November 17, 2020 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2020-11-17
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 13:22 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
November 17, 2020
These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript of the board meeting. They are not official minutes.
1. Canvassing of Election Results
Board members Mr. Kidd and Mr. Husbands, as a quorum, declared the results of the November 3, 2020 Board of Trustees election as tabulated by the Montgomery County Elections Administrator to be final. The board clerk was directed to reflect the completed canvass in the minutes.
2. Awards and Recognitions
National Merit Scholarship Students
Assistant Superintendent for High Schools Greg Colschen recognized 29 National Merit Semifinalists in Conroe ISD for the Class of 2021. Students were not present due to social distancing but were recognized via an on-screen presentation. These students scored in the top 1% of approximately 1.5 million test-takers nationwide. Approximately 15,000 semifinalists nationally will learn in February 2021 if they advance to finalist status.
Recognition of Retiring Board Members
Scott Kidd (8 years of service)
- Dr. Null highlighted Mr. Kidd's advocacy for homeless students, his role in spearheading transportation assistance for families in need, and his involvement in launching the district's "paucity app" for purchasing items for students in need.
- Mr. Kidd's involvement with local FCA chapters and Fields of Faith was noted.
- Mr. Kidd is a Conroe High School alumnus and was described as someone whose words always carried impact.
- Mr. Kidd's remarks: He thanked Dr. Stockton, Dr. Null, Carrie Galatas, and fellow board members. He reflected on his family's deep roots in CISD (attending from 1970 onward) and encouraged the district to continue exhibiting "fruits of the spirit" — kindness, gentleness, patience, and love — in service to students.
John Husbands (16 years of service)
- Dr. Null described Mr. Husbands' extraordinary campus presence, noting he would visit as many as 25 schools on the first day of school each year.
- Mr. Husbands was recognized for his championing of CTE programs and his personal relationships with newcomer students at Conroe Nine, where he regularly visited, brought meals, and built relationships.
- Mr. Husbands' remarks: He credited a mentor named Bob Rayboat for inspiring him to serve. He recounted the district's growth during his tenure: from a 1.73 tax rate, 4 feeder zones, 46 campuses, and 39,500 students in 2004 to a 1.2125 tax rate, 6 feeder zones, 65 campuses, and 65,000 students in 2020. He praised the district's financial stewardship (property debt ratio of 3.11) and challenged incoming board members to support the children and staff. He thanked Dr. Stockton and Dr. Null for their leadership.
The board recessed at 6:33 PM to allow attendees to congratulate the retiring members.
3. Swearing-In of New and Re-elected Trustees
Judge Jennifer Robin of the 14th District Court of Montgomery County administered the Statement of Elected Officer and Oath of Office. Judge Robin was introduced by her sister, Dr. Jamie Bone, Assistant Director of Human Resources for CISD.
The following trustees were sworn in:
- Datren Williams — Position 4 (re-elected; introduced wife Maya and sons Darren, 13, and Dillen, 11; son Daven unable to attend)
- Theresa Wagaman — Position 5 (new; introduced sons Scott and Nathan)
- Stacy Chase — Position 6 (new; introduced husband Kim, daughter Vivian, 6, and daughter Charlotte, 5)
- James Scott Moore — Position 7 (new; family unable to attend)
The board recessed at 6:54 PM and reconvened at 6:58 PM.
4. Citizen Participation
Anthony Nettuno — Elementary Classroom Size and Accommodations
Mr. Nettuno raised concerns about how classroom compositions account for students with disabilities and required accommodations. Key points:
- He argued the district does not adequately consider the number of accommodations required of teachers when setting classroom assignments.
- He noted that some classrooms are disproportionately loaded with students requiring accommodations, creating unfair burdens on certain teachers and potentially limiting all students' potential.
- He cited TEC Section 25.112C, which requires districts to consider teaching methodology and individual instruction needs when determining class sizes.
- He urged the district to monitor the number of accommodations per classroom and provide aides or support where risk profiles are high.
- He provided data on CISD fourth-grade classrooms and offered to share additional information.
5. Human Resources
Naming of Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Vote: Approved unanimously to name Tally Stout as the new CTE Director.
- Dr. Null recognized retiring CTE Director Greg Shipp for his years of service and dedication.
- Board member (Vice President Hubert) spoke on behalf of the board, thanking Mr. Shipp for his work keeping students in school and providing employment pathways.
- Ms. Stout previously worked at Region 6 Education Service Center. She introduced her husband, Shawn Steele, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
6. Consent Agenda
Vote: Approved unanimously as presented. No items were pulled for separate discussion.
7. Administration
A. 2021–2022 School Calendar Information (Information Only)
Dr. Chris Hines presented an overview of the calendar development process:
- The District Level Planning and Decision-Making Committee is responsible for developing the calendar.
- A recommendation is planned for the January 19, 2021 board meeting.
- Draft calendars will be posted on the website before Thanksgiving and remain through the holidays for public feedback.
Survey Results (approximately 9,500 responses this year; ~4,000 last year):
- ~70% like the current year's calendar
- Popular preferences include: starting mid-week, full week off at Thanksgiving, ending the semester before winter break, three consecutive weekends during winter break, an October holiday, ending the school year before Memorial Day
- If forced to choose, respondents prefer starting earlier to preserve holidays rather than starting later
- August 11 or 12 start dates were slightly more popular than August 16
- Early release days remain popular with staff
- 74% prefer a February holiday over a staff development day
- 80% prefer four staff development days at the start of the year with one in January
Key considerations: Balance of semester days (important to high school staff), spring break alignment with universities, and the District of Innovation (entering its 5th year) which allows an earlier start than the state-mandated fourth Monday in August.
Board member request: One board member asked the committee to consider making Election Day a student/staff holiday in even-numbered years (when major elections occur), citing positive feedback from the 2020 experience and campus tensions at polling locations in 2018.
B. Montgomery County CARES Act Funding for CISD
Dr. Null reported significant financial support from Montgomery County:
1. $341,500 — Previously allocated to cover the county's share of a technology order, allowing CISD to receive a $1.2 million technology order at no cost to local taxpayers (TEA covered 50%, county covered 25%, TEA waived remaining 25%).
2. ~$2.5 million — $40 per student allocation from county CARES Act funds (allocated a few weeks prior).
3. Over $16 million — An additional $260 per student allocation approved by Commissioners Court that morning (November 17, 2020).
Total county support: Approximately $19 million+ to Conroe ISD.
Use of funds: Flexible with no typical federal strings attached; funds under $500/student do not require a major federal audit. Funds can be used for PPE, cleaning supplies, additional health services and custodial staff, contact tracing, and to backfill budget deficits caused by the pandemic, potentially protecting jobs and district solvency.
Dr. Null publicly thanked County Judge Mark Keough and Commissioners Noack, Mata, Riley, and Metz for their investment and partnership.
Board clarification: No restrictions on fund use; no extraordinary reporting requirements.
8. Teaching and Learning
2019–2020 SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement, and High School Completion Results
Greg Colschen presented comprehensive college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) data:
Graduation (Class of 2019):
- 96.4% graduated on time (6% above state average)
- Less than 1% dropout rate (state average: 5%)
- ~2% returned to campus the following year; ~1% earned GED
National Merit (Class of 2021):
- 29 semifinalists (top 1% in Texas)
- 56 commended students (top 5%)
- 51 National Hispanic Scholars (top 2% of Hispanic test-takers)
SAT Results:
- Mean scores: 570 (reading/writing), 565 (math), 1135 (composite) — all above state and national averages
- 81% scored above 480 in reading; 71% above 530 in math
- 63% met both college readiness benchmarks
- Participation continued to grow even during the pandemic year
ACT Results:
- Participation lower than SAT; relatively stagnant in recent years
- Math scores traditionally highest among subject areas
Advanced Placement:
- Participation slightly down due to the pandemic (exams moved to virtual, shortened format)
- Percentage scoring 3+ comparable to national averages, exceeding state averages
- Most popular AP courses: Human Geography (freshman) and World History (sophomore)
Dual Credit:
- Over 1,100 students earned 17,000+ college credit hours through Lone Star College
Industry-Based Certifications:
- Down slightly due to pandemic (most testing occurs in spring)
- Over 200 certification opportunities available
Post-Graduation Plans (Class of 2020):
- 10% decrease in students planning to attend four-year universities
- Corresponding 10% increase in community college plans (attributed to pandemic/virtual learning making local options more attractive)
- ~2% planned military enlistment; 300+ total military enlistments
- Top university destinations: Texas A&M, Sam Houston State, University of Texas
CCMR (Class of 2019):
- 75% of students met CCMR status (state goal: 60% by 2030)
9. Planning and Construction — Capital Improvement Update
Mr. Foster provided updates on major construction projects:
| Project | Status | Expected Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Hope Elementary (FlexSchool #20, Green Giant feeder zone) | On schedule; roof nearing completion; permanent power operational; approaching dry condition | August 2021 |
| Runyon Elementary (Pre-K classrooms + PE addition) | Pre-K classrooms: dry condition, finishing interiors | Winter break 2020 (Pre-K classrooms); Spring semester for full remodel |
| York Junior High (Addition to increase capacity to ~2,000 students) | Structural steel and metal deck in progress; on schedule | August 2021 |
| The Woodlands College Park HS (2-story classroom addition to reduce portables) | Second floor concrete deck in place; exterior framing underway | August 2021 |
| The Woodlands HS (3-story classroom addition to reduce portables) | First floor slab and second floor deck down; exterior framing beginning | August 2021 |
Additional notes:
- York Junior High currently has 20+ portables on-site; some will be removed post-construction.
- Dr. Null noted the original bond committee considered building a second junior high in the York area (estimated $80M) but opted for the addition ($20M) to reduce costs. Future junior high capacity in the area may still be needed.
- Safety and security installations: 2020 phase wrapping up; 2021 phase to be bid in January.
- New junior high school bid and campus renovations bid underway.
10. Finance
A. Award of RFP 20-07-01: Employee Benefit Consulting Services
Vote: Approved unanimously to award the contract to Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. for $97,000 (annual, year-to-year contract with exit flexibility).
- Eight vendors submitted proposals; a six-member subcommittee evaluated bids.
- Four vendors were invited for face-to-face interviews; two finalists (Gallagher and Marsh & McLennan Agency) went to a second round.
- Gallagher was recommended by unanimous vote of the Employee Benefits Committee.
- Gallagher represents a majority of self-funded insurance business in Texas; clients include Katy, Fort Bend, Aldine, Lamar, Houston ISD, TRS Austin, and San Antonio ISD.
- Scope of work: Review contracts with United Healthcare and PBM Optum, ensure vendor compliance, and conduct independent claims analysis for benefits and pharmacy.
- Board members noted the value of having a third-party review claims data rather than relying solely on vendor-provided information.
B. Financial Reports (October 31, 2020)
Miss Garza presented:
- General Fund: Total assets $594.3M; total liabilities $391.9M; total cash and investments $207.3M
- General Fund Revenues: $103.8M; Expenditures: $65M
- 2019 Bond Referendum: $105.3M encumbered; $531.2M remaining; bonds sold to date: $122.5M; a new $189M bond sale closed that day (to be reflected next month)
- Self-Funded Insurance: Revenue $8.8M; Expenses $9M+ (net loss ~$200K); wellness center participation averaging 395/year
- Investments: Par value $377.2M; overall portfolio yield 0.437% (WAM 69 days) vs. 90-day T-Bill benchmark of 0.09%
Board clarification on debt refinancing: Maturities were not extended; same debt service schedule maintained; savings realized through lower interest rates on the refinancing.
11. Executive Session
The board entered closed session at 8:08 PM under Texas Government Code Sections 551.071 (consultation with attorney) and 551.074 (personnel matters).
The board reconvened in open session at 9:11 PM.
12. Post-Executive Session Actions
A. Affirmation of Compliance with Board Member Code of Conduct
Miss Gladys (district legal counsel) presented the annual code of conduct affirmation, required after each trustee election. The code is substantively the same as prior years with one addition: a reference to Board Policy BBF (Board Member Ethics), adopted in 2000, which includes 19 statements covering honesty, conduct, integrity, character, and commitment to service. Board members were asked to sign and leave signature pages for district records.
B. Reorganization of the Board
Vote: Approved unanimously (nominated as a slate)
New board officers:
| Position | Officer |
|---|---|
| President | Skeeter Hubert |
| First Vice President | Scott Moore |
| Second Vice President | Theresa Wagaman |
| Secretary | Ray Sanders |
| Assistant Secretary | Stacy Chase |
Dr. Null thanked outgoing President Datren Williams for his leadership over the past two years, specifically citing the successful passage of the largest bond in Montgomery County history and navigating the district through the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Williams thanked the board for making his role manageable and expressed appreciation for the knowledge and professionalism of all board members.
13. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn passed. Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:11+ PM.
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Motion | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Name CTE Director (Tally Stout) | Approve as presented | Unanimous |
| Consent Agenda | Approve as presented | Unanimous |
| RFP 20-07-01 Employee Benefit Consulting (Gallagher) | Approve award ($97,000) | Unanimous |
| Board Reorganization (Hubert as President, slate) | Approve slate as nominated | Unanimous |
| Adjournment | Move to adjourn | Approved |
Items of Note
- No items were tabled or deferred.
- The 2021–2022 school calendar is information-only at this time; a recommendation is expected in January 2021.
- Montgomery County's $16+ million additional CARES Act allocation announced the same day represents a significant and unusual level of county-to-school-district financial support.
- The District of Innovation renewal will come before the board next month.
- All four construction projects expected for August 2021 completion are reported as on schedule.