March 23, 2021 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2021-03-23
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 13:37 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
March 23, 2021
Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript. They may contain errors or omissions. Official minutes should be consulted for the formal record.
Opening
- Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM. A quorum was confirmed.
- Invocation led by Scott Moore, who offered prayers for the Shank family and Haley Elementary community on their loss, gratitude for safe return from spring break, and wisdom for the board.
- Pledges of Allegiance led by Teresa Wagner.
Awards & Recognitions
Special District Recognition — Marshall Schrader
- Marshall Schrader, Director of Maintenance and Custodial, received the TASBO Commitment to Excellence Award — TASBO's highest honor.
- Dr. Tracy Ginsberg, TASBO Executive Director, presented the award in person, praising Schrader's leadership, humility, workshop presentations, certification program teaching, and leadership of TASBO's Maintenance & Operations Committee.
- A $1,000 donation from Equitable was given to Schrader to direct to a CISD program, and a donation was made to TASBO's scholarship fund in his honor.
- Board member Mr. Williams renamed the recognition the "Finer Things in Life / Unsung Heroes Award" and praised the maintenance and custodial team for their work during COVID-19 and the winter storm, calling them "some of the most underappreciated folks in the district."
Special Board Recognition — Maintenance & Custodial COVID-19 Response
- Dr. Knoll highlighted that CISD was one of the few Texas districts to reopen the Monday following the February 2021 winter freeze, serving more school lunches that day than any prior day. The district also allowed families without water to shower in school buildings.
- Chris McCord, Executive Director of Operations, recognized the following honorees:
- Nicholas Harden (Lead HVAC)
- Lawrence Wayne McCrory (Plumbing Supervisor)
- Ricky Welsh (Lead Plumber)
- John Brown (Maintenance Coordinator)
- Robin Corley (Maintenance Coordinator)
- Cooper Corley (HVAC Technician)
- Sydney Strong (South Custodial Coordinator)
- Rodney Shelton (North Custodial Coordinator)
- Connie Aguiar (South Custodial Assistant Coordinator)
- Edgar Perez (Lead HVAC — not present)
- Marshall Schrader and Brian Broussard (Assistant Director of Custodial Maintenance) also recognized.
- Board member Ms. Chase delivered remarks on behalf of the board, thanking the team.
Citizen Participation (Public Comments)
Speaker 1 (Name not clearly stated)
- Thanked award recipients and the board.
- Spoke against the school mask mandate, arguing:
- Masks have holes larger than virus particles
- Cited CDC and WHO studies from 2015 as not supporting mask use
- Claimed manufacturers warn masks do not prevent COVID-19 spread
- Stated students have high survival rates and that 50% of students experience headaches from masks
- Noted Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough never issued a mask mandate
- Referred to COVID-19 as the "China virus" and "Wuhan virus"
- Speaker was cut off at the 5-minute time limit.
Rachel Walker
- Thanked the board for their work during the pandemic and freeze; expressed feeling safe sending her four children to school.
- Congratulated Dr. Knoll on his nomination.
- Expressed concern about a board member using "China virus" language on social media, calling it racist and inflammatory, particularly in light of rising hate crimes against Asian Americans. She said students are repeating this language in schools.
- Spoke on behalf of LGBTQ+ students who asked her to attend, stating these students feel their voices are not being heard by the board.
- Asked the board member in question to take down the social media posts or resign, stating "hate speech is different" from free speech.
- President Hubert stated after public comments that he too was "horrified by the racist reference to this virus by any board member" and said "if the shoe fits, take it off."
- Mr. Williams responded that he had called it that once or twice, stated he typically calls it "the COVID," and said his social media post was about the vaccine, not the virus name.
Consent Agenda (Item 4)
- Motion to approve: Passed unanimously (no items pulled).
Item 11 (Moved Up): Human Resources
11a — Named Principal of Conroe ISD Virtual Academy
- Dr. Knoll explained that approximately 11,000 students are currently learning remotely, and the district wants to continue offering virtual learning. The district is confident the state will authorize this option.
- "Conroe ISD Virtual Academy" is a placeholder name; school colors, mascot, and official name to come later.
- William Kelly recommended as first principal. Currently Associate Principal for Curriculum at Caney Creek High School; formerly district Assessment Coordinator. Entire career (26 years) spent in CISD.
- Kelly delivered remarks about his career, including starting at Caney Creek in 1995 and his philosophy of adapting instruction to meet student needs.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
11b — Named Assistant Superintendent for Middle Schools
- Dr. Debbie Phillips is retiring; Dr. Shelly Winkler is moving to work with elementary campuses, creating the vacancy.
- Dr. Bethany Medford recommended — career CISD educator (18 years), served as teacher at junior high level, administrator at elementary level, and principal at two intermediate campuses.
- Dr. Medford delivered remarks thanking mentors and introducing her family.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Item 5 — Resolutions
5a — Resolution to Nominate Dr. Curtis Knoll for TASB Superintendent of the Year
- Mr. Sanders moved the resolution, citing Dr. Knoll's leadership during the pandemic (keeping schools open for in-person instruction, providing virtual options, transparent communication), the winter freeze response (meals, showers, community resources, vaccinations), and technology expansion.
- Multiple board members made statements of support:
- Mr. Moore: Noted there have been roughly three "normal" months since Dr. Knoll's hire; praised his handling of natural disasters and pandemic.
- Mr. Williams: Expressed strong support; said hiring Dr. Knoll was one of the best decisions in his 9 years on the board.
- Ms. Chase (newer member): Called it apparent how lucky the district is; said "there is no contest."
- Another member (unnamed): Said he wouldn't want the job and would "resign and hire you."
- President Hubert: Praised Dr. Knoll's compassion, leadership in allowing families to shower in schools during the freeze, and creating an environment where students feel loved and valued; called the nomination "extremely overdue."
- Dr. Knoll accepted, calling it a "team award," and specifically thanked Dr. Hines for nearly 20 years of leadership.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
5b — Campus Mascot and School Colors for Hope Elementary School
- Dr. Phillips presented the results of a student survey. Top choices: Huskies, Sharks, Hornets, Tigers.
- Recommendation: Hope Huskies with school colors of red and black.
- The Hope family toured the facility the previous week and were enthusiastic.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
5c — Acknowledging Support for Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Program
- Presented by Dr. Hines and Paula Green, Director of Human Resources.
- The TIA program (established by the Texas Legislature) is designed to attract, retain, and reward highly effective teachers at high-need campuses.
- Key plan details:
- Three designation levels: Master, Exemplary, Recognized
- Phase 1 targets 15 campuses with 70%+ economically disadvantaged students
- Eligible subjects based on existing standardized pre/post-tests (Star, STAAR-tested subjects)
- Two components: Teacher observation (T-TESS, weighted 40%) and student growth (weighted 60%)
- Compensation: 90% of generated funds to teacher compensation; 10% for administrative costs
- Of the 90%, designated teachers receive 92%; remaining 8% covers benefits
- Example: At a sample school, 10 designated teachers could generate over $144,000
- Application deadline: April 15 (plan negotiated with Texas Tech University on behalf of TEA)
- Plan can be expanded in future phases
- This topic had been discussed at approximately three board meetings and two workshops.
- Vote: Passed unanimously (resolution of support adopted).
Item 6a — Adoption of Instructional Materials for Pre-Kindergarten (English and Español)
- Presented by Dr. Upshaw.
- Committee of teachers reviewed materials, teacher surveys, and community input.
- Benchmark Education selected as lead instructional material for Pre-K.
- Cost: Approximately $350,000 from the Instructional Materials Allotment fund (noted as lower than usual since ~$2.5 million was spent the prior year for all-day Pre-K setup).
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Item 7a — Capital Improvement Update
- Presented by Mr. Foster (received, no vote required).
| Project | Status | Expected Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Hope Elementary (Flex 20) | Interior nearing completion; landscaping underway; flooring installation | August 2021 |
| York Junior High Addition | On schedule; masonry ~75% done; interior finishing | August 2021 |
| The Woodlands High School Addition | On schedule; masonry nearing completion; interior finishing | August 2021 |
| College Park High School Addition | On schedule; masonry ~75% done | August 2021 |
| Campus Renovations 2021 (kitchen/serving expansion) | Underground utilities; demolition underway | August 2021 |
| Moorhead Stadium Turf Replacement | Starting April | Summer 2021 |
| Ride Elementary (above-ceiling HVAC overhaul) | Equipment ordering | August 2021 |
| Creighton Elementary (roof replacement, HVAC, fire sprinklers) | Re-roofing in progress; two-summer project | August 2022 |
| New Junior High (Caney Creek feeder zone) | Foundation work in progress | August 2023 |
| Conroe High School Master Plan | Bus loop expected August; demolition for new buildings underway | 2025 |
| Teacher Training Center (Woodforest Bank Stadium) | Building pad done; foundation construction | January 2022 |
| Safety & Security 2021 (district-wide) | On schedule; fifth year of program | Ongoing |
| Flex School 21 (New Elementary, Conroe HS feeder) | Building pad nearing completion; foundation in ~2 weeks | August 2022 |
- Dr. Knoll highlighted that the Woodforest Bank Stadium site is simultaneously hosting the county's COVID-19 vaccination effort (visible in aerial photos). Graduations will be held at The Pavilion this year, allowing the vaccination site to continue uninterrupted through August.
Item 8 — Purchasing Awards
8a — Portable Building Moving Services (RFP 21-01-03)
- Awarded to King House Moving for estimated expenditure up to $325,000.
- Pricing firm for one year through March 2022, with two additional one-year renewal options.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
8b — York Junior High Renovation Furniture & Weight Room (RFP 21-01-07)
- Awarded to Indico Sales (furniture) and Pro Maxima MFG (weight room) for approximately $325,000 total.
- 10 vendors responded; pricing firm one year with two one-year renewals.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
8c — College Park High School Renovation Furniture (RFP 21-02-02)
- Awarded to Velocity Business Products for approximately $195,000.
- 8 vendors responded; pricing firm one year with two one-year renewals.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
8d — The Woodlands High School Renovation Furniture (RFP 21-02-03)
- Awarded to Indico Sales for approximately $190,000.
- 8 vendors responded; pricing firm one year with two one-year renewals.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Item 8e — Financial Report (February 28, 2021)
- Presented by Mrs. Garza (received, no vote required).
- General Fund: Total assets $463.7M; total cash & investments $438.3M; total revenue $498M; total expenses $223M.
- Debt Service Fund: Total assets $49.4M; total expense $75.5M (includes first of two annual debt payments).
- Child Nutrition: Revenue $8.5M; expense $7.8M.
- Self-Funded Insurance: Revenue $27.8M; expense $26.4M; net gain $951K; wellness center averaging 330 visits/month.
- Tax Collections: 95.5% of total levy collected — on track with expectations.
- Investments: Total par value $788M; combined portfolio yield 0.2%+ vs. 90-day T-bill benchmark of 0.048%.
Executive Session
- None held.
Adjournment
- Meeting adjourned (motion passed).
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Consent Agenda | Passed unanimously |
| William Kelly — Principal, Virtual Academy | Passed unanimously |
| Dr. Bethany Medford — Asst. Superintendent, Middle Schools | Passed unanimously |
| Resolution: Dr. Knoll for TASB Superintendent of the Year | Passed unanimously |
| Hope Elementary Mascot & Colors (Huskies, Red/Black) | Passed unanimously |
| TIA Program Support Resolution | Passed unanimously |
| Pre-K Instructional Materials (Benchmark Education) | Passed unanimously |
| Portable Building Moving Services | Passed unanimously |
| York JH Furniture & Weight Room | Passed unanimously |
| College Park HS Furniture | Passed unanimously |
| Woodlands HS Furniture | Passed unanimously |
Notable Items
- All votes were unanimous across all action items.
- Public comment tension regarding a board member's use of "China virus" / "Wuhan virus" on social media, with the board president and another board member publicly distancing themselves from the language. The referenced board member (Mr. Williams) briefly responded but stated his post was about the vaccine.
- LGBTQ+ student concerns were raised by a community member on behalf of students who felt unheard; no board discussion occurred as it was not an agenda item.
- No items were tabled or deferred.
- Conroe ISD Virtual Academy name is a placeholder — official naming, mascot, and colors to come in a future meeting.