{
  "id": "2018-07-17_regular",
  "meeting_date": "2018-07-17",
  "meeting_type": "regular",
  "meeting_types": [
    "regular"
  ],
  "title": "Conroe ISD Board Meeting — July 17, 2018",
  "date_display": "July 17, 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": "2026-06-18T19:45:20.534651Z",
  "highlights": "",
  "sections": [],
  "agenda_breakdown_md": "",
  "meeting_notes_md": "# Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2018-07-17\n*Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes*\n*Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.*\n*Generated 2026-03-27 21:36 UTC*\n\n---\n\n# Unofficial Meeting Notes\n## Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees\n### Regular Meeting — July 17, 2018\n\n*These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript and may contain errors or omissions.*\n\n---\n\n## Opening\n- Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM. A quorum was confirmed.\n- Invocation led by Mr. Hubert; Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Williams.\n\n---\n\n## Recognitions (Item 2)\n\n### 2A — Texas Smart Schools Five Star Rating\n- Dr. Chris Hines presented the district's **ninth consecutive Five Star rating** from the Texas Smart Schools program.\n- To earn the rating, a district must rank in the **top 20%** in both academic progress and cost-effective finances.\n- **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.\n- A video featuring CFO Darrin Rice explained the award.\n- President Bush noted the board does not take this recognition for granted and expressed hope for a 10th consecutive year.\n\n### 2B — Ambassador Awards (District Support Staff)\n- Miss Blacklock introduced **five 2018 Ambassador Award recipients** from administration departments:\n  - **Celeste Brown** — Administrative Assistant, Communications Department\n  - **Cindy West** — Senior Accountant, Finance Department (16 years with CISD)\n  - **Lorraine Jango** — Employment Specialist, Human Resources (received tenure pin)\n  - **Sabrina Fraser** — Secretary, Special Education Department (17 years with CISD)\n  - **Stefanie Carbonaro** — Lead, Financial Systems Support, Technology Department\n\n### 2C — NAMM Foundation Best Communities for Music Education Award\n- Bob Howard, Coordinator of Fine Arts, presented the award.\n- **CISD received the designation for the seventh consecutive year.**\n- Of over 2,000 applicants (out of 14,000 potential), Conroe ISD was one of **535 districts nationwide** to earn the designation.\n- The award evaluates budgetary commitment, qualified teachers, adherence to standards, and performance opportunities.\n- A 38-page survey was submitted to earn the designation.\n- President Bush noted he is a product of CISD music education and emphasized the board's priority on fine arts.\n\n### 2D — Conroe ISD Education Foundation Update\n- Executive Director **Maris Blair** presented the annual report.\n- Key highlights:\n  - **13 student scholarships** awarded\n  - **136 continuing education scholarships** (a record)\n  - **10 \"All Means All\" scholarships** to 9th graders at Conroe Ninth Grade Campus\n  - **32 paraprofessional scholarships** (third year of program)\n  - **73 $100 MasterCard gift cards** given to new CISD teachers who were CISD graduates (BBVA Compass Bank waived activation fees)\n  - Two new scholarships introduced: **Dick and Mary Cole Special Needs Education Scholarship** and **Nowak Foundation Scholarship** ($2,500)\n  - The annual scholarship dinner honoring Dr. Stockton raised **over $360,000**\n  - The breakfast event did not occur this year; it will return next year.\n\n---\n\n## Public Comment (Item 2E)\n- **No one signed up to address the board.**\n\n---\n\n## Consent Agenda (Item 3)\n- No items were pulled for separate discussion.\n- **Vote: Passed unanimously (voice vote).**\n\n---\n\n## Discussion/Action Items\n\n### 4A — Preliminary 2018 STAAR (Grades 3–8) and EOC Results\n- Presented by Dr. Phillips and Mr. Colson.\n- **These are preliminary results**; final scores will be released in August.\n- Results generally followed the statewide pattern (when the state went up, CISD went up; when the state dropped, CISD dropped).\n\n**Elementary highlights:**\n| Grade/Subject | CISD Change | Notes |\n|---|---|---|\n| 3rd Reading | Increased | Followed state trend |\n| 3rd Math | Decreased 1% | |\n| 4th Reading | Constant | |\n| 4th Math | Increased 2% | |\n| 4th Writing | Decreased 1% | State decreased 2% |\n| 5th Reading | Decreased 2% | |\n| 5th Math | Increased 1% | 94% passing |\n| 5th Science | Constant | |\n| 6th Reading | Decreased 1% | |\n| 6th Math | Increased 1% | |\n\n**Secondary highlights:**\n| Grade/Subject | CISD Result | Notes |\n|---|---|---|\n| 7th Reading | Increased 1% | |\n| 7th Math | Increased 3% | Same as state gain |\n| 7th Writing | Maintained 76% | State decreased 1% |\n| 8th Reading | Decreased 2% (88%) | State decreased 1% |\n| 8th Math | Level at 93% | |\n| 8th Science | Decreased 1% | 10% above state |\n| 8th Social Studies | Same at 77% | |\n| English I EOC | 73% (same) | |\n| English II EOC | Increased 2% | |\n| Algebra I EOC | 88% | State: 83% |\n| Biology EOC | 92% | State: 87% |\n| US History EOC | 97% | State: 92% |\n\n- 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.\n- Board requested peer district comparisons, which will be included in the comprehensive October report.\n\n### 5A — Naming Process for New Campuses (Information Item)\n- Dr. Noel outlined the naming process for **two new campuses**:\n  1. **Flex 19** — K-6 campus in the Oak Ridge feeder zone, opening August 2019 (10261 Harper School Road)\n  2. **New Junior High** — Conroe feeder zone behind Bozman Intermediate (2750 CISD School Road), opening August 2020\n- A website is now live for **public name suggestions** (starting the next day, July 18).\n- **Timeline:**\n  - August 21: Present suggested names to the board\n  - September board meeting: Discussion and potential action on naming\n\n### 5B — Acceptance of 2014 Lighting Retrofit Project & Final Payment\n- Izzy Foster presented. Over **16,000 light fixtures** were retrofitted district-wide (replacing T12 fluorescent lighting).\n- Project savings: approximately **$45,000**; surplus light fixtures stored in warehouse for future use.\n- **Vote: Passed unanimously (voice vote).**\n\n### 5C — Acceptance of 2016 Grangerland Additions & Final Payment\n- Project added classrooms at Grangerland Intermediate and expanded the Cox Intermediate driveway to alleviate traffic.\n- Project savings: **$399,000.**\n- President Bush publicly commended the savings for taxpayers.\n- **Vote: Passed unanimously (voice vote).**\n\n### 5D — Capital Improvements Update (Information Item)\nIzzy Foster provided updates on multiple projects:\n\n- **Grand Oaks High School** — Opening August 2018; on time; administration moving in; athletic camps underway.\n- **Catherine Johnson Clark Intermediate** — Also opening August 2018; being loaded with furniture, books, and technology.\n- **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.\n- **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.\n- **Flex 19 (new K-6)** — Foundation work complete; structural steel arriving soon. On schedule for August 2019 opening.\n- **Austin Elementary addition** — In foundation phase; will decommission aging portions of building. On schedule; demolition through summer 2019.\n- **Irons Junior High addition** — Structure up, roof nearly ready; classrooms to turn over at **winter break** (January).\n- **New Junior High (behind Bozman)** — Foundations being drilled; on schedule for August 2020 opening.\n- **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.\n\n---\n\n## Budget and Financial Items (Item 6)\n\n### 6A — Preliminary 2018-2019 Proposed Budget\nDarrin Rice presented the proposed budget:\n\n**Key Financial Highlights:**\n- 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).\n- **No tax increase requested** for 2018-19.\n- General fund balance grew from $76M (2008) to $134M (2017).\n- 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.\n- Unassigned fund balance target: **25% of annual budget** (~3 months of expenses). Current: **28%** ($129.6M), approximately **$11.34M over target**.\n\n**Budget Objectives:**\n- Meet needs for 2018-19 including opening Grand Oaks HS and Clark Intermediate\n- Competitive raises and salary adjustments\n- Additional safety and security\n- Utilize surplus for capital projects and reduce bond debt\n- Achieve high academic outcomes cost-efficiently\n\n**Enrollment & Revenue:**\n- Projected enrollment increase: **1,400 students** (total: 63,014)\n- Average daily attendance: 94% (59,233)\n- Estimated assessed value growth: **5.7%** (~$1.9B increase, total $35.7B)\n- New revenue: **$22.43 million** (tax revenue $19.09M, state revenue $2.12M, investment income $1.22M)\n\n**Expenditures:**\n- **Salary increases: $9.2M** — 2.5% raise for professional staff; 3% raise for support/auxiliary employees\n- Starting teacher salary: **$53,700**\n- **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)\n- Includes **16 new police officers** for campus security\n- Other expenses (utilities, fuel, supplies): $3.23M\n- Payroll budget adjustment: $1M\n\n**Total Proposed Budget: $495,459,113** (balanced; 4.74% increase)\n- Below the combined enrollment growth (2.3%) + inflation (2.8%) benchmark of 5.1%\n- Payroll: 89.2% of budget\n\n**Board Discussion:**\n- 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.\n- The approach would be similar to past years' transfers.\n- Certified property values expected by July 25 at the latest.\n\n**Next Steps:**\n- Public hearing on budget: August 7\n- Second public hearing and board approval: August 21\n\n### 6B — Award of RFP for Toner and Ink Jet Cartridges\n- Awarded to **Tree House and Daniel Office Products** for an estimated **$435,000 annually** (through July 2021).\n- 202 vendors solicited; 25 responded.\n- Board discussed efforts toward going paperless, noting programs like Canvas and online student registration have reduced paper use significantly.\n- **Vote: Passed unanimously (voice vote).**\n\n### 6C — Award of RFQ for School Buses\n- Awarded to **Thomas Bus Gulf Coast** (77-passenger buses) and **Rush Bus** (10-passenger MPVs) for approximately **$1.1 million**.\n- 51 vendors solicited; 3 responded.\n- Purchase includes **10 buses with seat belts** and 1 MPV; used for replacement and growth.\n- Delivery: 4-6 months (new builds).\n- New buses with seat belts to be prioritized for **elementary students on longest routes**.\n- **Students will be required to wear seat belts** per state law; consequences for non-compliance will follow the discipline process.\n\n**Extended Discussion on Propane Buses:**\n- Board members (particularly Mr. Hoseman) requested a cost analysis of propane vs. diesel buses.\n- Current fleet: ~548 buses total, 380 routes, ~35 propane buses (all serviced at Conroe center).\n- Key differences discussed:\n  - Propane bus cost: ~$118K vs. diesel ~$98K (~$20K difference)\n  - Propane: 3-4 MPG; Diesel: 7-8 MPG\n  - Propane fuel ~$1/gallon; Diesel ~$2.80-3.00/gallon\n  - Propane engine life: 150-200K miles vs. diesel 250-300K miles\n  - Only one propane fueling station (Conroe); would need additional stations if fleet expanded\n- Staff agreed to prepare a detailed cost comparison for the board.\n- **Vote: Passed unanimously (voice vote).**\n\n### 6D — Financial Reports (June)\nDarrin Rice presented monthly financial statements:\n- **Cash & investments (general fund): $219 million**\n- Property tax collections on pace\n- Projected general fund balance increase: ~$2M\n- Child nutrition projected increase: ~$177K\n- **2015 Bond status:** $467M expended/encumbered; $57M estimated to complete; ~$4M contingency remaining\n- **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\n- **Investment portfolio:** $499M par value; combined yield 2.05% (benchmark 90-day T-bill: 1.86%); weighted average maturity 53 days\n\n---\n\n## Item 7A — Pilot Program with Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare\n- The district requested approval to participate in a **mental health services pilot program** with Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare at **Armstrong Elementary** and **Grangerland Intermediate**.\n- Services include:\n  - Pre-intake and intake visits for students/families on campus\n  - Therapeutic services for students already in Tri-County's care\n  - Crisis intervention support\n  - Prevention services (substance abuse, anger management, life skills)\n  - Parent/family education (trauma prevention, mental health awareness, suicide prevention, bullying prevention)\n- **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.\n- Principals Karen Jones (Grangerland) and Tricia Thacker (Armstrong) will be campus point persons; Mr. Poli (Guidance & Counseling) will coordinate.\n- Evan Roberson, Director of Tri-County, answered board questions.\n\n**Significant Board Discussion:**\n- **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.\n- **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.\n- **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.\n- **Impact on classroom time:** Expected to **improve** attendance since students currently miss significant school time traveling to off-campus appointments.\n- **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.\n- 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).\n- Board requested to see the final agreement before it is signed.\n\n- **Vote: Passed unanimously (voice vote).**\n\n---\n\n## Executive Session\n- The board entered closed session at **7:43 PM** under Texas Government Code sections 551.071 (legal consultation) and 551.072 (real property).\n- No action reported from executive session in the transcript.\n\n---\n\n## Summary of All Votes\n\n| Item | Description | Result |\n|------|-------------|--------|\n| 3 | Consent Agenda | **Passed** (voice vote, unanimous) |\n| 5B | Lighting Retrofit Project Acceptance | **Passed** (voice vote, unanimous) |\n| 5C | Grangerland Additions Acceptance | **Passed** (voice vote, unanimous) |\n| 6B | Toner/Ink Jet Cartridges Award | **Passed** (voice vote, unanimous) |\n| 6C | School Buses Award | **Passed** (voice vote, unanimous) |\n| 7A | Tri-County Behavioral Health Pilot Program | **Passed** (voice vote, unanimous) |\n\n---\n\n*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.*"
}