April 21, 2020 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2020-04-21
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-27 22:25 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
April 21, 2020 | Via Zoom Video Conference
Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript. This meeting was held virtually pursuant to Governor Abbott's March 16, 2020 temporary suspension of certain portions of the Texas Open Meetings Act due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Board members were not gathered in a central physical location but participated via video conference and/or telephone.
Board Members Present (by video/phone)
- President Williams
- Mr. Ray Sanders
- Mr. Moore
- Mr. Husbands
- Mr. Skeeter Hubert
- Mr. Dale Inman
- (At least a quorum confirmed present; additional members may have been on the call)
Opening
- Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance led by Trustee Ray Sanders (Item 1A & 1B)
Public Comments (Item 1 — Citizen Participation)
One public comment was submitted electronically and read aloud by Mrs. Gladys:
- Wendy Mauer (Parent): Expressed concern that her child with disabilities is not receiving the special education and related services identified in his IEP during the school closure. She cited TEA guidance stating that if schools provide educational opportunities to the general student population during closure, students with disabilities must have equal access, including provision of FAPE. She requested the district establish IEP distance learning plan supplements and offered to collaborate on addressing her child's needs.
Consent Agenda (Item 2)
No items were pulled for separate discussion.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (motion and second from the floor)
Human Resources Items (Item 8 — Moved Up on Agenda)
The board moved HR items up from Item 8 to Item 3 position on the agenda. Dr. Null noted that all candidates being recommended are current Conroe ISD employees.
8A — Principal of Irons Junior High School
- Recommendation: Robert MacFarlane (currently Assistant Principal at Irons Junior High)
- Motion: Mr. Moore | Second: Mr. Hubert
- Vote: Approved unanimously
- Mr. MacFarlane addressed the board, thanking outgoing Principal Jeff Fuller for mentorship. He introduced his son Ethan and daughter Emma; his wife was working at a veterinary emergency clinic.
8B — Principal of McCullough Junior High School
- Recommendation: Jill Houser (currently Principal of The Woodlands High School Ninth Grade Campus)
- Dr. Null noted McCullough is one of the largest junior highs in the state and one of the highest performing. Ms. Houser is a McCullough alumna (attended when it first opened in 1976).
- Motion: Mr. Husbands | Second: Mr. Sanders
- Vote: Approved unanimously
- Ms. Houser addressed the board, recognizing outgoing principal Chris McCord and several mentors. She shared she has been a Highlander since 1976 as a member of the third graduating class.
8C — Principal of Conroe High School Ninth Grade Campus
- Recommendation: James "Buddy" Bush (currently Assistant Principal at The Woodlands High School Ninth Grade Campus)
- Dr. Null noted the position opened because Bryan Gorka accepted the principal position at Stockton Junior High. The campus wanted someone with high energy similar to Mr. Gorka.
- Motion: Mr. Moore | Second: Mr. Inman
- Vote: Approved unanimously
- Mr. Bush addressed the board with his wife Ashley and two sons Jackson and Dru. Several board members who are Conroe Tigers offered congratulations.
8D — Director of Elementary Education
- Recommendation: Lisa Garrison (currently Principal at Powell Elementary)
- Dr. Null noted she has served as principal at Lamar Elementary and most recently at Powell, and is well-respected throughout Conroe ISD. This position works alongside Dr. Phillips to oversee the district's 40 elementary schools.
- Motion: Mr. Sanders | Second: Mr. Husbands
- Vote: Approved unanimously
- Mrs. Garrison addressed the board, noting her 24-year career in CISD. She thanked her family including husband Chris and children.
8E — Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
- Recommendation: Dr. Hedith Sauceda-Upshaw (currently Director in the Curriculum & Instruction department)
- Dr. Null stated this is a promotion from Director to a new Assistant Superintendent position, noting the district's size warrants this role. He highlighted that the CNI department's distance learning materials are being used by school districts across the nation.
- Motion: Mr. Hubert | Second: Mr. Moore
- Vote: Approved unanimously
- Dr. Upshaw delivered an emotional address, thanking numerous mentors and dedicating the honor to her family. Her parents and sister joined via iPad. She shared a Spanish quote by Paulo Freire about education changing people who will change the world.
Administration Items (Item 3)
3A — Second Emergency Resolution Related to COVID-19 Pandemic
Presented by Mrs. Gladys. Key provisions:
- Suspends response timelines for complaints filed under board policies DGBA, FNG, and GF (does NOT affect initial filing or appeal timelines)
- Establishes that a "day" for job posting purposes is any day on which virtual instruction is offered
- Confirms district offices are currently closed (reopening depends on forthcoming state guidance)
- Authorizes Dr. Null to waive policies or parts of policies after consulting with President Williams if necessary to operate during the evolving health emergency
- Requires Dr. Null to periodically report to the board on any actions taken under either emergency resolution
- Motion: Mr. Husbands | Second: Mr. Hubert
- Vote: Approved unanimously
3B — Authorization to Submit Educator Appraisal Waiver Application to TEA
Presented by Dr. Hines. The Commissioner of Education has authority to grant waivers for teacher, principal, and campus administrator appraisal requirements due to COVID-19 disruptions. While many appraisals have been completed, many have not. The District Level Planning and Decision Making Committee approved the application.
Discussion: Mr. Moore asked whether the district is conducting any informal evaluations to recognize creative teaching during the pandemic. Dr. Hines confirmed that while some teachers won't receive formal scores, feedback will still be provided through the process and walkthroughs already completed.
- Motion: Mr. Moore | Second: Mr. Sanders
- Vote: Approved unanimously
Planning & Construction Items (Item 4)
Presented by Mr. Easy Foster.
4A — Selection of Construction Manager at Risk: New Elementary in Conroe HS Feeder Zone (Flex 21)
- Seven firms responded to RFQ; four were shortlisted for step two
- Recommendation: Duratech Incorporated (best value)
- Location: McCaleb Road, approximately 2 miles south of Highway 105
- School will be K–6 (confirmed by Dr. Hines based on growth projections around Stewart Elementary)
- Motion: Mr. Moore | Second: Mr. Inman
- Vote: Approved unanimously
4B — Selection of Service Providers for Asbestos Abatement and Mold Remediation Services
- Creates a pre-qualified vendor pool (no guarantee of work for any single vendor); vendors will provide competitive quotes for individual projects as they arise
- Motion: Mr. Husbands | Second: Mr. Sanders
- Vote: Approved unanimously
4C — Guaranteed Maximum Price: Campus Renovation 2020
- GMP: $6,041,605
- Contractor: GTT Inc. (CM at Risk) with DLR Group (architect)
- Work includes: Glen Loch Elementary HVAC replacement (major portion), Kaufman driveway expansion for car rider line, repaving back driveway serving Wilkinson/Knox JH/Woodlands Transportation Center, annual athletic facilities improvements (tracks, tennis courts, gym floors)
- Motion: Mr. Moore | Second: Mr. Husbands
- Vote: Approved unanimously
4D — Guaranteed Maximum Price: Safety and Security 2020 (2019 Bond Project)
- GMP: $4,249,991
- Contractor: Ellisor Constructors (CM at Risk) with PBJ (architect)
- Work includes: distributed antenna systems for first responder radio signals, fire alarm upgrades, security system upgrades, access control, camera upgrades, vestibule improvements, security lighting, fencing
- Primary locations: McCullough JH, Moorhead JH, Milam Elementary, Grangerland Intermediate, Police Command Center on Loop 336
- Motion: Mr. Hubert | Second: Mr. Husbands
- Vote: Approved unanimously
4E — Guaranteed Maximum Price: Runyon Elementary PE Classroom Addition (2019 Bond)
- GMP: $5,177,974
- Contractor: GTT Inc. (CM at Risk) with DLR Group (architect)
- Addition includes a dedicated gymnasium (freeing the cafeteria from double duty), new library space, and conversion of current library back to classrooms
- Located on the north side of the building where portable buildings were relocated
- Discussion: Mr. Sanders asked about the location, portables, and cost. Mr. Foster confirmed the price came in under budget targets. Dr. Hines noted portables will likely still be needed until rezoning occurs when Flex 21 opens.
- Motion: Mr. Sanders | Second: Mr. Husbands
- Vote: Approved unanimously
4F — Guaranteed Maximum Price: Washington Junior High Conversion to High School
- GMP: $4,091,348
- Contractor: GTT Inc. (CM at Risk) with IBI Group (architect)
- Conversion will occur once Stockton Junior High opens
- Motion: Mr. Husbands | Second: (from the floor)
- Vote: Approved unanimously
4G — Guaranteed Maximum Price: York Junior High School Addition (2019 Bond)
- GMP: $16,093,030
- Contractor: Marshall Construction (CM at Risk) with PBJ Architects
- A much more complex addition than the Irons JH addition — extends the full length of the back wall, increasing capacity for science labs, art labs, classrooms, fine arts, and athletics
- Discussion: Mr. Husbands asked about the significant price difference compared to Irons. Mr. Foster explained Irons was a simple 8-classroom addition on a building designed for it, while York's addition is far more extensive.
- Motion: (from the floor) | Second: (from the floor)
- Vote: Approved unanimously
4H — Capital Update (Information Only)
Mr. Foster provided a visual update:
- Stockton Junior High: On time for August 2020 opening. Landscaping/irrigation work underway outside; interior finishing (ceiling tiles, etc.) progressing. Furniture delivery scheduled for June. City being flexible with inspections despite COVID-19 limitations.
- Flex School 20 (new elementary, Caney Creek HS feeder): Foundation drilling underway; underground utilities being installed. On schedule for August 2021 opening.
Business & Finance Items (Item 5)
Presented by Mr. Rick Reeves (Items A–C) and Mr. Darrin Rice (Items D–E).
5A — Copier and Duplicator Equipment Rental (RFP 20-01-06)
- Awarded to: Xerox Business Solutions Southwest (Dayhill Office Technology Corporation)
- Estimated annual expenditure: $850,000
- Three-year term with option for two additional one-year renewals (through June 30, 2025)
- Anticipated savings: Approximately $28,000 per year vs. previous contract
- Motion: Mr. Sanders | Second: Mr. Moore
- Vote: Approved unanimously
5B — Water and Wastewater Plant Operation Services (RFP 20-01-07)
- Awarded to: Texas Operations and Professional Services (Tayhas Environmental Enterprises LLC)
- Estimated annual expenditure: $150,000
- Covers three water facilities, three wastewater facilities, and three lift stations
- Two-year term with option for three additional one-year renewals (through April 30, 2025)
- Motion: Mr. Husbands | Second: Mr. Hubert
- Vote: Approved unanimously
5C — Musical Instruments, Equipment and Supplies (RFQ 20-01-10)
- For Stockton Junior High opening and annual critical needs purchases
- Estimated annual expenditure: $1,060,000
- Awarded to multiple attached vendors (existing awarded vendors from February 2018 bid)
- Funded from general fund and capital projects fund
- Motion: Mr. Moore | Second: Mr. Sanders
- Vote: Approved unanimously
5D — 2020–2021 Employee Group Health Program
Presented by Mr. Darrin Rice.
Key details of the self-funded health insurance program:
- Total projected health plan cost: $52 million (5.75% increase over prior year)
- District funds 57% of costs; employees fund 43% through premiums
- Plan design changes (highlighted in red on presentation):
- Office visit copays increasing $5 (e.g., $30→$35 on United Kelsey plan)
- Specialist copays increasing $5 (e.g., $45→$50)
- Out-of-pocket maximum increased from $5,000 to $6,250
- All copays generally increasing by $5 across plans
- Prescription drug plan: No changes recommended; outperformed expectations, saving an estimated $1.5 million
- Plan design changes generate approximately $1.5 million in savings; premium increases generate the remaining $3 million needed
- No changes to stop-loss deductible
- Kelsey-Seybold has opened a new practice in the Conroe area and is planning to build a full clinic
- Changes come with unanimous recommendation from the Employee Benefits Committee
Discussion: Board members asked about copay changes, out-of-pocket maximum increases, and stop-loss deductible (unchanged).
- Motion: Mr. Husbands | Second: Mr. Hubert
- Vote: Approved unanimously
5E — Financial Report (Month Ended March 31)
Presented by Karen Garza. Key highlights:
General Fund:
- Total cash and investments: $373.4 million
- State pools: $200 million
- Short-term investments: $44.6 million
- Woodforest National Bank: $76.2 million
- TCG Investment Advisors (longer-term): $51.9 million
- Payroll: $221.7 million (largest expenditure)
- Projected year-end fund balance: $152 million (increase of ~$11.9 million, slightly down from prior month due to declining investment income)
- Transportation funding loss of ~$2 million expected (funding based on miles driven; partially offset by expenditure savings)
- State funding expected to flow on normal schedule; TEA using historical ADA data for last 9 weeks
Child Nutrition Fund:
- Projected fund balance decrease of $1.6 million due to lost food sale revenue during closure
- 413,000 total meals distributed through Tuesday/Thursday distributions
- Averaging ~50,000 meals on Thursdays, ~34,000 on Tuesdays
- March reimbursement claim filed: $450,000
- April claim anticipated: ~$1 million (note: transcript says "$100 million" which appears to be a speaking error)
- Trending toward ~350,000 meals distributed in April
Self-Funded Insurance:
- Monthly revenue: $4 million; expense: $4.18 million; monthly loss of $91,000
- Year-to-date net loss: $460,000
- Wellness Center participation down in March due to spring break closure and COVID-19 visit limitations
Investments (as of March 31):
- Par value: $627 million
- Combined portfolio yield: 1.63% (WAM: 49 days)
- 90-day T-bill benchmark: 0.68%
- Pools yielding 1.58% (down to 1.32% as of the meeting morning)
Discussion: Mr. Moore asked about potential state funding delays — Ms. Garza confirmed no delays expected. Mr. Hubert noted the significant decline in the T-bill benchmark from near 2% just months prior. Mr. Rice noted the district decreased budgeted investment income by $1.75 million for next year's budget.
Legal Items (Item 9)
Non-Renewal of Term Employment Contract
- The board had accepted Dr. Null's recommendation to non-renew a term contract at the March meeting for performance issues
- The employee did not request a hearing within the legally prescribed timeframe
- Action: Board voted to non-renew the term employment contract, with the last day being the last day of the school year, and directed the Superintendent to provide notice of the action
- Motion: Mr. Husbands
- Vote: Approved unanimously
Executive Session
No executive session was held.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn at 7:17 p.m.
Summary of Votes
| Item | Description | Result |
|------|-------------|--------|
| 2 | Consent Agenda | Unanimous |
| 8A | Principal — Irons JH (Robert MacFarlane) | Unanimous |
| 8B | Principal — McCullough JH (Jill Houser) | Unanimous |
| 8C | Principal — Conroe HS 9th Grade (Buddy Bush) | Unanimous |
| 8D | Director of Elementary Ed (Lisa Garrison) | Unanimous |
| 8E | Asst. Superintendent Teaching & Learning (Dr. Hedith Sauceda-Upshaw) | Unanimous |
| 3A | Second Emergency Resolution (COVID-19) | Unanimous |
| 3B | Educator Appraisal Waiver Application | Unanimous |
| 4A | CM at Risk — Flex 21 Elementary (Duratech) | Unanimous |
| 4B | Abatement/Mold Remediation Vendor Pool | Unanimous |
| 4C | GMP — Campus Renovation 2020 ($6.04M) | Unanimous |
| 4D | GMP — Safety & Security 2020 ($4.25M) | Unanimous |
| 4E | GMP — Runyon Elementary Addition ($5.18M) | Unanimous |
| 4F | GMP — Washington JH Conversion ($4.09M) | Unanimous |
| 4G | GMP — York JH Addition ($16.09M) | Unanimous |
| 5A | Copier/Duplicator Rental (Xerox/Dayhill) | Unanimous |
| 5B | Water/Wastewater Services (Tayhas) | Unanimous |
| 5C | Musical Instruments & Supplies ($1.06M) | Unanimous |
| 5D | 2020–21 Employee Group Health Program | Unanimous |
| 9 | Non-Renewal of Term Contract | Unanimous |
All items passed unanimously with no opposition or abstentions recorded.