
- Chris Hines ("like the brother I wish I had")
- Dr. Stuart (community planning/zoning work)
- Chief Harness (41 years of police service)
- Introduced all former board members present: Dr. Mel Brown, CJ Haynes, Chris Irish, Gerald Irons, Dr. Kauffman (Jovi), Joe Michaels, Dr. Alan Moore, Linda Sasser, Dr. Ann Schneider, Bruce Tough, Barbara Watson.
- Introduced current board members: Melanie Bush, Ray Sanders, Dr. Skeeter Hubert, Datren Williams, Scott Kidd, John Husbands, Scott Moore.
- Closing quote: "I've been asked many times if my career was a dream come true and the answer's no — not even a dream could have turned out like this."
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn: Made and seconded.
Meeting adjourned.