September 18, 2018 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2018-09-18
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-27 21:40 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting — September 18, 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 by President Bush. A quorum was confirmed and proper notice posted per the Texas Open Meetings Act.
- Invocation: Board Member Kidd led the prayer, lifting up hurricane recovery efforts, students, educators, CISD police force, and asking for guidance for the board.
- Pledges of Allegiance: Board Member Sanders led the U.S. and Texas pledges.
Item IIA: Special District Recognition — Read for a Better Life Initiative
Dr. Null (Superintendent) presented the district's annual Read for a Better Life initiative, a district-wide program dedicated to reading aloud to children. Key highlights:
- Tomorrow (September 19) is the district-wide Read for a Better Life day, with staff, community volunteers, and high school students reading aloud at elementary and intermediate schools.
- Librarians were recognized and applauded for their role.
- A video of CISD students reading the book Be Happy by Monica Sheehan was shown. The video had been viewed nearly 10,000 times on social media, and the author herself saw and shared it.
- The student "movie stars" from the video were introduced individually along with their schools (Anderson Elementary, Patterson Elementary, Runyan Elementary, Sam Houston, B.B. Rice, Grangerland Intermediate, and Conroe High School). Lilly, who served as master of ceremonies at the district's Celebrate our Schools event, was also recognized.
- Dr. Null read aloud Love is You & Me by Monica Sheehan to the children present.
- Cookies were distributed to attendees.
Item IIB: Citizen Participation
Three citizens addressed the board:
1. George Young — Stated he had come with a book of complaints but reported that all problems had been resolved by Dr. Hines and the chief of police. He returned his time. The board thanked him warmly.
2. Andrea Custer (Woodlands President and CISD parent) — Proposed naming the new flex school after Officer Norberto Ramon, a Houston Police Department officer and military veteran who helped rescue approximately 1,500 people during Hurricane Harvey while battling Stage IV cancer. He passed away June 15, 2018. She submitted a packet including a letter of support from his family and from HPD's Family Assistance Unit.
3. Rachel Honeyman — Proposed naming a school after Paula Klapesky, longtime principal of Mitchell Intermediate, citing her 26-year tenure, high-performing school record, and deep personal investment in students. Honeyman shared a personal story of nearly leaving the district but staying specifically because of Klapesky's leadership.
Item III: Consent Agenda
- No items were pulled for separate discussion.
- Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented.
- Vote: Passed unanimously (no dissent noted).
Item IVA: Update on Targeted Improvement Plan / Turnaround Plan for Sam Houston Elementary
Presenters: Dr. Debbie Phillips and Dr. Tamika Taylor
Staff Recognition:
- Viviana Harris — Principal
- Vanessa Lincoln — Interim Assistant Principal (new addition; former district math coach)
- Theresa Waller — Assistant Principal
- Amber Bradford — Counselor
- Dr. Delic Lloyd — School Improvement Professional (3 years)
- Sam Houston teachers and staff were recognized and applauded.
District Support Team Refined for 2018-19:
- Dr. Hedith Upshaw — Leading support for planning, professional development, and coaching
- Dr. Shellie Winkler — District Coordinator of School Improvement; supporting Instructional Rounds implementation
- Dr. Tamika Taylor — Supporting data-driven instruction; designated as single district communication contact to streamline messaging to the campus
Accountability Data (New State System):
Under the new Texas accountability system with three Domains:
- Domain 1 (Student Achievement): Target 60; Sam Houston scored 56
- Domain 2A (Academic Growth/Progress): Target 60; scored 59
- Domain 2B (Relative Performance): Target 60; scored 59
- Domain 3 (Closing the Gaps): Target 60; scored 43
Year-over-Year Progress (Approaches Grade Level):
| Subject | 2017 | 2018 |
|---------|------|------|
| Overall | 51% | 59% |
| Reading | 53% | 56% |
| Math | 55% | 69% |
| Writing | 41% | 43% |
- The campus is participating in the TAIS Process (Texas continuous school improvement) through Region 6.
Three Goals for 2018-19:
1. Writing: Increase 2019 writing assessment to 60% through Instructional Rounds, coaching cycles, and Writers Workshop improvement
2. Reading Progress: Increase percentage of students making/exceeding progress on STAAR Reading through data disaggregation, instructional planning protocols, reteaching, and interventions
3. Reading Passing Rate: Increase from 56% to 70% using Instructional Rounds
Additional Supports Added:
- Family Engagement Liaison — New position dedicated to supporting families (ESL classes, technology classes for parents planned)
- Second Literacy Coach — One for K-2, one for 3-4
- Positive Behavior Support Liaison — Continued
- Two additional teacher positions posted — For small group student support (not yet filled as of meeting date)
- District curriculum coordinators helping with lesson planning
Significant Board Discussion:
- Board member asked about the two unfilled teacher positions and requested an update at the next board meeting on hiring status, emphasizing Sam Houston should be the priority for filling positions.
- Board member Williams raised long-term sustainability concerns — what happens after scores improve? Dr. Phillips referenced the Austin Elementary model, where support has been maintained and only gradually withdrawn as staff demonstrate readiness.
- Board member Hubert requested ongoing brief reports from the community liaison about community engagement efforts so board members can leverage their own connections to support Sam Houston.
- Board member (likely Sanders or Moore) praised the mentoring efforts by teachers and the dedication of campus staff.
- President Bush noted the shifting state accountability system made year-to-year comparison difficult and asked whether Sam Houston would have met standards under the old system. Dr. Taylor confirmed they made significant progress and would have been "extremely close" under the prior system, though exact numbers couldn't be confirmed. Bush emphasized this progress should be on the record and praised the campus for changing lives beyond just test scores.
- Board member Kidd expressed full confidence in Principal Harris, noting her track record of sustained success at previous campuses.
This was a receive/update item — no vote required. The plan had been previously approved in January 2018.
Item IVB: Adoption of Read for a Better Life Resolution
Presenter: Dr. Chris Hines
The resolution proclaims CISD staff will support Read for a Better Life and authorizes the district to enlist community and parent support to read aloud to every student for 30 minutes every day.
- Motion to adopt the resolution as read.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Item VA: Discussion of Possible Names for Flex School 19 and New Junior High
This was a discussion-only item (no action). Names raised by board members:
For Flex School 19 (Oak Ridge Feeder Zone):
- Kix Lamp (H.W. Lamp) — 44-year educator (deceased); Board member Kidd was strongly supportive, noting Lamp had been considered during the last naming cycle
- David and Sheree Suchma — Lifelong CISD educators who continue to serve as mentors; multiple board members expressed strong support
- Ruben Hope — Longtime community leader, former school board member, state legislator (deceased); multiple board members expressed strong support
For the New Junior High (Conroe Feeder Zone):
- Don Stockton — Former CISD Superintendent
- Lynda Sasser — Longtime teacher, former board member, community leader
- Ruben Hope — Also mentioned as a candidate for this school
Notable Discussion Points:
- Multiple board members stated they would not support naming a school after a current employee, responding to the Klapesky nomination from public comment.
- Regarding the Suchmas' employment status: Dr. Null clarified they are not full-time employees but serve as paid mentors for the Summer Leadership Academy. Board noted precedent with Clark and Stewart schools being named after individuals in similar capacity.
- Regarding Dr. Stockton: Board member Kidd shared that Stockton was adamant about not wanting a school named after him. President Bush confirmed she had been made to promise by Stockton not to allow it during her presidency. However, Dr. Null had spoken with Stockton, and Bush independently confirmed with Stockton directly that he would be humbled to receive the honor should the board choose it, though he would never seek or ask for it.
Item VB: Name Flex School 19 (Oak Ridge High School Feeder Zone)
Nominations:
1. Ruben Hope — Nominated by a board member
2. David and Sheree Suchma — Nominated by a board member
3. Kix (H.W.) Lamp — Nominated by Board Member Kidd
Discussion:
- One board member argued Hope would be more fitting for a municipal building, preferring the Suchmas as lifelong educators.
- Another board member countered with Hope's extensive community involvement (coaching, bringing Caney Creek High School, booster club, fair, rodeo, etc.) based on 48 years in the county.
- Board member suggested the Suchmas were more geographically fitting for the Oak Ridge area, while Hope was more connected to Conroe proper.
- Board member Kidd advocated strongly for Lamp, noting it was "his turn" after being deferred in the last naming cycle and his 44 years in education.
Votes:
1. Motion: Ruben Hope — Motion and second received.
- Vote: FAILED (exact count not clearly stated but lacked majority)
2. Motion: David and Sheree Suchma — Motion and second received.
- Vote: PASSED, 5-2 (5 in favor, 2 opposed)
✅ Result: Flex School 19 named "Suchma Elementary" (David and Sheree Suchma)
Item VC: Name the Conroe Feeder Zone Junior High School
Nominations:
1. Lynda Sasser — Nominated by Board Member Sanders
2. Ruben Hope — Nominated by a board member
3. Don Stockton — Nominated by a board member
Votes:
1. Motion: Lynda Sasser Junior High — Motion and second received.
- Vote: FAILED, 2-5 (2 in favor, 5 opposed)
2. Motion: Donald J. Stockton Junior High — Motion and second received.
- Vote: PASSED (majority in favor; Board Member Kidd notably did not raise his hand in favor, citing Stockton's prior request not to have a school named after him, though he acknowledged it humorously — "He knows where I live.")
✅ Result: New junior high named "Donald J. Stockton Junior High School"
Note: Board member Kidd's vote appeared to be opposed or abstaining, with lighthearted exchange about it. Another board member noted "you can't abstain."
Item VD: Authorize Formation of Facilities Planning Committee
Presenter: Dr. Chris Hines
- Approximately 40 years ago the board first authorized such a committee, which ultimately led to the $487 million bond referendum approved by voters in 2015.
- The 2015 bond is in its final stages. With continued growth, a new committee is needed to assess facility and maintenance needs and make recommendations for a future bond program.
- Committee will include non-CISD employee representatives from feeder zones, community groups, and business community.
- Dr. Null will lead the committee with support from planning/construction, maintenance, and finance departments.
- Goal: Report to the board by December 2018.
- Motion to authorize formation of the committee.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Item VE: Update on Attendance Zone for Flex 19 (Suchma Elementary)
Presenter: Dr. Chris Hines
Key Information:
- Suchma Elementary (K-6, 1,000 students) opening August 2019, located at 10261 Harper School Road, east of I-45, south of SH-242.
- Attendance boundary process is beginning with a committee of principals and parents from Oak Ridge and College Park feeder zones, plus district resources.
Objectives:
- Develop attendance boundary for new campus with room for growth
- Provide crowding relief to Oak Ridge Elementary, Houser Elementary, and Vogel Intermediate
- Address overcrowding at Ride Elementary and Hailey Elementary
Process:
- Three rounds of public presentations planned:
- Round 1: Information sharing and initial feedback
- Round 2: Interactive come-and-go format with scenario feedback
- Round 3: Present final recommendation to affected communities
- Each round includes presentations at Irons and Knox on different days/times to accommodate schedules
- Website will be used for feedback and transparency
- Target: Bring recommendation to board at January meeting
Board Comments:
- Board member offered extensive thanks to Dr. Hines and all departments involved, acknowledging the complexity of the process (transportation, special populations, HR, etc.).
- President Bush acknowledged both the naming and rezoning processes are challenging and thanked community participants.
This was a receive/information item — no vote required.
Item VF: Capital Improvements Update
Presenter: Mr. Easy Foster
| Project | Status |
|---------|--------|
| Safety & Security (secure vestibules at elementaries, intermediates, junior highs, 9th grade) | On schedule; above-ceiling work (access controls, cameras) through December |
| Suchma Elementary (Flex 19) | Site in good shape; parking lot concrete underway; building structure going up; on schedule for August 2019 |
| Austin Elementary Addition/Renovation | Building slab in place; structural steel arriving in 2 weeks; on schedule; old building sections to be decommissioned summer 2019 |
| Irons Junior High 10-Classroom Addition | Building is "dry" (roof on, exterior sealed); interior finishes underway; opening over winter break (January 2019) |
| Stockton Junior High (new) | Building slab progressing; utilities and beams in; steel delivery within a month; working with FAA for drone photography due to airport proximity |
| Conroe High School Addition/Renovation | Addition nearing completion; Wilson Road to reopen in ~45 days; interior showing colors, carpet, paint; opening over winter break (January 2019); full project continues through December 2019 |
Item VIA: Financial Reports
Presenter: Darrin Rice (CFO)
General Fund:
- Total cash and investments: $174.5 million
- Cash on hand: $13,300
- Bank deposits: $3.5M
- State pool investments: $59.3M
- Woodforest National Bank: $30.2M
- Short-term investments: $29.7M
- Long-term investments (TCG): $51.8M
Key Financial Notes:
- Projected fund balance increase: ~$1.7 million, attributable to Impact Aid Grant received to offset Hurricane Harvey expenditures
- Child Nutrition: Projected decrease in fund balance due to summer kitchen renovations funded from reserves (no debt incurred)
- 2015 Bond Status: $470M expended/encumbered; $54.5M estimated to complete; $4.1M contingency remaining (total forecast: $524.3M)
- Self-Funded Insurance: Ended year in the positive — revenues of $47.8M vs. expenses of $46.4M = $1.4M surplus; averaged 500+ employee visits to employee clinic
- Investment Portfolio: Par value $393.6M; combined yield 2.13% (benchmark 90-day T-bill at 2.07%); WAM of 57 days
Closing Items
- Dr. Null confirmed he would personally call the Suchma family to inform them of the school naming honor.
- Board members noted that audience members had likely already spread the word via text.
Adjournment
- Motion to adjourn; seconded.
- Meeting adjourned. Cookies were offered to remaining attendees.
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Motion | Result |
|------|--------|--------|
| Consent Agenda | Approve as presented | Passed unanimously |
| Read for a Better Life Resolution | Adopt resolution | Passed unanimously |
| Name Flex School 19: Ruben Hope | Name after Hope | Failed |
| Name Flex School 19: David & Sheree Suchma | Name after Suchmas | Passed 5-2 |
| Name Junior High: Lynda Sasser | Name after Sasser | Failed 2-5 |
| Name Junior High: Donald J. Stockton | Name after Stockton | Passed (majority; at least one opposed) |
| Facilities Planning Committee | Authorize formation | Passed unanimously |