March 30, 2021 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2021-03-30
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 13:39 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe ISD School Safety and Security Committee Meeting
Date: March 30, 2021
Meeting Type: Regular Meeting (Public)
Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript. Some security-sensitive details were intentionally withheld during the meeting to maintain campus security.
Attendees Mentioned
- Dr. Null (appears to serve as chair)
- Mr. McCord
- Mrs. Wagaman
- Ethan Barton – School Safety Coordinator
- Captain Blakelock – Police Department representative
- Mr. Doug Holland
- Amy Brown – Committee member
- Mike (referenced, likely a committee member/former building principal)
- DZ / Mr. Foster – Facilities-related staff
- Michael Ferguson – Conducts safety audits
- Mr. Keegan, Mr. Martin, Mr. Murer – Referenced as staff resources
Item 1: Approval of Minutes (December 8 Meeting)
- Motion to approve: Dr. Null
- Second: Mrs. Wagaman
- Vote: Approved unanimously (show of hands; no opposition noted)
Item 2: Perimeter/Exterior Door Numbering
Presenter: Ethan Barton
Key Information:
- Proposed state legislation would require standardized numbering of perimeter exterior doors on school buildings (inside and outside)
- Under the proposed bill:
- The front door is designated as "0" and does not require numbering signage
- All other doors are numbered clockwise starting with "1" (first door to the right of the front)
- Numbers must be graphically represented numerical characters (not letter suffixes like "2A" or "2B")
- Must meet International Fire Code standards
- Stockton Junior High was shown as an example of current door numbering
- The committee was asked for input on aesthetics and implementation
Discussion Highlights:
- Committee members noted the current numbering at Stockton looks "clean and consistent"
- Concern raised: Ongoing construction and building additions could change door counts, potentially requiring renumbering of entire buildings
- Question about outdoor venues (stadiums, fields): Staff indicated a similar requirement is anticipated from TGA facility standards in the near future; Woodforest Stadium was cited as an example where gates are already named but would need consistent numbering
- A committee member emphasized the importance of cross-district consistency so emergency responders don't have to learn different systems — staff confirmed the proposed legislation is intended to create that standard
- Multiple members noted door numbering has benefits beyond security: maintenance, fire drills, building operations, and daily organization
Item 3: Emergency Secure Lockdown Buttons ("Red Buttons")
Presenter: Mr. McCord
Key Information:
- Two types of red emergency lockdown buttons are installed across district facilities (including central office):
1. A simple push-button labeled "Emergency"
2. A flip-lid button that is pressed from underneath
- When activated, the button:
- Secures the front exterior perimeter door
- Secures all doors connected to the system via card readers (electrified doors)
- Notifies designated personnel that lockdown has been activated (specific notification details withheld for security)
- Mr. Doug Holland is leading efforts to expand notification capabilities when the button is deployed
- A recent refocusing effort was conducted with front office staff due to turnover — covering what the button does, when to use it, and what happens after deployment
- A recent test was conducted at central office
Discussion:
- Mr. McCord emphasized that keeping exterior doors locked is critical and a "full-time job" — card readers, including at portables, have been a significant improvement
- No questions or objections were raised by the committee
Item 4: School Safety Audits
Presenter: Ethan Barton
Key Information:
- The committee's role includes reviewing reports sent to the Texas School Safety Center
- The district operates on a three-year audit cycle; a new cycle has just begun
- Audits are conducted by Michael Ferguson
- Most common audit findings (described as universal to schools, not unique to Conroe ISD):
- Exterior door locking issues / doors propped open
- Storage stacked too high
- Combustibles not properly secured
- Bookshelves not secured to walls
- Improper securing of personal items
- Paper on walls exceeding fire code limits
- Buildings are structurally solid; findings are largely "human nature" issues
Discussion Highlights:
- Door propping (using wooden wedges) remains an ongoing concern — described as "convenience over safety"; communication has decreased the practice but it persists
- Mr. McCord emphasized: "You never cross the finish line" — safety is continuous improvement
- Committee members were invited to submit recommendations for what auditors should look for
- A suggestion was made to photograph propped-open doors and send evidence to Mr. Barton for follow-up with campuses
- Custodial and maintenance staff were praised as effective "boots on the ground" for identifying issues
- Dr. Null provided historical context: Audits have been conducted even before the state required them and led to key innovations including the red lockdown button, controlled vestibules, and the current safety and security construction package
Item 5: Multi-Hazard Emergency Operations Plan (MEHOP/EOP)
Presenter: Ethan Barton
Key Information:
- The district follows the Standard Response Protocol
- The Emergency Operations Plan was refreshed and approved at the beginning of the current school year
- The plan must be approved again for the next school year
- Action items:
- Barton will email the current district EOP document to all committee members after confirming email addresses
- Committee members are asked to review and provide feedback by May 14, 2021
- The committee will formally approve the document at the next (summer) meeting
- Campuses will then use the approved document to create their campus-based plans
- The document was described as "for your eyes only" — a Conroe ISD document not for public distribution, though it follows the publicly available Standard Response Protocol
Item 6: Front Office Staff Training
Raised by: Amy Brown
Discussion:
- Training program: "Best Practices for Front Office Personnel" — classroom-style training (not just online modules)
- Covers: common issues seen by front office staff throughout the day, emergency call procedures, and emergency system activation
- Provided by the police department for approximately 8-9 years
- Typically offered at least twice per semester (paused for in-person sessions during COVID)
- Staff from every campus have attended over the years
- Mr. McCord noted he would bring up the topic of front office demeanor and manner of response at an upcoming principals meeting, inspired by Amy Brown's input
Upcoming Business
- Next meeting: Summer 2021 (exact date TBD — likely early to mid-summer; the committee wants to avoid scheduling too close to the August meeting)
- Legislative watch: The current Texas legislative session may produce new laws affecting school safety that could impact future committee discussions
- Deadline for EOP feedback: May 14, 2021
Summary of Action Items
| Action | Responsible | Deadline |
|--------|------------|----------|
| Email current EOP document to committee members | Ethan Barton | Immediately following meeting |
| Review EOP and provide feedback | All committee members | May 14, 2021 |
| Schedule summer committee meeting | Staff (Barton/leadership) | TBD |
| Discuss front office demeanor at principals meeting | Mr. McCord | Upcoming meeting |
| Door propping photos to be sent to Barton if observed | Committee members/staff | Ongoing |
| Monitor legislative session for safety-related bills | Staff | Ongoing |