December 18, 2018 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2018-12-18
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-27 21:47 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
December 18, 2018
⚠️ These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript. They may contain errors or omissions. Please consult official CISD minutes for the authoritative record.
Meeting Called to Order
- Time: 6:01 p.m.
- Presiding: Vice President Datron Williams (presiding prior to reorganization)
- A quorum was confirmed present.
- Invocation: Mr. King
- Presentation of Colors: Caney Creek Naval JROTC, led by Cadet Abram Rodriguez (American flag), Cadet Connor Lenvo (Texas flag), Cadet Jonathan Vanderhorst (right rifle), Cadet Garcia Wiggins (left rifle), under the direction of Lieutenant Commander Louis Cortez
- Pledges of Allegiance led by Austin Dermott (U.S.) and Kashima Williams (Texas)
Feeder School Spotlight: Hauke High School
Dr. Null introduced the celebration of Hauke High School as the featured feeder zone for this meeting.
Video Presentation
A video highlighted Hauke's mission as a non-traditional learning environment for students who need alternative paths to graduation. Students shared personal testimonials about how Hauke helped them:
- Become the first in their family to graduate high school
- Build futures for themselves and their children
- Pursue careers in welding, law enforcement, veterinary medicine, cosmetology, fashion, and more
- Access college application help, TSI testing, and FAFSA assistance on campus
- Participate in the Newcomer Program for bilingual learners
Campus Highlights
- Principal: Dr. John Williams recognized staff and students present
- Plazas Comunitarias Program: Teachers Flo Lizenbee and Adriana Guarinos presented on a CISD pilot program in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate in Houston (in its second year). Two graduates — Jessenia Pazanbreno and Caroline Mendez — received certificates for elementary and secondary school from the Mexican Consulate and are now students at Conroe High School performing well.
- Bowls for the Board: Art teacher Terri Sanders and social studies teacher Stephanie Stoker presented a cross-curricular project where 54 students created handmade papier-mâché bowls themed "No One Has a Perfect Life." Fifteen bowls were selected for the Board; the remainder will be donated to Empty Bowls with the Montgomery County Food Bank.
Patrons Influencing Education Awards
Silver Foxes Mentoring Group:
- A group of community volunteers who have mentored young men at Hauke twice a month for 10 years
- Received the Patron Influencing Education Award and a plaque from the Board
Diego Lara (Lone Star College Representative):
- Comes to Hauke every other week to help seniors with life plans, college applications, FAFSA, and TSI testing
- Has met with over 50 seniors this year; 13 December graduates had already taken the TSI and were ready to enroll in college before graduation
- Also works with dual credit students and freshmen
- Received the Patron Influencing Education Award and a plaque from the Board
- Board members praised Lone Star College's partnership, specifically acknowledging Chancellor Head and Dr. Rebecca Riley
Board Comments on Hauke
Vice President Williams and other Board members expressed strong appreciation for Dr. John Williams and his staff, emphasizing that Hauke students are "part of the all means all" and commending the school's dedication to changing lives.
Citizen Participation (Public Comments)
1. Brian Fowler
- Conroe High School graduate; four daughters in the Oak Ridge High School feeder zone
- Served on the 2018 Facilities Planning Committee (also served on three prior bond committees and the 2017 Attendance Boundary Committee)
- Supports the bond committee's recommendations and expressed confidence the Oak Ridge community will support them
- Primary concern: The condition of buildings and infrastructure at Oak Ridge High School
- One of the older high schools in the district; committee members from other feeder zones were surprised at its condition compared to other high schools
- Specific issues cited: inadequate auditorium size/appearance, lack of student entryway, insufficient parking, field houses in disrepair/leaking, front entry safety design issues
- Acknowledged that many recommended improvements are HVAC/electrical (not aesthetic) but urged the Board to also consider cosmetic and functional improvements either in this bond or a future one
- Asked the Board to "put Oak Ridge on the roadmap" to bring it in line with other district high schools
- Vice President Williams thanked Fowler and all community volunteers for their service
2. Dr. Enrique Rosaro
- CISD taxpayer, Woodlands resident, parent of a first grader
- Spoke regarding agenda items 7 and 8 (code of conduct and Board reorganization)
- Quoted the TASB Code of Ethics regarding fairness, impartiality, and listening to different opinions
- Read public social media statements attributed to new Board member Dale Inman, including: "I truly believe liberalism is the cause of many mental health problems, societal ills, family breakdowns, financial strains, and moral bankruptcy in America"
- Expressed concern that such statements show bias, prejudice, and animosity toward a diverse community
- Noted Inman is not a qualified professional to make such diagnoses
- Urged the Board to elect moderate officials who can foster a fair and impartial environment
- Provided printouts for the record
3. Patrice Ward
- Returning speaker; aware of the grievance process and stated she will continue to utilize it
- Concerns about her learning-disabled daughter at The Woodlands High School:
- Daughter was a swim team member at The Woodlands College Park but has not made the team at The Woodlands High School due to lack of accommodations during tryouts
- Daughter failed English this semester; the ARD Committee's only proposed solution was to redo assignments, but they said she'd "fall behind" — which Ward found contradictory since she's already failing
- Referenced CISD Board policy, Texas education law, and Senate Bill 2033 allowing students to redo homework/retake tests
- Detailed history of denied transfer requests and academic struggles across multiple campuses
- Expressed frustration that no one has enacted a solution for her daughter to pass classes or be on the swim team
- Stated she will continue advocating until her daughter passes all classes and becomes a swim team member
4. Emily Hoppell
- CISD taxpayer, mother of three (two currently in district)
- Concerns about new Board member Dale Inman:
- On December 7, Inman publicly posted on his Facebook page supporting charter schools and praising charter schools in other states
- When questioned by constituents, Inman deleted his Facebook page rather than answering questions, which she found lacking in transparency
- Outlined concerns about charter schools: selective admissions, lack of accountability (standards and finances), removal of local taxpayer oversight, and potential to harm public schools
- Expressed concern about Inman's connections to entities supporting Empower Texans, which she described as having "a stated goal of privatizing our public schools"
- Committed to attending more meetings to monitor these issues
- Also urged the Board to speak out publicly about declining state funding (dropping to ~38% from state) and push back against state officials who blame local entities for rising taxes
- Briefly criticized STAAR testing, suggesting its purpose is to label schools as failing to facilitate privatization
Consent Agenda (Item 3A)
- No items were pulled for separate discussion
- Motion to approve: Made and seconded
- Vote: Passed unanimously
Item 4A: Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment — 2019 Life Cycle Project
Presenter: Easy Foster (Planning & Construction)
- The 2019 life cycle project addresses annual repairs, replacements, and maintenance of major building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire sprinkler, roofing, building envelope, athletics) district-wide
- GTT was selected as CM-at-Risk on November 14, 2017
- Negotiated Guaranteed Maximum Price: $6,284,456
- This is the final identified project from the 2015 bond election — once approved, all 2015 bond commitments will be under contract
Motion to approve: Made and seconded
Vote: Passed unanimously
Item 4B: Acceptance of Bradley Elementary School Construction Project
Presenter: Easy Foster
- Bradley Elementary (Flex 17) was completed June 2017, opened for the 2017–18 school year
- Project finished with savings of $885,414.17 on the construction contract
- No final payment due to contractor; Board asked to accept project as complete per Board policy
Board Comments:
- Board members publicly praised Foster and his department for excellent fiscal stewardship, crediting the selection of the right contractors, CM-at-Risk (Brookstone in this case), and oversight personnel
- Called the savings on a multi-million dollar project a testament to responsible management
Motion to approve: Made and seconded
Vote: Passed unanimously
Item 4C: Update on Attendance Zones for Oak Ridge Feeder Schools (Information Item)
Presenter: Dr. Curtis Hines
Background
- Rezoning is necessary due to growth, overcrowding, and underutilization at certain campuses
- New school opening: Suchma Elementary (K–6), located south of Highway 242 at 10261 Harper School Road, opening August 2019 (~1,000 student capacity)
- Committee of ~25 people (principals, parents, district staff) has been meeting; ~250 public comments received to date
Goals of Rezoning
- Draw attendance boundary for Suchma Elementary with room for future growth
- Reduce crowding at Oak Ridge Elementary, Houser, Ford, and Vogel
- Address portable buildings at Ride and Haley
- Explore returning the bilingual program to Lamar (students currently bused to Glen Loch)
Two Scenarios Presented
Scenario 1.2 (Committee's preferred option):
- New Suchma boundary pulls primarily from areas along 242 currently zoned to Oak Ridge Elementary and Houser
- Tall Timbers and Gleneagles (north side of 242) remain at Oak Ridge due to proximity
- Suchma would open at ~850 students
- Zones 55/55A (north of Rayford, currently Ford) → Houser (~88 students, reduces Ford portables)
- Zone 58 (west of I-45, currently Lamar) → Houser (~100 students, creates room at Lamar for bilingual program)
- Zone 70A (north Timberlakes, currently Haley) → Glen Loch
- Pros: Fewer families impacted; doesn't split Jacobs Reserve; reduces crowding at several schools
- Cons: Doesn't solve Ride overcrowding; doesn't significantly reduce Glen Loch enrollment (but projected to stop its growth)
- Intermediate impact limited to Vogel
Scenario 2.2 (Accomplishes more but impacts more families):
- Includes everything in 1.2, plus:
- Apartment area off 1488 (currently Powell) → Gladys (same Woodlands feeder zone)
- Portions of Jacobs Reserve (zones 75D, 75G) move from Ride → Powell
- Reduces Ride by ~100 students; Powell stays roughly the same size
- Pros: Addresses Ride overcrowding
- Cons: Splits Jacobs Reserve neighborhood; impacts more families; may only be a partial solution
Board Discussion
- Board members expressed concern about ride times for young children and supported minimizing commute distances
- Dr. Hines noted Suchma would decrease ride times for students in that corridor
- Significant discussion about whether a more comprehensive look at all Woodlands-area elementary schools is needed before implementing Scenario 2.2
- Dr. Hines expressed hesitation about 2.2, noting it might only be a partial fix and could limit future options (e.g., moving Jacobs Reserve students now could complicate later rezoning)
- Board and staff agreed on the principle of moving families only once rather than rezoning multiple times
- Dr. Hines indicated willingness to begin a broader study in the next school year
- Board member raised question about potential future feeder zone changes as district grows; Dr. Hines acknowledged it gets harder to maintain pure feeders as the district grows but noted junior highs have remained pure feeders
- Students in their final year at a grade level (4th or 6th grade) can finish at their current school if families provide transportation
Status
- Final recommendation expected in January
- This was an information/update item only — no vote taken
Item 4D: Summary of Demographic Study (PASA) — Information Item
Presenter: Dr. Curtis Hines
Key Findings
- CISD ranked 6th in enrollment in the Houston metro area (~63,000 students)
- Ranked 3rd in numeric growth (2012–2017): +7,646 students
- Ranked 4th in Texas for single-year growth (2016–17 to 2017–18): +1,816 students (3%)
District Demographics
- Median age: 36.7 (slightly older than metro average)
- 20% of population ages 5–17
- Higher household median income than metro average
- 40% with bachelor's degree (vs. 30% metro average)
- ~40% economically disadvantaged students (vs. 58.1% state average)
- Average commute: 29.6 minutes
Growth Projections
- District ranked 2nd in annual housing starts in metro area (behind Fort Bend)
- PASA projects ~1,350 new students per year over the next 10 years
- Projected enrollment by 2028: ~76,560 students
- Major growth areas: Grand Oaks, east county (San Jacinto area), Conroe feeder zone, south of 242
- Active developments: Harper's Preserve, Foster's Ridge, Wood Forest, Granger Pines, Grand Central Park, Aria (242/1314), and others
Enrollment Projections by Level
High Schools (10-year projections):
| School | Current | Projected Growth |
|--------|---------|-----------------|
| Conroe | ~4,200 | +2,500 (~7,000) |
| Caney Creek | — | +1,400 |
| Oak Ridge | — | +389 |
| College Park | — | Flat |
| The Woodlands | — | Declining |
Junior Highs: Conroe area grows ~1,200; Moorhead and York approach ~2,000; McCullough shows decline (welcome news given portables)
Intermediate: Bosman, Cryer, Stewart grow significantly; Mitchell and Collins flat; Deretchin and Tough decline
Elementary: Stewart shows potential growth of +1,200 students; Austin at capacity with +500 projected; Creighton at capacity with growth projected; Tough and Deretchin decline; Bush area grows ~400 (offset by Buckelew decline)
Key Planning Takeaways
- East county will likely need at least 2 new schools in 10 years
- Austin and Creighton Elementary are at capacity now with significant growth projected — identified as top priority
- Declining enrollment in western Woodlands area (Deretchin, Tough, McCullough) provides future capacity opportunities
- Full PASA report to be presented in January
Item 4E: Recommendations of the 2018 Facilities Planning Committee
Presenter: Cody Bartlett (Committee Member/Spokesperson)
Committee Overview
- 27 community members representing all feeder zones, community groups, and business community
- Met 7 times over 14+ hours beginning in October 2018
- Visited multiple campuses of varying age, grade level, and size
- Received extensive presentations on finances, safety, CTE, athletics, technology, transportation, demographics, and more
Recommended Projects
Conroe High School:
- Complete the master plan begun under the 2015 bond
- Address security concerns (multiple buildings, outdoor crossings, weather exposure, level changes)
- When complete, Conroe High School will be entirely under one roof
Oak Ridge High School:
- Systems overhaul (HVAC, mechanical, electrical) for the ~40-year-old campus
- Cosmetic updates as a byproduct
- Auditorium and gym evaluated for potential improvements as funds allow
- New window systems
- CTE expansion: robotics, automotive technology, and engineering design programs
Growth & Sustainability — New Schools:
- 1 new elementary school — Grand Oaks feeder zone
- 1 new elementary school — Conroe feeder zone
- 1 new elementary school — Caney Creek feeder zone
- 1 new junior high — Caney Creek feeder zone (allows current Moorhead Junior High to become an intermediate)
Additions & Upgrades:
- The Woodlands College Park High School
- The Woodlands High School
- Caney Creek High School
- Conroe High School 9th grade campus
- York Junior High School
Other Facilities:
- Land purchases for future campuses
- New outdoor practice pool (next to natatorium on district-owned land; CISD currently ranks at the bottom vs. peer districts in lane meters of water)
- North County Agricultural CTE Complex (on land donated by Montgomery County, adjacent to fairgrounds; serves Conroe HS and Caney Creek HS AG programs)
Sustainability Projects:
- MEP/HVAC overhauls at Creighton Elementary and Glen Loch Elementary
- New gyms at Collins Intermediate, Wilkerson Intermediate (only two intermediates without gyms), and Runyon Elementary
- Tennis court reconstruction at Knox Junior High
- Athletic field conversions (synthetic turf — eliminates water dependency, allows all-weather use for athletes, drill teams, and bands; attracts other contests)
- Annual life cycle and sustainability expenditures
Safety & Security:
- Annual expenditure for upgrades across all campuses
- Includes vestibules, cameras, locks, windows, and fencing (layered approach)
District-Wide Needs:
- Additions/upgrades/expansion to auxiliary facilities (transportation centers, maintenance, custodial)
- New professional development center
- Repurposing of Jett Center (98 years old), Hauke, and Washington Junior High
- Annual network/infrastructure expenditures (technology and safety/security)
- New bus purchases (supporting ~400 daily routes, ~2,200 daily runs)
Committee Recommendation
The 2018 Facilities Planning Committee unanimously recommends a bond proposal of $827,476,195 (including contingency and inflation)
Board Response
- All Board members expressed deep gratitude to the committee and district staff
- Multiple members praised the hands-on approach of visiting campuses
- Acknowledged the enormous scope of the district and the challenges addressed
- Committee members were invited to leave after being thanked with applause
Note: This was a presentation/receive item — no Board vote was taken on the bond amount at this meeting.
Item 4F: Capital Improvement Updates
Presenter: Easy Foster (Planning & Construction)
Suchma Elementary
- Battling rain but on schedule for August 2019 opening
- Paving progressing well; building structure nearly topped out
- Roofing started on gymnasium; masonry underway inside
- Contractor ensuring sufficient labor and materials to overcome weather delays
Austin Elementary (Building Addition)
- Addition facilitates removal of older portions that have reached end of useful life
- Building structure progressing rapidly
- Scheduled completion: Summer 2019; demolition of old areas and recreation of outdoor spaces over summer; ready for August 2019
Irons Junior High (Addition)
- Project essentially complete
- Building exterior finished over holidays; landscaping and cleanup underway
- Interior outfitted and ready for students returning in January
Stockton Junior High (New Construction)
- Under construction; scheduled to open August 2020
- Building structure following slab; paving largely complete
- Working on power and infrastructure
- On schedule; weather less of an impact currently
Conroe High School (Additions & Renovations)
- Building addition is largely complete and ready for students after winter break
- Students will move into new space, triggering the major overhaul of the main campus
- Winter break work: second floor of science wing + building utility connections from new central plant
- Renovation will proceed section by section through the school year, working with campus administration to minimize student disruption
- Project timeline: Through December 2019
- Proceeding exactly as planned
Item 5A: Financial Report
Presenter: Mr. Wright (CFO/Finance)
General Fund Balance Sheet
- Cash on hand: $13,300
- Bank deposits: $311,000
- State pool investments: $43.2 million
- Woodforest National Bank investments: $30.3 million
- TCG Investment Advisors: $52.1 million
- Total cash and investments: ~$126 million
Property Tax Collections
- Running approximately 1% ahead of prior year
2015 Bond Status
- Expended/encumbered: $488.8 million
- Estimate to complete: $35.9 million
- Total project forecast: $524.8 million
- Remaining contingency: ~$3.6 million
Self-Funded Insurance
- Total revenues: $12,455,000
- Total expenses: $12,197,000
- Revenues over expenses: $257,609
- Wellness center participation strong: averaging ~570 visits/month; employees increasingly choosing wellness centers for health benefits
Investment Portfolio
- Total par value: $324.3 million (across multiple funds; capital projects fund is largest portion)
- Pool yields: 2.44%
- Woodforest National Bank: 2.52%
- TCG Investment Advisors: 1.68%
- Combined portfolio: WAM 50 days, yield 2.34%
- Benchmark (90-day T-bill): 2.23%
- Board member noted appreciation that yield was back above benchmark from prior month
Item 6A: Executive Session
- Board entered closed session at 7:48 p.m. under Texas Government Code §551.074 (personnel matters)
Item 7: Board Reorganization (Post-Executive Session)
Following executive session, a motion was made to elect the following officers for the new Board:
| Position | Member |
|----------|--------|
| President | Datron Williams |
| First Vice President | Skeeter Hubert |
| Second Vice President | Scott Moore |
| Secretary | Ray Sanders |
| Assistant Secretary | Scott Kidd |
| Past President | John Husbands |
| Trustee | Dale Inman |
Motion: Made and seconded
Vote: Passed unanimously
Item 8: Code of Conduct Affirmation
- Board members were asked to review and sign the Board Code of Conduct acknowledgment sheet following the election of new officers
- This is a standard procedure after each Board election
- One member requested to take the document home to read and return it later, which was permitted
- Board members signed acknowledgment sheets
Motion to affirm: Made and seconded
Vote: Passed (voice vote, no dissent noted)
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned following completion of all agenda items.
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Description | Result |
|------|-------------|--------|
| 3A | Consent Agenda | Passed unanimously |
| 4A | GMP Amendment – 2019 Life Cycle Project ($6,284,456) | Passed unanimously |
| 4B | Acceptance of Bradley Elementary Construction Project | Passed unanimously |
| 7 | Board Reorganization / Officer Elections | Passed unanimously |
| 8 | Code of Conduct Affirmation | Passed |
Information/Receive Items (No Vote)
- 4C: Attendance zone update for Oak Ridge feeder schools (final recommendation expected January)
- 4D: PASA demographic study summary (full report in January)
- 4E: Facilities Planning Committee recommendation of $827,476,195 bond (unanimous committee recommendation; Board to consider at future meeting)
- 4F: Capital improvement updates
- 5A: Financial report
Key Takeaways
1. Hauke High School was celebrated as a transformative alternative learning environment; Silver Foxes mentoring group and Lone Star College representative Diego Lara received Patron Influencing Education Awards.
2. Two citizens raised concerns about new Board member Dale Inman — one regarding social media statements about liberalism and mental health, and another regarding his public support for charter schools and connections to Empower Texans. Neither received a Board response (items were not on the agenda for discussion).
3. A parent raised ongoing concerns about accommodations for her learning-disabled daughter regarding academics and swim team tryouts at The Woodlands High School.
4. The 2018 Facilities Planning Committee unanimously recommended an $827.5 million bond proposal covering new schools, renovations (Conroe HS and Oak Ridge HS), safety/security, CTE expansion, athletic facilities, infrastructure, and growth needs. The Board received the recommendation but did not vote.
5. Attendance rezoning for the Oak Ridge feeder zone is progressing with two scenarios; the committee favors Scenario 1.2 (fewer families impacted) but a more comprehensive Woodlands-area study may be needed. Final recommendation expected in January.
6. PASA demographic study projects ~1,350 new students per year, reaching ~76,560 by 2028. Fastest growth is in the Conroe, Caney Creek, and Grand Oaks feeder zones; The Woodlands area shows projected decline.
7. Board reorganized with Datron Williams elected President.
8. All 2015 bond projects are now under contract with the approval of the final life cycle GMP.