March 17, 2020 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2020-03-17
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-27 22:21 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting — March 17, 2020
Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript. They are not official minutes and may contain errors or omissions.
Opening
- Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. with a quorum present.
- Invocation delivered by Mr. Hosbins, who offered a prayer specifically referencing the COVID-19 situation and asking for protection for students, teachers, administrators, and parents.
- Pledges of Allegiance (U.S. and Texas) recited.
- Senior Citizen Participation: No one registered to speak.
Item 9 — Human Resources: Naming of Personnel (Taken Out of Order)
The board moved Item 9 to the front of the agenda. Dr. Null presented five personnel recommendations, noting all were current CISD employees being promoted to new roles. Social distancing was observed; an overflow room was available for families in attendance.
A. Principal of Armstrong Elementary — Teresa Waller
- Background: Current assistant principal at Sam Houston Elementary. She replaces Patricia Thacker, who is moving to Craton. Armstrong was described as one of the district's highest-performing elementaries.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
- Ms. Waller thanked the board, introduced her mother Joyce Tolliver and husband Randy, and expressed her commitment to the Armstrong community.
B. Principal of BB Rice Elementary — Melissa Skiba
- Background: Current assistant principal at BB Rice Elementary, hired two years ago from Clear Creek ISD. She replaces a principal moving to Wilkinson Elementary.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
- Ms. Skiba thanked her husband Sean, sons Ryder and Tyler, parents Phil and Trisha Chauncey, and outgoing principal Melinda Stewart.
C. Director of School Improvement and Leadership Transformation — Jeff Fuller
- Background: Longtime CISD principal at both elementary and junior high levels, including Irons Junior High. He joins Dr. Tamika Taylor and Mr. Hartwell Browne on the school improvement team.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
- Mr. Fuller thanked his wife and mentioned his five youngest children were present. He has 25 years in education and expressed excitement about the new role.
D. Director of Human Resources — Paula Green
- Background: Current central office employee, previously principal at Ford Elementary. Replaces the retiring Dr. Cathy Sharples (40+ years of service). Has worked in HR for eight years under Dr. Sharples' mentorship.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
- Ms. Green delivered extended remarks thanking mentors including JJ Doll, Dr. Don Stockton, Dr. Kathy Gibson, Dr. Chris Heinz, Kerry Gladys, and Dr. Jean Stewart. She introduced her husband Jerry, daughter Terrica (Oak Ridge 2014/Texas A&M 2018 graduate, now an electrical engineer), and son Dexter (Oak Ridge High School student).
E. Executive Director of Operations — Chris McCord
- Background: Principal of McCullough Junior High, replacing the retiring Mr. Kaykerr. Described as a gifted communicator and planner. 22-year CISD employee who also served as principal at Branch Crossing Junior High.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
- Mr. McCord thanked his wife Angie (a two-decade CISD staff member) and pledged to build a culture of improvement and finding ways to say yes.
F. Assistant Superintendent of Middle Schools — Dr. Shelley Winkler
- Background: This is a new position created to better support students transitioning from 6th to 7th grade. Dr. Winkler previously served as Elementary Director. She will work with Mr. Colson and Dr. Phillips.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
- Dr. Winkler shared a personal story about being assigned middle school campers at HEB Foundation Camp and how that experience shaped her career. She introduced her parents, sisters, husband Mike, twin daughters Ryan and Reilly (2019 College Park graduates), and son Brayden (4th grader).
The board took a five-minute recess at approximately 6:35 p.m. to allow families to celebrate.
Item 2 — Emergency Resolution Related to COVID-19
Dr. Null's Update on District Status:
- Schools closed through April 10th based on coordination with Montgomery County Public Health, county judge/commissioners, and state/national leaders.
- This is not an extended spring break — students are expected to continue learning. Staff will transition to new teaching methods starting the following week.
- Meal distribution: 10 sites operated on the first day (March 17), distributing over 20,000 meals. Thursday distribution would cover three days. Community volunteers have exceeded capacity needs.
- Internet equity: The district pledged that all students would have equal access to education regardless of internet connectivity, using alternative mechanisms as needed.
- A Facebook Live update is planned for Thursday at 6:00 p.m., including guidance on stress/anxiety from Denise Cipolla, Coordinator of Guidance and Counseling.
- The previous night's Facebook Live announcement had approximately 78,000 views.
Emergency Resolution (presented by Ms. Gladys):
The resolution grants Dr. Null broad emergency authority, including:
1. Implement new work/reporting policies
2. Continue payment of all employees during emergency closures (teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, nurses, long-term substitutes, part-time retirees — all employees)
3. Alter the school calendar without board approval
4. Set/alter absence and leave policies related to COVID-19
5. Seek TEA waivers related to school closures
6. Declare emergency for Open Records Act response timelines
7. Make emergency purchases and seek board approval retroactively at the next meeting
Duration: Until the emergency no longer exists or school resumes.
Board Discussion:
- A board member asked about follow-up reporting to the board on actions taken under the resolution. Dr. Null publicly assured that all decisions would be communicated to the board as quickly as possible. Board members expressed satisfaction with this public assurance without requiring a formal amendment.
- Employee pay clarification: Dr. Null confirmed this covers all employees — not just teachers. Special circumstances include long-term substitutes (included) but not one-off substitute assignments. Part-time/49% retiree employees are also included.
- Funding: TEA committed to continuing funding at current levels, contingent on the district making efforts to educate children during closure. Dr. Null must personally sign an attestation to this effect. The district does not anticipate a financial hardship from this.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
Item 3 — Consent Agenda
- No items pulled for separate discussion.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
Item 4 — Curriculum & Instruction: Adoption of Instructional Materials for English Language Arts
Dr. Opshalt presented the recommendation from the district committee for secondary language arts materials, including:
- General ELA materials from listed vendors
- 7th/8th grade English Language Learners materials
- 9th/10th grade ELL materials
- ELA elective materials
This followed a presentation to the board in October about the adoption process.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
Item 5 — Administration/Construction
A. Construction Manager at Risk — Creighton Elementary Overhaul
- Part of the November 2019 bond referendum.
- IBI Group prepared the RFQ; four contractors responded; all four participated in step two.
- Selected: Ellisor Constructors (determined to be best value).
- Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
B. Construction Manager at Risk — Oak Ridge High School & South County CTE Center
- Also part of the November 2019 bond referendum.
- IBI Group prepared the RFQ; six contractors responded; five invited to step two (state law limits to five).
- Selected: Duratec Incorporated (determined to be best value).
Board Discussion:
- Mr. Sanders asked about the South County CTE Center footprint and location. Mr. Foster indicated it is generally planned for the tennis court side of the Senior I campus but noted the location could change significantly based on ongoing discussions with the City and County. CTE programs planned include automotive technology and engineering design, though specifics are still being developed with the CTE Department.
- The board was told more detailed options would be presented in the near future.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
C. Job Order Contracting — 2020 Summer Kitchen Renovation Project (GTT)
- Selects job order contracting as the procurement method and GTT as the vendor.
- GTT has performed this work successfully for CISD in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
- Total: $897,150 for kitchen upgrades at:
- David Elementary
- Gladys Elementary
- Conroe High School Ninth Grade Campus
- The Woodlands High School Ninth Grade Campus
- College Park High School
- A board member noted cost efficiency of using job order contracting over CMR for repeat work.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
D. Supplier Selection — Campus Renovation 2020 Equipment Package
- Approximately $400,000 for chillers, pumps, air handlers, air terminal units, fan coil power boxes, etc.
- Long lead-time equipment being ordered now due to compressed schedule from the November bond election.
- Equipment contracts will be assigned to the general contractor; the full GMP will come to the board at a future meeting.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
E. Capital Improvement Update (Informational)
Stockton Junior High School:
- Scheduled to open August 2020; currently over 80% complete and on schedule.
- Interior finishing underway: color, light fixtures, floor tiles in athletics area, carpet stockpiled for classrooms, casework being installed.
- Exterior site work cleaning up.
Flex School #20:
- Ground broken after last board meeting approval.
- Located in Granger Pines neighborhood on FM 3083.
- Building pad construction completed during spring break.
- Scheduled to open August 2021; on schedule.
Item 6 — Business & Finance
A. CSP 20-01-08: Maintenance Repair & Operations Job Order Contract for Technology Services
- Competitive sealed proposals released through the Gordian Group.
- Covers structured cabling, audio-visual installation, voice/data systems, electronic safety and security installation, etc.
- Estimated annual expenditure: $250,000
- Pricing firm through March 31, 2021, with four optional one-year renewal terms through March 31, 2025.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
B. 2020-2021 Teacher Hiring Schedule
- Recommended by the Tasbeeh Compensation Group.
- Key provisions:
- 3% general pay increase on midpoint for teachers, librarians, nurses, and counselors
- Starting teacher salary: $57,000
- Existing teachers receive a $1,800 salary increase
- Teachers with 2–15 years of experience receive additional targeted adjustments of $150 to $900
- Total cost: approximately $7.7 million (part of the budget presented at the February workshop)
Board Discussion:
- Board members asked why other employee groups were not included. Dr. Null explained that teacher schedules are approved early due to the recruitment timeline, while other positions (custodians, cafeteria workers, administrative staff, principals) will be brought later in the budget process. The current budget anticipates 3% for other employees and 3.5% for auxiliary employees.
- A board member noted that with the job fair canceled due to COVID-19, approving the schedule now may be even more important since hiring will be done on a one-off basis rather than at a single large event.
- The district also needs to hire pre-K teachers for the coming year in addition to normal attrition replacements.
Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
C. Financial Reports (Month Ended February 29, 2020)
Balance Sheet / Cash & Investments (General Fund):
- Total cash and investments: $401.4 million
- State pool investments: $257.9M
- Woodforest National Bank: $76.1M
- Longer-term (TCG Investment Advisors): $51.8M
- Short-term investments: $14.8M
Tax Collections:
- 96.03% of total levy of $468.5M collected (ahead of prior year's 95.88%)
Self-Funded Insurance:
- February net loss: $435,000 (revenue $4.1M vs. expenditures $4.5M)
- Year-to-date (fiscal year) net loss: $354,000
- Wellness center participation averaging 580 year-to-date
- An adjustment is anticipated
Child Nutrition:
- Food sales revenue of $5.8M year-to-date. TEA indicated it will fully fund meal distributions during closure, so no major budget shortfall is expected despite loss of direct food sales.
Investments:
- Pool yield: 1.764%
- Woodforest: 1.75%
- Short-term: 1.811% (WAM 177 days)
- TCG longer-term: 2.0%
- Combined portfolio: 1.781% (WAM 37 days)
- Benchmark 90-day T-bill: 1.273%
- Board members noted yields are expected to drop 50–75 basis points in coming months. The district has taken steps to purchase additional short-term investments to lock in current yields.
Executive Session
- The board entered closed session at 7:12 p.m. under Texas Government Code sections 551.071, 551.072, 551.074, and 551.082.
Actions Following Executive Session
Item 10 — Approval of Contract for Sale of Property to City of Conroe
- Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
Personnel Actions:
Non-Renewal of Term Contract — Linda Pedona:
- The board approved the superintendent's recommendation to propose non-renewal per board policy DFBB Local. A hearing will be conducted by the Board of Trustees, and the superintendent was authorized to provide notice.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
Termination of Probationary Contract — Sarah Enezer:
- The board approved termination of the probationary contract at end of term in the best interest of the district. The superintendent was authorized to provide notice.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote)
Meeting Adjourned
(Time not explicitly stated in transcript)
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Action | Result |
|------|--------|--------|
| Armstrong Elementary Principal (Teresa Waller) | Approved | Unanimous |
| BB Rice Elementary Principal (Melissa Skiba) | Approved | Unanimous |
| Director of School Improvement (Jeff Fuller) | Approved | Unanimous |
| Director of Human Resources (Paula Green) | Approved | Unanimous |
| Executive Director of Operations (Chris McCord) | Approved | Unanimous |
| Asst. Superintendent of Middle Schools (Dr. Shelley Winkler) | Approved | Unanimous |
| COVID-19 Emergency Resolution | Approved | Unanimous |
| Consent Agenda | Approved | Unanimous |
| ELA Instructional Materials Adoption | Approved | Unanimous |
| CMR — Creighton Elementary (Ellisor Constructors) | Approved | Unanimous |
| CMR — Oak Ridge HS / South County CTE (Duratec Inc.) | Approved | Unanimous |
| Job Order Contract — Kitchen Renovations (GTT) | Approved | Unanimous |
| Campus Renovation Equipment Package | Approved | Unanimous |
| CSP 20-01-08 Technology Services | Approved | Unanimous |
| 2020-2021 Teacher Hiring Schedule | Approved | Unanimous |
| Sale of Property to City of Conroe | Approved | Unanimous |
| Non-Renewal — Linda Pedona | Approved | Unanimous |
| Termination — Sarah Enezer | Approved | Unanimous |
Key Themes
- COVID-19 response dominated discussion, with school closures through April 10, emergency powers granted to the superintendent, meal distribution for students, and plans for remote learning.
- Personnel celebrations featured prominently, with six internal promotions/appointments recognized.
- Bond projects from the November 2019 referendum are moving forward on schedule.
- All votes were unanimous across all items.