April 16, 2019 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2019-04-16
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-27 21:53 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
April 16, 2019
⚠️ These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript of the board meeting. They may contain errors or omissions. For official minutes, please consult the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees.
Board Members Present (Quorum Confirmed)
- John Williams (President)
- Scott Moore
- Scott Kidd
- Dale Husbands
- Skeeter Hubert
- Ray Sanders
- Datren Inman
Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM
Opening
- Invocation: Trustee Scott Moore delivered the invocation, quoting John Wesley and praying for unity, student wellbeing, employee care, and responsible stewardship of resources.
- Presentation of Colors: College Park Marine Corps Junior ROTC Unit, which had just returned from national competition (placed 4th nationally) at approximately midnight the prior evening. Recognized for their dedication consistent with Semper Fidelis.
- Pledges of Allegiance: Led by the Best Buddies Program from Knox Junior High and College Park High School.
Item 2A — STAR Award Program Recognition
Presenter: Gregg Colschen, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education; Lowell Willard, College Readiness Specialist/STAR Coordinator
The 10th graduating class of the Students Together Achieving Results (STAR) program was recognized. STAR identifies struggling 9th graders and provides year-round counseling support, college visits, job site tours, motivational speakers, and community service.
Student speakers:
- Cameron Robbins (The Woodlands HS): Described how STAR helped him overcome academic struggles and explore college options after transferring from Dallas.
- Brittany Spaulding (Caney Creek HS): Shared how the program expanded her awareness of career paths, including healthcare and hospitality, and experiences like flight simulation.
- Christian Talford (College Park HS): Discussed how STAR restored his college aspirations after a career-ending football injury. He has been accepted to the University of North Texas to major in psychology and minor in philosophy.
Graduating STAR seniors recognized from: Caney Creek HS, Conroe HS, Hauke Alternative School, Oak Ridge HS, The Woodlands College Park HS, and The Woodlands HS. Counselors from each school introduced their students individually.
Item 2B — Entergy Solutions / Energy Awards
Presenters: Jim Kacur, Assistant Superintendent for Operations; Mark Dellevan (Entergy Texas); Mark Fowler (CenterPoint Energy)
District staff recognized: Marshal Schroeder (Director of Maintenance & Custodial), Dwight Martin (Assistant Director), and Roger Garvey (Energy Manager).
Entergy Texas Recognition:
- Conroe ISD participated in the Resource Management Services (RMS) program from March 2015 to September 2018 (3-year commitment).
- Savings: Over 11.6 million kilowatt hours and 2,865 kilowatts — equivalent to over $1 million in utility savings over three years.
- Environmental impact equivalent to removing 1,753 cars from the road and 929,000 gallons of gasoline.
- Received a $7,500 bonus check for outstanding 2017 performance.
- 2018 projects at the Natatorium (LED lights, air-cooled chiller) and Moorhead Junior High (air-cooled chiller) earned over $37,000 in incentives and approximately $74,000 in utility savings.
- CISD has participated every year since 2008 without missing a single year.
CenterPoint Energy Recognition:
- CISD earned over $92,000 in program incentives in 2018 for high-efficiency AC and lighting at Grand Oaks High School and KJ Clark Intermediate School.
- Savings: over 211 kilowatts peak demand and over 395,000 kilowatt hours annually.
- Environmental equivalent: removing over 300 tons of CO2, or powering 50 homes for a year.
Items 2C–2F — The Woodlands High School Swim Team Recognitions
Presenters: Dr. Ted Landry (TWHS Principal); Coach Jeremy Wade (Head Swimming & Diving Coach)
Coaching staff also recognized: Kevin Whit (Diving Coach/Aquatics Director), Katy Tom (Assistant Swim Coach)
Both boys and girls teams were district and regional champions and state runners-up (to Southlake Carroll). Two school records were broken.
Individual State Champions:
- Lillie Nordmann (Junior, TWHS) — UIL 6A Girls 200 Yard Freestyle State Champion. Also state runner-up in 100 butterfly (setting a new school record). Multi-event All-American. District and Regional Swimmer of the Meet.
- Tyler Hulet (Sophomore, TWHS) — State Champion in 100 Backstroke. Placed 6th in 100 butterfly. Multi-event All-American. Male District Swimmer of the Meet.
Relay State Champions:
- Girls 200 Medley Relay (back-to-back state champions): Sydney Roycraft, Karsten Fields, Alyssa Sorensen, Lillie Nordmann, Valerie Anne Staffeldt. All-American honors. Notable come-from-behind victory.
- Boys 400 Freestyle Relay (state champions, new school record): Tobin Hickman-Chow (committed to Yale, not present), Cotton Fields (not present), Luke Jorris, Tyler Hulet, Matthew Tannenberger. All-American honors. Also a come-from-behind victory, breaking Southlake Carroll's multi-year winning streak.
Many athletes expected to receive academic All-State and academic All-American honors (lists to be published early summer).
Item 2G — College Park High School Wrestling State Champion
Presenters: Dr. Mark Murrell (Principal, College Park HS); Coach Erik Spjute
- Hunter Robinson — Senior, College Park HS Wrestling State Champion.
- Four-time state medalist (2nd freshman year, 3rd sophomore year, 3rd junior year, State Champion senior year).
- Four-time All-American (placed in top tier nationally all four years).
- Coach Spjute is a CISD graduate and three-time state champion himself.
Item 2H — College Park High School Feeder System Presentation
A video and live presentations showcased the College Park feeder zone's programs and culture, including Best Buddies, Academy of Science and Technology, Read for a Better Life, David Dream Run, NEAT (attendance) program, Girls on the Run, musicals, and more.
Student presenters introduced administrators from all feeder schools:
- College Park HS — Dr. Mark Murrell
- Academy of Science and Technology — Dr. Susan Caffery
- Knox Junior High — Mr. Joe Dahl
- Collins Intermediate — Mrs. Shelli LeBlanc
- Wilkerson Intermediate — Ms. JJ Daw
- David Elementary — Mr. Lee Allen
- Hailey Elementary — Ms. Tracy Horne
- Lamar Elementary — Ms. Mary Jane Kirbo (represented by AP Ms. Belcher)
- Powell Elementary — Ms. Lisa Garrison
- Ride Elementary — Ms. Megan Burnham
Best Buddies Program Highlights:
- Garett Tomasck (President, College Park chapter): College Park chapter ranked #1 nationally in the state for most fundraising and most trained Buddy Ambassadors. Advocated for expanding the program across CISD.
Patrons in Education (PIE) Awards:
1. Mr. Ted Bell — Described as "Mr. Student Center." Volunteers extensively taking and posting free photos at events; served on Facilities Planning Committee twice. Presented PIE award by Trustee Scott Kidd.
2. Joe and Amy Halsey — Supported Lamar, Wilkerson, Knox, and College Park. Mrs. Halsey is a marketing director for local Chick-fil-A stores, active in fundraising and donations. Mr. Halsey takes on leadership positions across organizations. Presented PIE award by Trustee Scott Kidd.
Presentation concluded with students performing "We Are Family."
Item 2I — Citizen Participation
Speaker 1: Kary Freemyer
- Identified as taxpayer in Conroe and Vice President of TSTA Conroe (Texas State Teachers Association local chapter).
- Expressed collective support for the upcoming Conroe ISD bond referendum, covering: new school construction and classroom additions for north and eastern feeder zones; improvements/renovations to aging buildings; CTE facilities (robotics, automotive technology, engineering design); agricultural CTE complex; teacher training facility; lifecycle improvements; safety and security upgrades.
- Stated TSTA is encouraging members to vote in the upcoming May election.
Speaker 2: Dr. Enrique Rosero
- Identified as Woodlands resident, taxpayer, and parent of a first grader. Not affiliated with any political party, PAC, or group.
- Expressed support for the bond referendum.
- Warned about outside PACs ("Children's Hope for the Future" and "Concerned Citizens for Montgomery County") that he described as having no association with the district and being connected to anti-government and anti-public education interests, including Empower Texans.
- Referenced Klein ISD's recently defeated bond as a cautionary example.
- Works in oil and gas; emphasized need for competitive STEM workforce.
- Stated his family, friends, and neighbors support the bond.
Speaker 3: Deb Keller
- Brought complaints regarding the district's handling of allegations of physical touching and bullying of a student by a staff member, initially brought six months prior and again three weeks prior.
- Alleged the administration has not conducted an unbiased investigation, and CISD police had promised twice to open investigations with no visible progress.
- Cited lack of clarity and cooperation in the complaint procedure; parents/students don't feel safe coming forward and are met with defensiveness.
- Criticized the Kid Chatline for having a prerecorded message that threatens consequences for false statements, which she said dissuades credible reporters from leaving complaints.
- Requested:
1. Independent audit of the district's handling of the matter
2. Board interest in expediting resolution
3. Establishment of a taskforce for early detection and fast, independent investigation of physical/mental abuse of children
4. Redesign of the Kid Chatline to better capture complaints
Speaker 4: Gale Drummond
- Retired Conroe ISD educator (20+ years) and community taxpayer.
- Expressed strong support for the bond referendum.
- Praised CISD's reputation for educational quality, financial integrity, and transparency.
- Noted CISD's tax rate is the second lowest in the greater Houston area, and would remain so even with the bond tax increase.
- Highlighted key bond items: Conroe HS reconfiguration (moving front entrance away from Hwy 105, connecting buildings), Caney Creek HS improvements for anticipated 6A growth, and CTE facility additions at Grand Oaks, Oak Ridge, The Woodlands, and College Park (eliminating student travel to Conroe for CTE courses and opening more seats).
- Commended the Bond Planning Committee for their work.
- Stated she is voting yes for the bond.
Item 9 — Naming of School Principals (Moved Up on Agenda)
Dr. Null recognized retiring principals Mr. Tommy Johnson and Ms. Judy Mills, who have a combined 87 years of experience.
Item 9A — Bush Elementary Principal
Recommendation: Dr. Jarod Lambert (previously Assistant Principal at Hailey Elementary; also served in District Technology Department).
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Dr. Lambert gave emotional remarks thanking colleagues, his wife Rachel (a high school administrator), son Charles, sister Tanya, and parents Cindy and Tom Lambert.
Item 9B — Oak Ridge High School Principal
Recommendation: Dr. AJ Livecchi (previously Principal of Oak Ridge 9th Grade Campus for three years).
Dr. Null noted the importance of the 9th grade campus in improving Oak Ridge's performance, as three of five tested high school subjects are taken in 9th grade.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Dr. Livecchi thanked outgoing principal Tommy Johnson and the Oak Ridge family. He shared anecdotes about his wife, who previously taught at Irons Junior High (a feeder school), and noted his children will attend schools in the Oak Ridge feeder zone.
Consent Agenda (Item 3)
Vote: Approved unanimously. No items were pulled for separate discussion.
Item 4 — Curriculum & Instruction: Certification of Instructional Materials
Presenter: Dr. Chris Hines, Superintendent
Texas Education Agency requires annual Board/Superintendent certification that all students have access to instructional materials covering all Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). This includes ordering new books, replacing damaged/older books, renewing subscriptions, replacing consumables, and certifying funds are spent according to allotment conditions (technology, instructional materials, or supporting personnel).
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 5A — West Interactive Service Corporation (SchoolMessenger) Purchase
Presenter: Sarah Leichlock
Recommended replacing current Blackboard system with SchoolMessenger (owned by West Corporation) for mass communication needs (emergency messaging, school closings, lunch balances, routine communications).
Key reasons for switch:
- More robust infrastructure — can send 70,000+ messages simultaneously without delays
- During Hurricane Harvey, SchoolMessenger used only 1% of capacity
- Extended text character limits (critical for emergency communications)
- Better customer/tech support
- Used by school districts nationally, including HISD
Cost: Not to exceed $71,000 (first year includes $1,200 setup fee; annual cost thereafter ~$69,750 vs. current Blackboard cost of $68,900). Approximately $5,000 more per year for significantly enhanced capabilities.
Transition plan: Begin training end of school year/summer; run both systems simultaneously; full switch to SchoolMessenger by September 1.
Four or five vendors were evaluated; SchoolMessenger selected as best value.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 5B — Capital Improvement Updates (Informational)
Presenter: Mr. Foster
Suchma Elementary (New School)
- Scheduled to open August 2019 — on schedule
- Paving 99% complete; roof 100% dry; interior finishing underway
- Running approximately double normal manpower to make up for storm delays in Q1
Austin Elementary (Building Addition/Renovation)
- Scheduled to complete August 2019 — on schedule
- New building roof nearing completion; interior finishes progressing
- Demolition of original building portions to begin this summer
- All mature trees on site will be preserved — extra care being taken during demolition
- Western drive lane will become wider once old building is removed; fire access will encircle the building
Stockton Junior High (New School)
- Scheduled to open August 2020 — on schedule
- Structure 100% complete; roof deck ~90%; roof concrete ~20%
- Athletic fields are critical path — track area well-defined; natural grass fields being established
- Interior work (masonry, mechanical, fireproofing) progressing rapidly
Conroe High School (Renovation)
- New building addition opened for spring semester; interior renovation of main campus underway
- New concrete block delivered for second floor hallways/classrooms
- Second floor expected to reopen for fall semester
- First floor renovation to begin when school is out and continue through end of December 2019
- On schedule
Lifecycle Projects:
- Houser Elementary: Roof replacement ~90% complete (white cap sheet for energy efficiency)
- Rice Elementary: Roof replacement ~30% complete, on schedule
- Giesinger: Finished metal going back on roof; taking advantage of upcoming holiday weekend to advance progress
Item 6A — RFQ #19-02-09: Musical Instruments, Equipment & Supplies
Presenter: Jared Rice
Award to 13 vendors for musical instruments, equipment, and supplies for Suchma Elementary opening needs and district-wide critical needs. Annual estimated expenditure of $455,000 (one-time, not recurring at this level).
- 27 vendors solicited; 17 submitted responses
- Evaluated by Fine Arts Department and Purchasing Department
- Funded from General Fund and Capital Projects Fund
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 6B — 2019-2020 Employee Group Health Insurance Program
Presenter: Dr. Curtis Null
Employee Benefits Committee and HR Benefits Team (Dr. Sharpells, Paula Greene, Tiffany Matfeld) recognized for their work.
Key highlights:
- Self-funded health insurance program with UnitedHealthcare as new third party administrator
- Addition of Kelsey ACO/Charter Network with substantially lower premiums — savings of $480/year for employee-only coverage
- Nexus Network tiered model: Tier 1 = Memorial Hermann ACO; Tier 2 = United Choice Open Access Network
- No premium increases on the standard plan
- Total projected health plan cost: $48.9 million (no increase over prior year)
- District funds 59%; employee premiums fund 41%
Board members noted this is a recruiting/retention tool and praised the achievement of no premium increases.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 6E — Financial Reports (March 2019)
Presenter: Jared Rice
- Cash & Investments (General Fund): $338.9 million total
- Cash on hand: $500
- Bank deposits: $239,000
- State pools: $166 million
- Woodforest National Bank: $121.2 million
- TCG Investment Advisors: $51.1 million
- Property tax collections remain strong
- Self-funded insurance plan: Revenues $29 million; Expenses $27.5 million; Net positive $1.5 million (with acknowledgment that summer months are heavy expense months)
- Wellness Centers: Averaging 556 visits per month
- Investment portfolio: Par value $512 million; combined yield 2.57% (benchmark 90-day T-bill at 2.35%); weighted average maturity of 34 days
Executive Session / Complaint Hearings
Complaint Appeal — Patrice Ward (Item 10A)
- Complaint against Conroe ISD and staff of The Woodlands High School
- Hearing held in closed session (Texas Government Code §551.074 and §551.0821) due to complaints against employees and potential disclosure of student information
- Also consulted with board attorney (§551.071)
- Entered executive session at 8:07 PM; reconvened in open session at 8:35 PM
Vote: Board unanimously moved to uphold the decisions of the Level One and Level Two hearing officers and deny all relief not previously granted. Written notice to be sent to Ms. Ward.
Notable: Ms. Ward was heard saying "See you next month" after the vote.
Complaint Appeal — Joshua Jaros (Item 10B)
- Complaint against Conroe ISD and two staff members from Birnham Woods Elementary
- Hearing held in closed session (§551.074) with attorney consultation (§551.071)
- Entered executive session at 8:38 PM; reconvened in open session at 9:34 PM
Vote: Board unanimously moved to uphold the decisions of the Level One and Level Two hearing officers and deny all relief not previously granted. Written confirmation to be sent to Mr. Jaros.
Item 10C — Termination of Probationary Employee Contract
- Board voted to immediately terminate the probationary contract of Richard Chiamulera for good cause.
- The superintendent had recommended termination the prior month; notice was given; the employee did not request a hearing; the requisite number of days had passed.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 10D — Removed from Agenda
- The final personnel item was removed because the employee had resigned their position, making the item no longer necessary.
Meeting Adjourned
Motion to adjourn was made and seconded. Meeting adjourned following the conclusion of all business items.
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Description | Result |
|------|-------------|--------|
| Consent Agenda | All consent items | Unanimous approval |
| Item 4 | Certification of Instructional Materials | Unanimous approval |
| Item 5A | SchoolMessenger Communication System | Unanimous approval |
| Item 6A | Musical Instruments RFQ (13 vendors, $455K) | Unanimous approval |
| Item 6B | 2019-2020 Employee Health Insurance | Unanimous approval |
| Item 9A | Dr. Jarod Lambert — Principal, Bush Elementary | Unanimous approval |
| Item 9B | Dr. AJ Livecchi — Principal, Oak Ridge HS | Unanimous approval |
| Item 10A | Ward complaint appeal — uphold hearing officers | Unanimous — relief denied |
| Item 10B | Jaros complaint appeal — uphold hearing officers | Unanimous — relief denied |
| Item 10C | Terminate probationary contract (Chiamulera) | Unanimous approval |
| Item 10D | Personnel item | Removed (employee resigned) |