April 20, 2021 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2021-04-20
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 13:46 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting — April 20, 2021
Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript of the meeting. They are intended to help the public understand what occurred and may contain minor inaccuracies due to transcription quality.
Meeting Called to Order
- Time: 6:00 PM
- A quorum of members was confirmed present.
- Invocation: Board member Scott Moore led a moment of silence followed by a prayer referencing healing, reconciliation, and events in the country, asking for focus on what is best for students, employees, and citizens.
- Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Item 2: Special Recognitions
2A — Ana Gonzalez, 2021 GHSWPA 6A 198-lb State Champion (Powerlifting), Conroe High School
- Presented by: Dr. Tasha Smith (Principal, Conroe HS) and Coach Ryan Anthony (Powerlifting Coach)
- Coach Anthony shared Ana's three-year journey: she had never touched a weight before her freshman year, "bombed out" at regionals her sophomore year, won regionals her junior year only to have state canceled due to COVID, and returned her senior year to win the state championship.
- On her final deadlift attempt at state, she chose to go for the win (395 lbs) rather than settle for a tie/third place, stating: "I only showed up and I only do this to win. I'm not leaving here without being a state champion."
- A plaque was presented by the Board.
2B–2E — 2021 UIL 6A State Championship, Girls & Boys Swimming and Diving, The Woodlands High School
- Items B through E were combined for presentation.
- Presented by: Dr. Ted Landry (Principal, The Woodlands HS) and Coach Jeremy Wade (Head Coach)
- Coach Wade was recognized for the rare achievement of winning both boys and girls state championships in the same year — something only a handful of coaches have accomplished.
Girls Team Highlights:
- District, regional, and state champions
- Won state without winning a single individual event — a true team effort
- 20 individuals made the All-State list (most in school history)
- Seniors recognized: Isabella Barry Antos (Washington University), Lauren Birch (Stanford, silver medalist in diving, Academic All-State/All-American), Alyssa Soren (BYU)
- Numerous underclassmen also recognized
Boys Team Highlights:
- District, regional, and state champions
- Won state by a margin of only two points (after a heartbreaking second-place finish by 3.5 points the prior year)
- Seniors recognized: Cameron Cash (University of Pittsburgh, bronze medalist diving), Colton Fields (SMU, silver medalist 200 IM), Brandon Rivera (Texas A&M), Tyler Hulett (Texas A&M, 3-year state champion in 100 backstroke, school record holder, Houston Chronicle Swimmer of the Year)
- 200 Medley Relay broke a state record
- In the final relay, Tyler Hulett anchored from over a body length behind to secure a bronze medal and the team title — requiring a school record just to get the bronze
- Team GPAs: Girls 3.78 (NISCA Gold), Boys 3.668 (NISCA Silver)
- First time boys and girls won state in the same year in 31+ years
Individual recognitions:
- Tyler Hulett: Individual plaque for 3-consecutive-year state champion in 100 backstroke
- 200 Medley Relay team: Plaque for state record
- Dr. Landry noted he set a record as the "only principal ever to jump in the pool twice" (back-to-back weekends for the girls and boys wins).
2F — Teaching and Learning Department COVID-19 Response Recognition
- Presented by: Dr. Chris Hines and Dr. Edith Upshaw (Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning)
- The department was recognized for its extraordinary work since the March 2020 shutdown through the current school year.
- Key accomplishments highlighted:
- Went online within 48 hours of the shutdown
- Contacted by 11+ states seeking guidance (including Hawaii)
- Created online lesson plans, new attendance systems, applied for both in-person and virtual school options
- Provided an additional 2,551 staff development sessions compared to the prior year
- Ensured the most-needed students returned to in-person instruction first
- Prepared teachers for safe small-group instruction under COVID protocols
- Dr. Upshaw noted that Dr. Null had become known among students as a "YouTube sensation" for his reading videos.
- Approximately 30+ department members were individually introduced and recognized (curriculum, assessment, bilingual/ESL, literacy, math, fine arts, gifted/talented, guidance/counseling, technology, PE/health, school improvement, special education, and student support services).
- Dr. Null noted this was the first time many of these staff members had seen each other in person in 18 months.
- Dr. Null also recognized campus staff (teachers, librarians, paraprofessionals) in attendance, noting 26 school days remained in the year.
Item 3: Citizen Participation
Five members of the public addressed the board:
Speaker 1 — (Name not fully captured) — Dyslexia Advocacy
- Mother of two dyslexic sons and founder of a CISD dyslexia family group (277 families).
- Advocated for House Bill 3880 and companion Senate Bill 1694, which would align Texas dyslexia identification and services with federal IDEA law.
- Noted Texas is currently out of compliance with IDEA and being fined by the Department of Education.
- Thanked Representatives Steve Toth and Wilmette Calf for co-authoring the bill, and Board Member Scott Moore for working behind the scenes to support the legislation.
- Mentioned the SBOE committee agreed to reopen the Texas Dyslexia Handbook for revision.
- Plans to lobby at the state Capitol later that week.
Speaker 2 — Diane Daniels — Mask Policy Concerns
- Argued that masks are ineffective against viral transmission, citing studies and stating that virus particles are smaller than mask pore sizes.
- Claimed mandatory masking constitutes an unauthorized clinical trial and violates informed consent principles.
- Referenced the Nuremberg Code and Declaration of Helsinki regarding human experimentation.
- Argued masks may increase risk of infection in children.
Speaker 3 — Kathy Losada — Mask Policy / COVID Protocol Concerns
- Montgomery County taxpayer and community member.
- Criticized the continued mask mandate at CISD facilities, including the natatorium, especially after Governor Abbott rescinded the state mask mandate on March 10.
- Referenced a Stanford/NIH study questioning mask efficacy.
- Questioned why CISD policies did not change after the governor's order, and expressed concern about the CDC's funding sources.
- Was asked to conclude due to time limits.
Speaker 4 — Susan Scruggs — Mask Concerns / Praise for District
- Praised CISD for getting students back to school in September and for the teachers' work during COVID.
- Referenced the same Stanford/NIH study on mask ineffectiveness.
- Cited potential adverse psychological and physiological effects of masking, including reduced oxygen, elevated CO2, headaches, anxiety, depression, and compromised cognitive performance.
- Asked the board to review the research.
Speaker 5 — (Name not fully captured) — Political Neutrality in Classrooms
- Requested the district create or enforce a policy keeping teachers' personal political views out of the classroom.
- Stated that if such a policy exists, it is "absolutely failing" on a daily basis.
- Expressed concern about students being ostracized for their views and teachers making inappropriate political statements.
- Also urged the board to listen to the mask-related concerns raised by other speakers.
Item 4: Consent Agenda
- Motion: Approved as presented.
- Vote: Passed unanimously (no opposition noted).
Item 10 (Moved Up): Human Resources — Principal Appointments
10A — Burnham Woods Elementary School Principal
- Recommendation: Dr. Makia Barnes
- Background: Educator in Spring ISD and most recently a principal in Houston ISD; raises her family in the CISD community. Dr. Null noted that every principal on both interview committees individually endorsed her.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
- Dr. Barnes expressed gratitude and introduced her family (husband Brian, children Dominick and Bay — whose 13th birthday it was).
10B — Sam Houston Elementary School Principal
- Recommendation: Paula Nicolini
- Background: Former assistant principal at Conroe HS and former principal of Hauke HS; left CISD for international work (China) and returned after family obligations (mother's illness and passing).
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
- Ms. Nicolini shared her personal journey, including returning to Conroe ISD because she considered it "home."
10C — Cryar Intermediate School Principal
- Recommendation: John McClendon
- Background: Assistant principal at Grangerland Intermediate and Mitchell Intermediate; mentored by Principal Karen Jones.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
- McClendon thanked his wife Tara and introduced his two boys, Riley and Quinn.
10D — York Junior High School Principal
- Recommendation: Melanie Bujnoch
- Background: Currently principal at Oak Ridge Ninth Grade Campus (hired from Klein ISD two years ago). Dr. Null noted York will become the largest junior high in CISD and one of the largest in Texas within two years.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
- Ms. Bujnoch expressed bittersweet feelings about leaving Oak Ridge Nine and excitement about joining the Grand Oaks feeder family.
A five-minute break was taken after the principal appointments.
Item 5A: Naming Process for New CISD Campuses and Facilities
- Presented by: Ms. Blakelock
Timeline:
- Name suggestions accepted via website starting April 21 through May 14
- May 18: Submissions presented to the board
- June 15: Board discussion and consideration of names
Facilities to be named:
1. Flex 21 — New elementary school in the Conroe feeder zone (off McKayla Road), opening August 2022, projected grades K–6
2. New junior high in the Caney Creek feeder zone, opening August 2023, estimated capacity 1,600 (replacement for current Moorhead Junior High)
3. Moorhead Junior High (current building) — Board to decide whether the name stays with the building or moves to the new junior high. Precedent exists for both options (e.g., Washington HS name stayed with building; York JH name moved to new building).
4. Teacher Training Center — Opening spring 2022, located on Woodforest Bank Stadium property (replacing the JET Center sold to the City of Conroe)
5. Virtual school program — Serving grades 3–9 starting fall 2021; no existing board policy for naming non-brick-and-mortar programs
- Board confirmed discussion would occur at the June 15 meeting.
Item 6: Construction / Capital Projects
6A — Oak Ridge High School Overhaul & South County CTE Center — GMP Approval
- Construction Manager at Risk: Dirtec, Inc.
- Architect: IBI Group
- Guaranteed Maximum Price: $50,726,363
- Scope includes: mechanical/electrical systems overhaul, relocation of the front entrance/admin space, creation of a main street corridor, road realignment around the school (using previously purchased land), and construction of the South County CTE center (automotive technology, engineering design, nursing, culinary, etc., serving multiple high schools).
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
6B — Wilkerson Intermediate School PE Classroom Addition — GMP Approval
- Construction Manager at Risk: GTT General Contractors
- Architect: DLR Group
- Guaranteed Maximum Price: $5,338,439
- Scope: Dedicated PE gym addition to replace mixed-use cafeteria/PE space; addition going to the south side of the existing building.
- Part of a series of PE additions (Runyon completed, Wilkerson next, Collins to follow).
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
6C — CMAR Selection for New Elementary in Grand Oaks Feeder Zone (Flex 22)
- Selected CMAR: Dirtec, Inc. (determined best value per published criteria)
- 10 companies responded to RFQ; 5 invited to Step 2 (Brookstone, Dirtec, George General Contractors, Marshall Construction, Post Construction)
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
6D — Capital Improvements Update (Information Only)
Mr. Foster provided status updates on multiple projects:
| Project | Status | Scheduled Opening |
|---|---|---|
| Reuben Hope Jr. Elementary | On schedule; finishes/carpet being installed, grass growing | August 2021 |
| York Junior High Addition | On schedule; masonry/roofing near complete | August 2021 |
| College Park HS Addition | On schedule; reducing portable reliance | August 2021 |
| The Woodlands HS Addition | On schedule; 3-story addition nearing completion | August 2021 |
| Armstrong Elementary (Kitchen/Serving Addition) | On schedule; steel erected | August 2021 |
| Moorhead Stadium Turf Replacement | On schedule | End of May 2021 |
| Ride Elementary AC Overhaul | Starting after school lets out in May | Summer 2021 |
| Creighton Elementary Overhaul | On schedule; roofing/fire sprinkler work underway | August 2022 (two-summer project) |
| New Caney Creek Feeder Junior High | On schedule; building slab, roads, track, tennis courts under construction | August 2023 |
| Conroe High School Renovation | On schedule; demolition complete, bus loop construction underway | 2025 |
| Teacher Training Center | On schedule; foundations in place, slab prep underway | Spring 2022 |
| Safety & Security (2021 installment) | On schedule; work in Oak Ridge feeder zone campuses (nights/weekends) | Through August 2021 |
| Flex 21 (New Conroe Feeder Elementary) | On schedule; streets/roads visible, detention ponds dug, utilities being set for future second elementary on adjacent site | August 2022 |
- Board member asked about Flex 21's proximity to new residential developments; Mr. Foster confirmed the location and noted signage is forthcoming to identify it as a school site.
Item 7A: VoIP/SIP Services Contract Award (RFP 21-02-04)
- Award to Consolidated Communications
- Estimated expenditure: $250,000 over three years
- Purpose: Increase call resiliency, expand capacity beyond the current 161 call paths (minimum 200), improve call routing, maintain cost control
- Three vendors submitted responses; evaluated by technology and purchasing departments
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Item 8: Employee Group Health Program 2021–2022
- Presented by: Mr. Rice
- The district's self-funded health plan faced 6% medical inflation and 9.1% prescription drug inflation.
- An anticipated post-COVID surge in elective surgeries/procedures drove an initial proposed 9% premium increase.
- The board authorized use of health insurance fund balance to offset the one-time surge, reducing the increase from 9% to 4% — representing $2.5 million in savings to employees.
- Plan design changes account for 2.5% of the increase.
- Total projected health plan contributions: $54.4 million (1.5% increase over prior year).
- District funds 56% of plan costs; employee premiums fund 44%.
- The Employee Benefits Committee voted unanimously to recommend the plan.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
- Board members expressed appreciation for the reduced increase.
Item 9: Financial Report (Month Ended March 31)
- Presented by: Ms. Garza
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| General Fund Total Assets | $412.3 million |
| General Fund Cash & Investments | $391.4 million |
| Debt Service Cash & Investments | $42.8 million |
| General Fund Revenue YTD | $518.2 million |
| General Fund Expenditures YTD | $286.4 million |
| 2019 Bond Funds Encumbered/Expended | $222 million |
| 2019 Bond Funds Remaining | $431.4 million |
| Bonds Sold to Date | $311.5 million |
| Self-Funded Insurance Revenue YTD | $31.2 million |
| Self-Funded Insurance Expenses YTD | ~$30 million (positive by $1.2M) |
| Investment Portfolio Par Value | $752.7 million |
| Combined Portfolio Yield | 0.2033% (vs. 90-day T-Bill benchmark of 0.013%) |
| Wellness Center Visits (Avg.) | 327 visits |
Acknowledgment of Losses
- Before executive session, Dr. Null acknowledged the passing of Gerald Irons and Bonnie Wilkinson, noting their significant impact on the school district and expressing condolences to their families.
- President Hubert affirmed the remarks.
Executive Session
- Entered: 8:04 PM
- Held under Texas Open Meetings Act sections 551.071, 551.072, and 551.074 (legal matters, real property, and personnel)
Return to Open Session
- Reconvened: 8:49 PM
Item 11: (Action from Executive Session)
- A motion was made and seconded.
- Vote: Passed (all in favor).
- Specific details of the action item were not clearly articulated in the transcript.
Meeting Adjourned
- The meeting concluded shortly after the vote on Item 11.
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Item 4 | Consent Agenda | Passed unanimously |
| Item 10A | Dr. Makia Barnes — Principal, Burnham Woods Elementary | Passed unanimously |
| Item 10B | Paula Nicolini — Principal, Sam Houston Elementary | Passed unanimously |
| Item 10C | John McClendon — Principal, Cryar Intermediate | Passed unanimously |
| Item 10D | Melanie Bujnoch — Principal, York Junior High | Passed unanimously |
| Item 6A | Oak Ridge HS / South County CTE GMP ($50.7M) | Passed unanimously |
| Item 6B | Wilkerson Intermediate PE Addition GMP ($5.3M) | Passed unanimously |
| Item 6C | CMAR Selection — Flex 22 Elementary (Dirtec) | Passed unanimously |
| Item 7A | VoIP/SIP Services Contract ($250K/3 years) | Passed unanimously |
| Item 8 | 2021–2022 Employee Health Plan (4% increase) | Passed unanimously |
| Item 11 | Action from Executive Session | Passed |