{
  "id": "2018-05-15_regular",
  "meeting_date": "2018-05-15",
  "meeting_type": "regular",
  "meeting_types": [
    "regular"
  ],
  "title": "Conroe ISD Board Meeting — May 15, 2018",
  "date_display": "May 15, 2018",
  "type_display": "Regular Meeting",
  "types_display": [
    "Regular Meeting"
  ],
  "item_count": 0,
  "has_agenda": false,
  "has_notes": true,
  "pdf_filename": null,
  "packet_url": null,
  "generated_at": "2026-06-18T19:45:20.518890Z",
  "highlights": "",
  "sections": [],
  "agenda_breakdown_md": "",
  "meeting_notes_md": "# Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2018-05-15\n*Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes*\n*Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.*\n*Generated 2026-03-27 21:32 UTC*\n\n---\n\n# Unofficial Meeting Notes\n## Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting\n### May 15, 2018\n\n> **⚠️ 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.\n\n---\n\n## Opening\n- Meeting called to order with a quorum present.\n- Presentation of colors by NJROTC cadets (Lt. Commander Cortes, Cadet Lt. JG Vanderhorst, Cadet PO3 Landboat, Cadet CPO Rafiki Kitty, Cadet CPO Sterner).\n- Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Hubert.\n- Invocation led by Mr. Hubert.\n\n---\n\n## Item 2: Special District Recognition — Patrons Influencing Education (PIE) Award\n\n**Presenter:** Dr. Hines\n\n**Recipient:** Assistance League of Montgomery County\n\n**Key Details:**\n- 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**.\n  - K–8 students receive $90; high school students receive $125 in clothing.\n  - Students are invited to \"dressing events\" at local stores where League members assist and pay for clothing.\n  - In 2016–17, the program dressed **1,935 students** and spent over **$177,000**.\n- The **Legacy of Literacy** program provided **$2,000 each to 10 CISD schools** for library books, totaling nearly **$20,000** this year.\n- Total spent on Conroe ISD students this year: **$196,000**; two-year total: over **$373,000**.\n- Funding comes from the Assistance League Thrift Shop in Conroe and donations/grants.\n- The organization operates with **100% volunteers** — no paid staff.\n- **President Janet Chien** accepted the award on behalf of the organization.\n- Dr. Stockton commended the organization and recognized former and current Operation School Bell/Literacy program chairs in attendance.\n\n---\n\n## Item 3: Public Participation\n\n### Speaker 1: Dana Anderson\n- 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**.\n- Alleged that David was **removed from class, arrested, handcuffed, and transported to Montgomery County Juvenile Detention Center** without his parents being contacted.\n- Alleged David had been **constantly bullied** at school without repercussions; other students involved in the incident were not arrested.\n- Alleged David was subjected to a **urine test** without parental knowledge.\n- Stated David's mother was **refused access to full school records** and was treated rudely by the principal, who hung up on her.\n- Stated that a request for David's **arrest record** from the CISD Police Department was denied.\n- **Requested a full investigation** and asked that the matter be added to the **June 2018 board agenda**.\n\n### Speaker 2: Courtney Brinegar\n- Architect at Burdick Consultants, representing the **City of Conroe**.\n- Announced an **open town hall meeting** for a feasibility study on Conroe's first official community center:\n  - **Thursday, May 17, 4:30–6:30 PM** at the Oscar Johnson Community Center (100 Park Place).\n  - An online survey is available on the City of Conroe website in English and Spanish.\n- Noted youth-based programs will be included; encouraged CISD input.\n\n### Speaker 3: Kristi Swoboda (TST/Conroe)\n- Thanked the board for support of the **Salute to Education** event held the previous week.\n- District Teacher of the Year winners: **Amy Kazi** (Conroe High School 9th) and **Hannah Janiszewski** (Runyon Elementary).\n- 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).\n\n### Speaker 4: Ann Alexander Stone\n- Longtime Conroe resident (40+ years); son is a CISD product; two granddaughters attend Runyon Elementary.\n- Addressed a **social media rumor about Booker T. Washington Junior High School closing**.\n- Spoke about the **legacy and community pride** associated with Booker T. Washington, naming numerous beloved educators.\n- Expressed excitement about the **new school opening in 2020** and thanked Deputy Superintendent Curtis Snow for information about plans.\n- Requested the board **\"handle with care\"** the building, name, and legacy of Booker T. Washington.\n- Offered herself as a **community liaison** to help provide accurate information and counter rumors.\n\n### Speaker 5: Teresa Wagaman\n- PTO Programs Chair at **The Woodlands High School**.\n- 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.\n- 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.\n- Encouraged all parents to **monitor children's cell phones and apps**.\n- Noted the CISD Police Department is eager to present at any interested school.\n\n---\n\n## Item 5A: Naming — Principal of Hawk Academic Alternative High School\n\n**Presenter:** Dr. Null (Deputy Superintendent)\n\n**Recommendation:** **Dr. John Williams** as Principal of Hawk Academic Alternative High School\n\n- Dr. Null described Hawk as a campus that \"changes lives\" and \"changes generations.\"\n- Praised Dr. Williams as having \"a great heart for children\" based on years of working alongside him.\n- 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.\"\n\n**Vote:** Approved (unanimous, voice vote — all in favor)\n\n---\n\n## Item 5B: Naming — Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education\n\n**Presenter:** Dr. Null\n\n**Recommendation:** **Mr. Greg Colson** as Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education\n\n- Mr. Colson served 16 years as principal of **The Woodlands High School**.\n- Dr. Null praised his visibility, love of children and staff, and noted he was the person who previously followed Dr. Stockton at The Woodlands.\n- 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).\n- Thanked Dr. Null for the opportunity.\n\n**Vote:** Approved (unanimous, voice vote — all in favor)\n\n---\n\n## Item 6: Consent Agenda\n\n- **Items 6E and 6F were removed** from the consent agenda at a board member's request for separate consideration.\n- **Remaining consent agenda items approved.**\n\n**Vote:** Approved (unanimous, voice vote — all in favor)\n\n---\n\n## Item 6E: Stanbury Uniforms Inc. — Marching Band and Concert Uniforms\n\n- **Estimated expenditure:** $450,000\n- Uniforms are part of the **lifecycle replacement schedule** and include uniforms for Grand Oaks High School.\n- Programs receiving uniforms: Conroe High School Band & Orchestra, Oak Ridge High School Choir & Orchestra, Keeney Creek Orchestra, The Woodlands High School Orchestra.\n- Funded from the general fund.\n- 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.\n\n**Vote:** Approved (unanimous, voice vote — all in favor)\n\n---\n\n## Item 6F: Paxton Patterson LLC — Junior High School Technology and Human Services Labs\n\n- **Estimated annual expenditure:** $490,000\n- Represents a **change in vendor** from the previous supplier.\n- Paxton Patterson provides learning systems, tools, and instructional supplies aligned with **TEKS objectives**.\n- Products allow for small group and individualized instruction.\n- Labs will be implemented at **all seven junior high schools**.\n- 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.\n\n**Vote:** Approved (unanimous, voice vote — all in favor)\n\n---\n\n## Item 7A: Capital Improvement Update\n\n**Presenter:** Mr. Foster\n\n### Projects on schedule:\n\n| Project | Status/Details |\n|---|---|\n| **Grand Oaks High School** | Opening August 2018; landscape and interior finishing underway; CISD takes possession in July |\n| **Katherine Johnson Clark Intermediate School** | Opening August 2018; interior finishing underway; possession in July |\n| **Natatorium (Life Cycle)** | HVAC replacement; new ductwork installed; startup expected beginning of June |\n| **Glenn Loch Elementary** | Reroofing underway; benefiting from good weather |\n| **Life Cycle projects overall** | Will touch **31 campuses** this summer |\n| **Woodforest Stadium scoreboard** | Structure complete; weld/windstorm inspections underway; scoreboard installation begins next week |\n| **Moorhead Stadium scoreboard** | Foundation and structure installation underway; approximately 2 weeks behind Woodforest; both to be completed end of June |\n| **Safety & Security project** | Contracts executed this week; camera/equipment orders being placed; most work above ceiling; on schedule |\n| **Flex 19 (new campus)** | Opening August 2019; building pad complete; foundation construction starting in coming days |\n| **Austin Elementary renovation** | Phase 1 underway; new detention/drainage and parking lots being built; project through all of 2019 |\n| **Irons Junior High classroom addition** | Foundation/slab poured; structural steel arriving Monday; turnover planned for December 2018 winter break |\n| **New Junior High (behind Bozeman)** | Site mobilized; clearing underway; opening August 2020 |\n| **Conroe High School building addition** | Closing up exterior; near dry condition; turnover planned for December 2018 winter break; main building renovation to follow |\n\n---\n\n## Item 8A: Financial Reports\n\n**Presenter:** Dr. Darren Rice\n\n### General Fund:\n- **Cash and investments:** $297 million total\n  - Cash on hand: $500\n  - Bank deposits: $959,000\n  - State pool investments: $155 million\n  - Short-term investments (<1 year): $89 million\n  - Longer-term investments (TCG): $51.6 million\n- Property tax collections slightly behind prior year but expected to reach 100%.\n- **Projected fund balance increase** of ~$1.6 million to **$135.9 million** at 8/31/2018.\n\n### Child Nutrition:\n- Expected fund balance increase of ~$800,000.\n\n### 2015 Bond Referendum:\n- **Expended/encumbered:** $460 million\n- **Estimate to complete:** ~$65.5 million\n- **Total project forecast:** $525.5 million\n- **Contingency remaining:** ~$2.9 million\n\n### Self-Insurance Fund (April):\n- Roughly break-even month.\n- Year-to-date: revenues of $32 million vs. expenses of $28.3 million = **$3.7 million surplus**.\n- Wellness center participation remains strong.\n- **Note:** May expected to show higher claims due to preemie babies and other high-cost claims.\n\n### Investment Portfolio:\n- Par value: **$612 million**\n- Pool yield: 1.94%\n- Short-term yield: 1.81%\n- Long-term yield: 1.46%\n- Combined WAM: 88 days; yield: **1.88%** (vs. 90-day T-bill benchmark of 1.78%)\n\n---\n\n## Item 9A: Special District Recognition — Service to Conroe ISD (Dr. Don Stockton)\n\nPresident 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**.\n\n### Former Board Member Tributes:\n\n**Dr. Ann Schneider:**\n- Praised Dr. Stockton's integrity, moral character, and respect for everyone.\n- Said he transformed the district so that \"all schools are important\" with strong leadership and financial foundation.\n- Noted his impact on student confidence: \"Students graduate with not only competence but with confidence.\"\n- Thanked Kara Stockton for sharing her husband with the community.\n\n**Mr. Mel Brown:**\n- Described the crisis conditions when he joined the board (no superintendent, no fiscal officer, two lawsuits, questioned bond money).\n- Was initially opposed to hiring Stockton as permanent superintendent but changed his mind after watching his leadership as interim.\n- Called hiring Dr. Stockton \"the best decision ever made as a school board member.\"\n\n**Mr. Gerald Irons:**\n- Praised Dr. Stockton's integrity, quality, and \"Barnabas character\" — the ability to see potential in people.\n- Valued his honesty and willingness to give candid opinions.\n- Commended how Stockton revitalized the curriculum.\n\n**Mrs. Barbara Watson:**\n- Quoted: \"Power comes from values, from beliefs, from purpose, from within.\"\n- Called out his integrity and dedication to \"all means all.\"\n- Thanked Kara Stockton.\n\n**Mr. Bruce Tough:**\n- Recalled the crisis period and inappropriate behavior by the prior superintendent.\n- Called Stockton's integrity \"impeccable\" and \"unimpeachable.\"\n- Praised the district's combination of academic excellence, low costs, and transparency as a \"triple crown.\"\n- Credited Stockton with creating a \"magnet for extraordinary people\" to join the district.\n\n**Mr. Joe Michaels:**\n- Called Stockton \"a man of the utmost charity and dignity.\"\n- Thanked him on behalf of his three children in the district.\n\n**Mr. CJ Haynes:**\n- Recalled the tumultuous early board meetings (midnight adjournments, 75 speakers, divided votes).\n- Called hiring Stockton \"the proudest moment of my public career.\"\n- Credited Stockton with teaching him patience and understanding.\n\n**Mrs. Linda Sasser:**\n- Praised Stockton's vision, communication, community alignment, and 24/7 commitment.\n- Highlighted programs like Reading for a Better Life and Field Trip Friday.\n- Said \"it was all about him — his leadership and 24/7 commitment mattered.\"\n\n**Dr. Alan Moore:**\n- Noted the district was already good before Stockton but \"nobody knew it.\"\n- Credited Stockton with telling the story and expanding on what was already excellent.\n- Shared personal family connection to Don and Kara Stockton going back decades to their parents.\n\n### Current Board Member Tributes:\n\n**Dr. Skeeter Hubert:**\n- Shared a humorous personal story about first meeting Dr. Stockton at a \"Men Who Cook\" event.\n- Praised his consistent humility and willingness to give time to anyone.\n\n**Mr. Ray Sanders:**\n- Read an extended tribute highlighting Stockton's respect, understanding, acceptance, and appreciation for all (quoting Mahatma Gandhi).\n- Referenced Philippians 2:3 regarding valuing others above yourself.\n- 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.\"\n- Offered personal friendship and golf tee times in retirement.\n- Thanked Kara Stockton.\n\n**Mr. Dale Inman:**\n- 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.\n- Called Stockton a mentor and friend who made him \"a better boss, a better leader, and a better person.\"\n\n**Mr. Scott Kidd:**\n- Compared Dr. Stockton to **George Bailey** from *It's a Wonderful Life* (Stockton's stated role model).\n- Drew parallels to decisiveness, empathy, dedication, servant leadership, and faith.\n- Thanked Kara Stockton.\n\n**Mr. John Husbands:**\n- Reflected on knowing Stockton since their children were in nursery together.\n- Said \"Don didn't become special when he became superintendent — Don was special before.\"\n- Praised transparency, leadership in principal selection, and making zoning painless.\n- Thanked Stockton for \"brilliant leadership and exemplary service.\"\n\n**Mr. Datren Williams:**\n- Shortest-tenured board member but longtime community volunteer.\n- Praised the culture of accessibility — Stockton, Dr. Hines, Dr. Null, and Darren Rice never said \"no\" to a meeting request.\n- Noted that when he announced his candidacy, his motivation was \"I want to be a part of that.\"\n- Said the entire community is better for the strength Stockton gave the district.\n- Quoted the \"three pillars\" of a strong community: business, faith, and schools.\n\n**President Melanie Bush:**\n- 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.\n- \"You sir have made Conroe ISD a wonderful place to work and a wonderful environment for all our kids to learn.\"\n\n---\n\n## Item 9B: Dr. Stockton's Farewell Remarks\n\n- Recognized his wife **Kara Stockton**.\n- Reflected on his start as interim superintendent in 2003 and sending the first-ever email from a superintendent to district staff.\n- Noted he has presided over **hundreds of board meetings** and shaken the hands of over **50,000 graduates**.\n- Thanked former and current board members for always putting children first, valuing employees, being good community members, and being good stewards of taxpayer money.\n- Thanked them for challenging him and holding him accountable.\n- Individually recognized:\n  - **Cathy** (longtime staff member receiving recognition)\n  - **Kari** (leadership and \"spirited arguments\")\n  - **Chris Hines** (\"like the brother I wish I had\")\n  - **Dr. Stuart** (community planning/zoning work)\n  - **Chief Harness** (41 years of police service)\n- 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.\n- Introduced current board members: Melanie Bush, Ray Sanders, Dr. Skeeter Hubert, Datren Williams, Scott Kidd, John Husbands, Scott Moore.\n- 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.\"*\n\n---\n\n## Adjournment\n\n**Motion to adjourn:** Made and seconded.\n**Meeting adjourned.**"
}