December 15, 2020 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2020-12-15
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 13:24 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting — December 15, 2020
These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript and may contain errors or omissions.
Call to Order
- Meeting called to order at 6:05 PM by Board President Skeeter Hubert.
- Quorum confirmed present.
- Invocation by Datren Williams; Pledges of Allegiance (U.S. and Texas).
Special Recognitions (Item 2B)
Note: Item 2A was pulled and deferred to next month's meeting.
CTE Teachers — Sneeze Guard Manufacturing
Chris McCord, Executive Director of Operations, recognized three Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors for manufacturing plexiglass sneeze guard desk shields during the summer and early fall of 2020:
- Dennis Hom — Oak Ridge High School
- Ignacio Sauceda — Caney Creek High School
- Mike Brown — Conroe High School
Key details:
- Vendor shields retailed at approximately $130 per unit; CISD-manufactured shields cost $15.50 per unit
- 800 shields were produced, saving the district an estimated $91,600
- Greg Shipp, Director of CTE, was recognized for designing the prototype and leading the project
President Hubert praised the teachers for exemplifying the district's "all means all" philosophy by stepping beyond their job descriptions to make schools safer.
Mr. Sauceda accepted the recognition on behalf of absent colleagues.
Greg Shipp Retirement Recognition
- Greg Shipp was honored for 34 years in education as he enters retirement.
- President Hubert praised his leadership and the dedication he inspired in his team.
- Mr. Shipp delivered remarks expressing gratitude for his time at Conroe ISD, praising district leadership (Dr. Null, Carrie Galatas, Dr. Hines, the Board), and noting the district's student-centered decision-making.
Dennis Hom arrived late and was separately recognized with a plaque.
Public Comments
- No members of the public signed up to speak during the general public comment period.
Consent Agenda (Item 4)
- Motion to approve as presented.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (by show of hands, no opposition noted).
Item 5A: District of Innovation Plan
Presenter: Dr. Chris Hines
The district's District of Innovation (DOI) designation, first established in 2015, requires renewal every five years. A public hearing was held October 20, 2020, and the District Level Planning and Decision-Making Committee developed the updated plan.
The renewed plan includes two exemptions:
1. School Start Date — Allows the district to begin instruction before the fourth Monday in August, enabling more balanced semester calendars and concluding the fall semester before winter break.
2. Teacher Certification (NEW) — Allows the district to hire individuals without a standard teaching certificate for hard-to-fill CTE positions (e.g., welding, automotive technology, health sciences) if the individual has:
- Relevant work experience
- Formal training or education
- Industry licensure, certification, or registration
Safeguards built into the certification exemption:
- Credential guidelines must be established for the position beforehand
- A training plan (pedagogy and classroom management) is required
- Superintendent approval is required
- The exemption is only triggered after normal hiring processes fail to find certified applicants
- The superintendent will periodically update the board on usage
Board Discussion:
- One board member noted the proposed language doesn't specifically mention CTE, though the explanation document (part of the official record) clarifies the intended narrow application.
- Another member confirmed this exemption is separate from alternative certification programs and would only be used when normal hiring fails.
- Dr. Hines indicated this would be used very rarely, citing a past example of being unable to start a healthcare science program due to lack of certified applicants.
Vote: Approved unanimously (by show of hands, no opposition noted).
Item 5B: Attendance Boundary Update (Information Only)
Presenters: Dr. Chris Hines and Chris McCord
Background
- Hope Elementary (Ruben W. Hope, Jr. Elementary) is opening August 2021, located at 14755 Granger Pines Way, serving Pre-K through 4th grade.
- Current district enrollment: 64,774 students (as of December 14), slightly below projections but above prior year's 64,450.
Schools Needing Relief
| School | Capacity | Current/Recent Enrollment | 2028 Projection | Portables |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Elementary | ~900 | 1,000+ | 1,500+ | 11 |
| Creighton Elementary | 675 | 800+ | 1,000+ | 10 |
| San Jacinto Elementary | ~750 | 620 | ~1,300 | — |
| Patterson Elementary | 925 | 948 | — | 2 |
Scenarios Reviewed
The committee evaluated multiple scenarios and narrowed to three: 6.4, 7.0, and 7.1
Committee Recommendation: Scenario 7.0
Key features of the recommended plan:
- Populates Hope Elementary primarily from Milam and some from San Jacinto
- Creighton students shift to Milam; Austin students shift to Creighton
- Moves students from Austin to Patterson and from Patterson to Anderson, crossing from the Caney Creek feeder to the Conroe High School feeder (zones 26C and 27A)
- San Jacinto retains 33C (a fast-growing area), keeping enrollment above 400 — preserving programs including the bilingual program
- Milam is the most impacted campus (significant incoming and outgoing movement)
- Keeping 33C at San Jacinto provides flexibility for a future elementary school in the 242 corridor
- Moves fewer total students than Scenario 7.1
- Maintains all schools' economically disadvantaged populations above 80% — no school loses Title I status
Future Considerations Noted
- A new K-6 campus in Conroe is planned for one year after Hope opens
- Another elementary is anticipated in the 242 corridor
- Moorehead Junior High replacement (2023) will convert current Moorehead to an intermediate campus
- A sample intermediate boundary map was shown based on 7.0
The committee plans to bring a formal recommendation for board approval in January 2021.
Board Questions
- Transportation implications for 33C students accessing Hope via 3083 were discussed; the route would go via Old Houston Road to 3083 (described as a short haul).
- Socioeconomic impact: All affected schools remain above 80% economically disadvantaged; shifts are within ~5%.
- Three public Zoom presentations were held and are available on the district website and YouTube.
Item 6A: Creighton Elementary Overhaul — GMP Amendment
Presenter: Mr. Foster
- Contractor: Ellisor Constructors (selected March 2020)
- Design Team: IBI Group
- Guaranteed Maximum Price: $8,923,874
- Scope includes: new HVAC systems, ductwork, fire sprinkler system (previously absent), full safety/security upgrades (fire alarms, first responder radios)
- School originally opened in 1980; this is the first major renovation
- Expected to extend building life another ~40 years
- Met budget targets for bond and general fund allocations
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 6B: Campus Renovations 2021 — GMP Amendment
Presenter: Mr. Foster
- Contractor: GTT General Contractors (selected June 2020)
- Design Team: IBI Group
- Guaranteed Maximum Price: $7,695,000
- Scope:
- Armstrong Elementary — kitchen overhaul and addition
- Ride Elementary — HVAC/air conditioning system upgrades
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 6C: New Junior High School (Caney Creek Feeder) & East County Transportation Center — GMP Amendment
Presenter: Mr. Foster
- Contractor: Joeris General Contractors (selected February 2020)
- Architect: PBK Architects
- Guaranteed Maximum Price: $67,415,077
- New junior high capacity: 1,600 students (compared to Stockton JH at 1,400)
- Includes: solar panels, turf conversion for Caney Creek HS football field (to free up well water for the new campus), transportation center with covered bus area for solar panel installation
- Slightly more expensive than Stockton due to larger building size and water/drainage challenges on site
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 6D: Capital Improvement Updates (Information Only)
Presenter: Mr. Foster
| Project | Status | Target Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Hope Elementary | On schedule; building in "dry state," masonry ~80% complete, HVAC power-up targeted for December | August 2021 |
| Runyan Elementary (gym/library addition) | On schedule; students moved into new Pre-K classrooms over Thanksgiving; library move planned for winter break | Spring 2021 |
| York Junior High (addition) | On schedule; first and second floor slabs done, roof concrete starting, exterior masonry beginning | August 2021 |
| Woodlands College Park HS (addition) | On schedule; roof deck on, masonry starting soon; carpet replacement in progress; full safety/security upgrades underway | August 2021 |
| Woodlands HS (addition) | On schedule; three-story addition, all floor slabs complete, roof deck next; safety/security upgrades in progress | August 2021 |
Dr. Null highlighted the Runyan Elementary renovation as particularly transformative.
Item 7A: CSP 20-10.02 — Internal Connections, Hope Elementary (E-Rate)
Presenter: Rick Reeves
- Awarded to: Data Vox Incorporated
- Estimated expenditure: $400,000
- Scope: wireless access points, routers, switches, phones, UPS, cabling and installation for Hope Elementary
- Four qualifying bids received
- Effective upon board award through June 30, 2022; E-Rate eligible work may begin April 1, 2021
- Funded from capital projects fund
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 7B: CSP 20-10-03 — Internet Access & Telecommunications (E-Rate)
Presenter: Rick Reeves
- Awarded to: WaveMedia, Inc. (ICTX)
- Estimated expenditure: $1.3 million
- Scope: broadband data transport over dark and lit fiber optic cable
- Three-year contract (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024) with two one-year renewal options
- Board member inquired about fiber distance to Hope Elementary; confirmed as a short haul from SH 242
- Funded from capital projects fund
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Public Hearing: One-Time Retention Incentive Payment
Presenter: Darrin Rice, CFO
Proposal
- One-time retention incentive payment for all employees hired by December 1, 2020 and still employed on January 15, 2021
- Full-time employees: $500
- Part-time employees: $250
- Payment date: February 1, 2021
- Estimated cost: $4,050,000
- District retains the right to recover payment from employees who do not complete the 2020-2021 school year
- Payment funded from the same source as the employee's annual salary
Rationale
- COVID-19 response has required unprecedented additional duties for all staff
- Payment addresses employee retention during the pandemic
Public Comment
- One audience member spoke in support, calling it "well deserved."
- No other public comments.
Item 7D: Resolution — One-Time Retention Incentive Payment
Presenter: Darrin Rice
A formal motion was read adopting a board resolution amending the 2020-2021 compensation plan and budget for the retention incentive payment as described in the public hearing.
Board Discussion:
- A board member expressed deep gratitude to teachers, bus drivers, maintenance staff, and all employees, stating "I wish we could do $5 million a person."
- Dr. Null thanked the board on behalf of employees, noting staff have "far exceeded expectations" in keeping schools open.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 7E: Amendment to Auxiliary Employee Pay Plan & Substitute Teacher Pay
Presenter: Darrin Rice
Custodian Pay Increases
- Over 50 unfilled custodian positions, representing over 1 million square feet of facilities being covered by overtime
- Current starting pay: $10.85/hour (below competing employers at $12.25+)
- Level 1-3 custodians (non-supervisory): increase of $1.50/hour (new starting pay: $12.35/hour)
- Level 3 supervisory and Level 4+: increase of $1.00/hour (new starting pay: $16.25/hour)
- TASBO confirmed the increase is appropriate for current market conditions
Substitute Teacher Pay Increases
- Fill rate has been below 70% for most of the school year
- $10/day increase across all categories:
| Assignment Type | Current → Proposed |
|---|---|
| Short-term, degreed | $85 → $95 |
| Short-term, degreed certified | $95 → $105 |
| Long-term, degreed | $110 → $120 |
| Long-term, degreed certified | $120 → $130 |
- Both increases can be funded within the current budget (no budget amendment required; only pay plan amendment)
- Effective pay period beginning January 3, 2021
Board Discussion:
- A board member emphasized that the substitute pay increase also benefits teachers, who must cover classrooms when substitutes are unavailable.
- Custodians were praised for carrying heavy loads while short-staffed.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 7F: Financial Reports (Information Only)
Presenter: Ms. Garza
General Fund Balance Sheet (as of November 30, 2020)
- Total assets: $568.7 million
- Cash and investments: $203 million (state investment pools: $149.7M; TCG: $52.5M)
Other Funds
- Debt Service: $121.5M in assets
- Child Nutrition: $4.4M in assets
- Self-Funded Insurance: $9.8M in assets
Income Statement
- General fund expenditures: $88.5M
- Child nutrition expenditures: $2.9M
Tax Collections
- Trending approximately 0.5% above the same period last year
- Majority of collections expected in coming months
2019 Bond Referendum
- Encumbered to date: $105.3 million
- Remaining: $531.1 million
- Total sold to date: $311.5 million (including most recent bond sale)
Self-Funded Insurance
- Revenue: $13.3M; Expenses: $13.3M (break even)
- Wellness center participation averaging 357
Investments
- Par value: $547.4M
- Combined portfolio WAM: 44 days, yield: 0.294%
- TCG longer-term WAM: 486 days, yield: 1.467%
- 90-day T-bill benchmark: 0.088%
Executive Session
- No executive session was held.
Adjournment
- Motion to adjourn approved.
- President Hubert wished attendees happy holidays and Merry Christmas.
- Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:17 PM (estimated).
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Consent Agenda | All items | Approved unanimously |
| 5A | District of Innovation Plan renewal | Approved unanimously |
| 6A | Creighton Elementary overhaul GMP ($8.92M) | Approved unanimously |
| 6B | Campus Renovations 2021 GMP ($7.70M) | Approved unanimously |
| 6C | New JH & Transportation Center GMP ($67.42M) | Approved unanimously |
| 7A | Hope Elementary internal connections E-Rate ($400K) | Approved unanimously |
| 7B | Internet access/telecom E-Rate ($1.3M) | Approved unanimously |
| 7D | One-time retention incentive payment resolution ($4.05M) | Approved unanimously |
| 7E | Custodian pay increase & substitute teacher pay increase | Approved unanimously |
Deferred Items
- Item 2A (Special Board Recognition — unspecified) was pulled and deferred to the January meeting.
Upcoming Actions
- January 2021: Attendance boundary recommendation for Hope Elementary to come before the board for approval.