July 17, 2018 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2018-07-17
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-27 21:36 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting — July 17, 2018
These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript and may contain errors or omissions.
Opening
- Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM. A quorum was confirmed.
- Invocation led by Mr. Hubert; Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Williams.
Recognitions (Item 2)
2A — Texas Smart Schools Five Star Rating
- Dr. Chris Hines presented the district's ninth consecutive Five Star rating from the Texas Smart Schools program.
- To earn the rating, a district must rank in the top 20% in both academic progress and cost-effective finances.
- Conroe ISD is one of only three districts (out of over 1,000) to receive the Five Star rating every year since the program's inception nine years ago.
- A video featuring CFO Darrin Rice explained the award.
- President Bush noted the board does not take this recognition for granted and expressed hope for a 10th consecutive year.
2B — Ambassador Awards (District Support Staff)
- Miss Blacklock introduced five 2018 Ambassador Award recipients from administration departments:
- Celeste Brown — Administrative Assistant, Communications Department
- Cindy West — Senior Accountant, Finance Department (16 years with CISD)
- Lorraine Jango — Employment Specialist, Human Resources (received tenure pin)
- Sabrina Fraser — Secretary, Special Education Department (17 years with CISD)
- Stefanie Carbonaro — Lead, Financial Systems Support, Technology Department
2C — NAMM Foundation Best Communities for Music Education Award
- Bob Howard, Coordinator of Fine Arts, presented the award.
- CISD received the designation for the seventh consecutive year.
- Of over 2,000 applicants (out of 14,000 potential), Conroe ISD was one of 535 districts nationwide to earn the designation.
- The award evaluates budgetary commitment, qualified teachers, adherence to standards, and performance opportunities.
- A 38-page survey was submitted to earn the designation.
- President Bush noted he is a product of CISD music education and emphasized the board's priority on fine arts.
2D — Conroe ISD Education Foundation Update
- Executive Director Maris Blair presented the annual report.
- Key highlights:
- 13 student scholarships awarded
- 136 continuing education scholarships (a record)
- 10 "All Means All" scholarships to 9th graders at Conroe Ninth Grade Campus
- 32 paraprofessional scholarships (third year of program)
- 73 $100 MasterCard gift cards given to new CISD teachers who were CISD graduates (BBVA Compass Bank waived activation fees)
- Two new scholarships introduced: Dick and Mary Cole Special Needs Education Scholarship and Nowak Foundation Scholarship ($2,500)
- The annual scholarship dinner honoring Dr. Stockton raised over $360,000
- The breakfast event did not occur this year; it will return next year.
Public Comment (Item 2E)
- No one signed up to address the board.
Consent Agenda (Item 3)
- No items were pulled for separate discussion.
- Vote: Passed unanimously (voice vote).
Discussion/Action Items
4A — Preliminary 2018 STAAR (Grades 3–8) and EOC Results
- Presented by Dr. Phillips and Mr. Colson.
- These are preliminary results; final scores will be released in August.
- Results generally followed the statewide pattern (when the state went up, CISD went up; when the state dropped, CISD dropped).
Elementary highlights:
| Grade/Subject | CISD Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Reading | Increased | Followed state trend |
| 3rd Math | Decreased 1% | |
| 4th Reading | Constant | |
| 4th Math | Increased 2% | |
| 4th Writing | Decreased 1% | State decreased 2% |
| 5th Reading | Decreased 2% | |
| 5th Math | Increased 1% | 94% passing |
| 5th Science | Constant | |
| 6th Reading | Decreased 1% | |
| 6th Math | Increased 1% | |
Secondary highlights:
| Grade/Subject | CISD Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7th Reading | Increased 1% | |
| 7th Math | Increased 3% | Same as state gain |
| 7th Writing | Maintained 76% | State decreased 1% |
| 8th Reading | Decreased 2% (88%) | State decreased 1% |
| 8th Math | Level at 93% | |
| 8th Science | Decreased 1% | 10% above state |
| 8th Social Studies | Same at 77% | |
| English I EOC | 73% (same) | |
| English II EOC | Increased 2% | |
| Algebra I EOC | 88% | State: 83% |
| Biology EOC | 92% | State: 87% |
| US History EOC | 97% | State: 92% |
- Board member asked about impact of a publicized computer glitch during April testing; staff indicated approximately 200 tests were affected district-wide and none were deemed defective.
- Board requested peer district comparisons, which will be included in the comprehensive October report.
5A — Naming Process for New Campuses (Information Item)
- Dr. Noel outlined the naming process for two new campuses:
1. Flex 19 — K-6 campus in the Oak Ridge feeder zone, opening August 2019 (10261 Harper School Road)
2. New Junior High — Conroe feeder zone behind Bozman Intermediate (2750 CISD School Road), opening August 2020
- A website is now live for public name suggestions (starting the next day, July 18).
- Timeline:
- August 21: Present suggested names to the board
- September board meeting: Discussion and potential action on naming
5B — Acceptance of 2014 Lighting Retrofit Project & Final Payment
- Izzy Foster presented. Over 16,000 light fixtures were retrofitted district-wide (replacing T12 fluorescent lighting).
- Project savings: approximately $45,000; surplus light fixtures stored in warehouse for future use.
- Vote: Passed unanimously (voice vote).
5C — Acceptance of 2016 Grangerland Additions & Final Payment
- Project added classrooms at Grangerland Intermediate and expanded the Cox Intermediate driveway to alleviate traffic.
- Project savings: $399,000.
- President Bush publicly commended the savings for taxpayers.
- Vote: Passed unanimously (voice vote).
5D — Capital Improvements Update (Information Item)
Izzy Foster provided updates on multiple projects:
- Grand Oaks High School — Opening August 2018; on time; administration moving in; athletic camps underway.
- Catherine Johnson Clark Intermediate — Also opening August 2018; being loaded with furniture, books, and technology.
- Lifecycle 2018 projects — Touching 31 campuses; ~$12 million scope. Includes track resurfacing (Irons, Woodlands 9th Grade, Moorhead JH), new dance floor at Oak Ridge HS, roof at Glen Loch Elementary (90% complete), chiller replacements, electrical/plumbing improvements.
- Safety & Security Phase 3 (final phase of 2015 bond funding) — Secure vestibules and service windows being installed at 13 campuses this summer. All elementaries and intermediates completed; York JH and high schools remain for future phases.
- Flex 19 (new K-6) — Foundation work complete; structural steel arriving soon. On schedule for August 2019 opening.
- Austin Elementary addition — In foundation phase; will decommission aging portions of building. On schedule; demolition through summer 2019.
- Irons Junior High addition — Structure up, roof nearly ready; classrooms to turn over at winter break (January).
- New Junior High (behind Bozman) — Foundations being drilled; on schedule for August 2020 opening.
- Conroe High School additions — New central plant active and running AC for eastern half of building. Library renovation wrapping up, to be returned by July 30. Addition on schedule for winter break turnover; phased renovations of main building to follow.
Budget and Financial Items (Item 6)
6A — Preliminary 2018-2019 Proposed Budget
Darrin Rice presented the proposed budget:
Key Financial Highlights:
- CISD tax rate of $1.28 is 48 cents lower than 2005-06 ($1.76), 20 cents below peer average, and 15 cents below the closest peer (Klein).
- No tax increase requested for 2018-19.
- General fund balance grew from $76M (2008) to $134M (2017).
- Board has transferred over $100 million from the general fund to capital projects over the years, helping maintain low debt service rate and avoid new debt.
- Unassigned fund balance target: 25% of annual budget (~3 months of expenses). Current: 28% ($129.6M), approximately $11.34M over target.
Budget Objectives:
- Meet needs for 2018-19 including opening Grand Oaks HS and Clark Intermediate
- Competitive raises and salary adjustments
- Additional safety and security
- Utilize surplus for capital projects and reduce bond debt
- Achieve high academic outcomes cost-efficiently
Enrollment & Revenue:
- Projected enrollment increase: 1,400 students (total: 63,014)
- Average daily attendance: 94% (59,233)
- Estimated assessed value growth: 5.7% (~$1.9B increase, total $35.7B)
- New revenue: $22.43 million (tax revenue $19.09M, state revenue $2.12M, investment income $1.22M)
Expenditures:
- Salary increases: $9.2M — 2.5% raise for professional staff; 3% raise for support/auxiliary employees
- Starting teacher salary: $53,700
- New positions: 239 total ($10.98M) — 164.5 campus positions (98 teachers, 8 administrators, 9 professionals, 49.5 paraprofessionals) plus 74.5 support positions (transportation, police, maintenance)
- Includes 16 new police officers for campus security
- Other expenses (utilities, fuel, supplies): $3.23M
- Payroll budget adjustment: $1M
Total Proposed Budget: $495,459,113 (balanced; 4.74% increase)
- Below the combined enrollment growth (2.3%) + inflation (2.8%) benchmark of 5.1%
- Payroll: 89.2% of budget
Board Discussion:
- Board members asked about plans for the $11.34M excess above the 25% target. Mr. Rice indicated a proposal would come in August to use surplus for capital projects and/or reduce bond debt.
- The approach would be similar to past years' transfers.
- Certified property values expected by July 25 at the latest.
Next Steps:
- Public hearing on budget: August 7
- Second public hearing and board approval: August 21
6B — Award of RFP for Toner and Ink Jet Cartridges
- Awarded to Tree House and Daniel Office Products for an estimated $435,000 annually (through July 2021).
- 202 vendors solicited; 25 responded.
- Board discussed efforts toward going paperless, noting programs like Canvas and online student registration have reduced paper use significantly.
- Vote: Passed unanimously (voice vote).
6C — Award of RFQ for School Buses
- Awarded to Thomas Bus Gulf Coast (77-passenger buses) and Rush Bus (10-passenger MPVs) for approximately $1.1 million.
- 51 vendors solicited; 3 responded.
- Purchase includes 10 buses with seat belts and 1 MPV; used for replacement and growth.
- Delivery: 4-6 months (new builds).
- New buses with seat belts to be prioritized for elementary students on longest routes.
- Students will be required to wear seat belts per state law; consequences for non-compliance will follow the discipline process.
Extended Discussion on Propane Buses:
- Board members (particularly Mr. Hoseman) requested a cost analysis of propane vs. diesel buses.
- Current fleet: ~548 buses total, 380 routes, ~35 propane buses (all serviced at Conroe center).
- Key differences discussed:
- Propane bus cost: ~$118K vs. diesel ~$98K (~$20K difference)
- Propane: 3-4 MPG; Diesel: 7-8 MPG
- Propane fuel ~$1/gallon; Diesel ~$2.80-3.00/gallon
- Propane engine life: 150-200K miles vs. diesel 250-300K miles
- Only one propane fueling station (Conroe); would need additional stations if fleet expanded
- Staff agreed to prepare a detailed cost comparison for the board.
- Vote: Passed unanimously (voice vote).
6D — Financial Reports (June)
Darrin Rice presented monthly financial statements:
- Cash & investments (general fund): $219 million
- Property tax collections on pace
- Projected general fund balance increase: ~$2M
- Child nutrition projected increase: ~$177K
- 2015 Bond status: $467M expended/encumbered; $57M estimated to complete; ~$4M contingency remaining
- Self-funded insurance: Back on track in June ($190K revenues over expenses); year-to-date revenues over expenses: $2.7M; wellness center visits: 5,260
- Investment portfolio: $499M par value; combined yield 2.05% (benchmark 90-day T-bill: 1.86%); weighted average maturity 53 days
Item 7A — Pilot Program with Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare
- The district requested approval to participate in a mental health services pilot program with Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare at Armstrong Elementary and Grangerland Intermediate.
- Services include:
- Pre-intake and intake visits for students/families on campus
- Therapeutic services for students already in Tri-County's care
- Crisis intervention support
- Prevention services (substance abuse, anger management, life skills)
- Parent/family education (trauma prevention, mental health awareness, suicide prevention, bullying prevention)
- Rationale: Transportation and work schedule barriers prevent many families from accessing off-campus services. Having services on campus should improve attendance and service follow-through.
- Principals Karen Jones (Grangerland) and Tricia Thacker (Armstrong) will be campus point persons; Mr. Poli (Guidance & Counseling) will coordinate.
- Evan Roberson, Director of Tri-County, answered board questions.
Significant Board Discussion:
- Information sharing/confidentiality: Board members asked about FERPA/HIPAA protections. Tri-County confirmed parental consent is required for information sharing; diagnosis details would not necessarily be shared with teachers. Records are governed by consent protocols.
- School safety concerns (Mr. Moore): Emphasized the need for immediate sharing of any threats or dangerous behavior identified during sessions. Tri-County acknowledged existing protocols but Mr. Moore requested the agreement specifically address school safety information sharing. Staff agreed to explore the legal specifics.
- Scope and expansion: Board members asked about expanding to high schools. Staff recommended starting small to ensure the model works before scaling up. High schools have heavier counseling staff; elementaries have greater access gaps.
- Impact on classroom time: Expected to improve attendance since students currently miss significant school time traveling to off-campus appointments.
- Sam Houston State University is in discussions to provide parent education classes; Tri-County has also been selected to apply for a Houston Methodist grant for additional programming.
- Board approved delegating authority to Dr. Noel to execute the final inter-local agreement so the program can start at the beginning of the school year (delaying to the next board meeting would have prevented a timely start).
- Board requested to see the final agreement before it is signed.
- Vote: Passed unanimously (voice vote).
Executive Session
- The board entered closed session at 7:43 PM under Texas Government Code sections 551.071 (legal consultation) and 551.072 (real property).
- No action reported from executive session in the transcript.
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Description | Result |
|------|-------------|--------|
| 3 | Consent Agenda | Passed (voice vote, unanimous) |
| 5B | Lighting Retrofit Project Acceptance | Passed (voice vote, unanimous) |
| 5C | Grangerland Additions Acceptance | Passed (voice vote, unanimous) |
| 6B | Toner/Ink Jet Cartridges Award | Passed (voice vote, unanimous) |
| 6C | School Buses Award | Passed (voice vote, unanimous) |
| 7A | Tri-County Behavioral Health Pilot Program | Passed (voice vote, unanimous) |
Note: Items 4A (STAAR results), 5A (naming process), 5D (capital improvements update), 6A (preliminary budget), and 6D (financial reports) were information/receive items with no formal vote required.