May 18, 2021 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2021-05-18
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 13:51 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees – Regular Meeting
May 18, 2021
These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript of the board meeting and may contain errors or omissions.
Opening
- Called to order at 6:00 PM by Board President Hubert
- Quorum present: Mr. Hubert, Mr. Moore, Mrs. Wagaman, Mr. Sanders, Mrs. Chase, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Enman (all 7 members)
- Invocation: Dale Enman
- Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Stacy Chase
Weather Advisory
Dr. Null informed the board and public that meteorologists were predicting potentially 8–10 inches of rain overnight and into the following morning. A decision about school closures would be made at 4:30 AM. Parents and staff had been notified via email and social media.
Special Board Recognitions (Items 2A–2G)
2A/2B – 2021 UIL Class 6A State Track Champions
The Woodlands High School (introduced by Principal Dr. Ted Landry and Head Coach Jurus Green):
- Kennedy Dopes – State Champion in Girls High Jump (cleared 5'9" after tripping on her third attempt at 5'8"); also won bronze in Triple Jump. Was the 9th qualifier who entered the state meet as a third-place regional finisher. Competed through a sprained ankle suffered at the district meet. Her father was a state champion high jumper from McCullough High School.
- Joshua English – State Champion in Boys 800 Meters. Ran 1:50.95 (negative split of 55.50/55.45). Held the 4th and 5th fastest 800m times in the United States at the time. Also accomplished in cross country (sub-16 minute 5K) and the 400m (47 seconds).
College Park High School (introduced by Principal Dr. Mark Merrill and Head Coach Mike Gibson):
- Connor Washington – State Champion in Boys 200 Meters (20.39 seconds, 2nd fastest in the US). Finished second in the 100m by 0.0001 seconds (both runners timed at 10.00 flat, 3rd fastest in US high school history in any conditions).
- 4x400 Meter Relay Team – State Champions with a time of 3:13.3, the #1 time in the United States. Team members: Aiden Johnson (absent due to illness), Marcus Scott II, Jay Henshaw, and Connor Washington. Kurt Evangelist and Joshua Assan were also recognized as key team contributors.
- Coach Gibson shared that the relay team helped College Park place 3rd overall at the state track meet.
- Dr. Merrill shared a story about Coach Gibson driving to a Bryan hospital to support relay team member Joshua Assan and his younger brother after a car accident following a college visit, highlighting the coach's character.
2E – STAR Program Graduates
Laura Willard, College Readiness Specialist, presented the 12th group of STAR (Students Together Achieving Results) program graduates. The program identifies entering 9th graders with potential who are struggling, pairs them with counselors, and provides college visits, career speakers, and leadership experiences.
- Cameron Hillyard (Conroe High School senior) spoke virtually, sharing that his sister was also a STAR graduate. He announced he will attend Henderson State University on a full-ride scholarship to study business finance and play football.
2F – Business Personnel COVID-19 Response Recognition
Dr. Null highlighted the district's accomplishments during the year:
- Highest percentage of students in the classroom among large Texas districts
- Possibly the largest district in Texas that remained open the entire school year without closing any campus
Dr. Hines recognized staff from five departments for their behind-the-scenes contributions:
1. Communications Department (led by Sarah Blakelock): Celeste Brown, Carol Gibson, Abby Johnson, Katie Morton, Andrew Stewart – handled graduation logistics, YouTube live events, social media, COVID dashboard, surveys, Zoom setup
2. Finance Department (led by Becky Davis/Karen Garza): Shelley Cartwright, Rachel Garrison, Mary Head, Rachel Jimenez, Cindy Werestrip; also recognized Janet Sters and CFO Darren Rice – maintained payroll, bill payment, campus budgets during remote operations
3. Human Resources Department (led by Paula Green): Clara Amos, Dr. Jamie Bone, Chris Corson, Kathleen Crabtree, Tiffany Matfield, Pena Medina, Christy Stavinoa, Lauren Whistner – managed COVID leave, substitutes, recruitment, auxiliary hiring fair
4. Technology Department (led by Terry McLarity): Robert Davidson, Daryl Idle, Dan Kirk, Greg Morrow – built COVID dashboard, distributed computers/hotspots, developed contact tracing apps, health screening systems, stadium seating management, Wi-Fi upgrades
5. Warehouse/Purchasing Department (led by Rick Reeves/Ryan Titzman): Elmer Aguilar, Ellie Berseron, WBD Black, Daniel Martinez, Michael Perry, Cody Scott, Mark Wagner, Jody Wester – acquired, stored, and distributed PPE including receiving 18-wheeler trailers of state supplies
Board member Moore thanked all departments as the essential behind-the-scenes workers who make the district function.
2G – Mental Health Awareness Month
Denise Sapola, Coordinator of Guidance and Counseling, thanked the board for supporting mental health programs and announced that Dr. Curtis Null received the Texas Counseling Association's Lay Person Exemplary Service Award for 2020, recognizing his support of guidance and counseling across the state. CISD has 158 counselors.
Board member Sanders read a statement about Mental Health Awareness Month, citing statistics:
- 1 in 5 US adults experience mental illness annually
- 1 in 6 youth aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among ages 10–24
- 60% of high school students with mental illness never graduate
- Encouraged the community to perform acts of kindness and support mental health resources
Citizen Participation (Item 3)
15 speakers addressed the board on several topics. Each speaker was limited to 3 minutes.
Written Submission
- Jesus Mendoza – Submitted written comments regarding electrohypersensitivity (unable to attend)
Critical Race Theory (CRT) – Multiple Speakers
The majority of public comments focused on opposition to Critical Race Theory in CISD schools:
- Connor Ernest (CISD student) – Spoke against mask mandates, CRT, and discrimination against conservative views. Played a video recording of a Woodlands High School teacher making statements he characterized as CRT. Also described a year-and-a-half fight to establish a conservative-minded club at his high school, which was eventually resolved.
- Kathy Letta – Provided historical background on CRT's origins in the Frankfurt School and Marxism; called for the board to stop CRT teaching.
- Ryan Jarko (congressional candidate, District 8) – Spoke against CRT and socialism in schools; advocated for teaching economics, constitutional principles, and unbiased history.
- Matthew Russell (CISD graduate, recently returned from Washington DC) – Described CRT as divisive, dehumanizing, and harmful to families; called for bipartisan action against it.
- Amber Shippam (Montgomery County Young Republicans president) – Read from a resolution condemning mask mandates, CRT, and discrimination against conservative views; raised concerns about students being denied the ability to form clubs.
- David Burka – Called CRT oppressive and destructive; offered community help to the board in addressing the issue.
- John Waz (Treasurer, Montgomery County Republican Party) – Referenced a local Republican Party resolution condemning CRT; invited the board president or Dr. Null to give a progress report at their July 13 meeting; suggested a working plan be presented at the June 15 board meeting involving parents, PTOs, and stakeholders.
- Mickey Roland – Explained CRT concepts and characterized them as a repudiation of the civil rights movement and Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision.
- Leah Hulan – Urged the board to lead the state and nation in removing CRT from schools.
- Faith Sawyer – Argued CRT harms children's identity development regardless of race; said teachers should not teach ideology.
- Ginger Russell – Spoke against Social Emotional Learning (SEL) as Marxist; cited a BrainPOP lesson on Gay Pride as an example of ideology in curriculum.
Mask Mandates – Multiple Speakers
- Connor Ernest – Referenced Governor Abbott's Executive Order GA-36 prohibiting governmental mask mandates.
- Cynthia Sislov – Argued against masks for children and excessive screen time; raised concerns about inappropriate content accessible on school Wi-Fi.
- Diane Daniels – Cited Texas Education Code §37.0023 regarding prohibition on obstructing a student's airway; demanded immediate mask removal.
- Scott Robbins (Precinct 33 Chairman) – Read from his email exchange with Dr. Null regarding Texas Education Code §37.0023; argued masks constitute an "aversive technique" under the law regardless of intent; noted Dr. Null responded that masks would be optional starting June 1.
- Deborah Harris – Cited a Stanford University study on mask ineffectiveness; raised CRT concerns regarding her multi-racial family.
- Virginia Young – Discussed hypoxia risks from mask-wearing and PCR test reliability; argued masks pose particular risks for Black individuals due to higher thrombosis rates.
Other Topics
- Gabriel Bilotto – Petitioned for creation of a new STEM magnet school at The Woodlands High School, arguing the current Academy of Science and Technology (AST) at College Park accepts only 45% of qualified applicants (80 students annually), rejecting nearly 600 qualified students over five years; raised concerns about AST demographics (96% Asian or white in a district with 27% Hispanic students).
- Gail Drummond – Spoke in support of naming the new elementary school "Rebecca S. Page Elementary School," detailing Becky Page's career as teacher, principal, and community leader across multiple CISD campuses; highlighted national Blue Ribbon School recognition for Geisinger Elementary under Page's leadership.
- James Delbus – Spoke in support of naming the new junior high after Dr. Joanne Bacon, citing her career from special education teacher to state-recognized principal (Texas State High School Principal of the Year, 2010).
- Joseph Loom (physician) – Raised a complaint about his son being replaced as concert master at Collins Intermediate School orchestra two days before the spring concert; alleged discrimination and inadequate administrative response.
- Stacy Ernest – Shared her family's experience of pulling her older son (who has Asperger's) from CISD due to bullying, discrimination, and lack of support; spoke against CRT and teacher bias in classrooms.
- Carrie Freemire (TSTA local chapter president) – Thanked the board for supporting employee safety during the pandemic; recognized teachers of the year Eden Young and Teresa Stewart; thanked Christy Subota for coordinating the teacher recognition ceremony.
Consent Agenda (Item 4)
One question from a board member about budget amendments for Bradley playground equipment (confirmed as donations).
Vote: Approved unanimously (no opposition noted)
Item 5 – Campus and Facilities Naming Submissions
Sarah Blakelock presented names submitted by the public between April 21 and May 14 for five facilities:
1. New Conroe Elementary (Flex 21) – Opening August 2022; 449 submissions received
2. New Junior High (Caney Creek feeder) – Opening August 2023, replacing Morehead Junior High; submissions included "Morehead" as a potential name transfer
3. Current Morehead Junior High (converting to intermediate) – 57 submissions
4. Teacher Training Center (near Woodforest Bank Stadium) – Opening spring 2022; 82 submissions
5. Virtual School (pending state approval) – Opening August 2021, grades 3–9; 36 submissions
Key notes:
- Full submission lists to be posted online
- Board is not bound by the submitted names and may make any recommendation
- Discussion and naming decisions deferred to next month's meeting (June)
- All five facilities will be named at the next board meeting
Item 6A – Conroe High School 9th Grade Classroom Addition GMP
Mr. Foster presented the guaranteed maximum price amendment for the Conroe High School 9th grade classroom addition:
- GMP: $9,397,179.19
- Construction Manager at Risk: Elsor Constructors (selected February 2020)
- Designer: IBI Group
- Scope: 10 additional classrooms (2 computer labs, 8 conventional classrooms), single-story addition
- Came in under the bond referendum budget target
- Board authorized Dr. Null to negotiate and execute contract documents
Vote: Approved unanimously
Item 6B – Capital Improvement Updates
Mr. Foster provided updates on multiple projects:
Projects Opening August 2021:
- Hope Elementary – Essentially complete; temporary certificates of occupancy received; permanent certificates expected by end of May; ready for principal to begin setup
- York Junior High Addition – Exterior complete; will break through walls to expand fine arts and athletics areas once students leave for summer; includes new courtyard off dining commons
- Woodlands College Park High School Addition – Exterior complete; working on canopies and bus ramp; will remove all portables from College Park
- The Woodlands High School Addition – Exterior complete; includes specialty classrooms (AV, robotics, science); will remove some portables from Woodlands High School
Summer 2021 Campus Renovations:
- Armstrong Elementary – Kitchen/serving line expansion and classroom addition; on schedule
- Moorhead Stadium – Turf replacement complete and turned over for use
- Ride Elementary – HVAC system replacement; demolition begins next month
- Krahn Elementary – Fire sprinkler addition (one of last campuses without one), roof work 95% complete, water storage tank on order; work will extend through summer 2022
Multi-Year Projects:
- New Caney Creek Junior High – On schedule for August 2023 opening; focus on concrete work
- Conroe High School Master Plan – Campus-wide reorganization through 2025; CTE addition wrapping around existing band hall; rotunda, annex, and bottom building will all be removed from service upon completion; entire campus will be one contiguous building
- Teacher Training Center (Woodforest Bank Stadium) – Steel arriving; going vertical; on schedule for spring 2022 opening (turn over end of January)
- Woodforest Bank Stadium Scoreboard – Being relocated to south end; steel arriving; goal to be functional for August football season; creates more room in the end zone
- Safety and Security Project – 2021 phase focused on Oakridge area (fortified entries, impact-resistant glass, security monitors, camera/server upgrades); on schedule for August completion; 2022 phase planning underway
- Flex 21 Elementary (Conroe feeder) – On schedule for August 2022; first building slab poured
- Oakridge High School Overhaul/South County CTE – Approved last month; site setup complete; major work begins when students leave; creating new "main street," central HVAC plant, road around campus; approximately 30-month project
Item 7A – Bank Depository Services (RFP 21-04-01)
Conflicts of Interest: Board members Hubert, Moore, and one additional member (possibly Williams based on context) declared conflicts of interest as Wood Forest National Bank is their employer; they abstained from discussion and vote.
- Four vendors submitted proposals in response to RFP sent to all 30 banks in the district
- Award recommended to Woodforest National Bank
- Initial two-year term with option for three additional two-year extensions (up to 8 years total)
- Period begins September 1, 2021
Vote: Approved (with noted abstentions from members with conflicts of interest)
Item 7B – Financial Report
Karen Garza presented financial statements for the period ended April 30, 2021:
General Fund:
- Total assets: $371.4 million
- Year-to-date revenue: $523.5 million
- Year-to-date expenditures: $330 million
Other Funds:
- Debt Service: $49.6 million in assets
- Child Nutrition: $5.6 million (food sales down due to all students eating free; offset by increased federal meal reimbursement)
- Self-Funded Insurance: $11 million in assets; YTD revenue $35.6 million, YTD expense $34.6 million; net gain of ~$1 million (preparing for typically higher summer claims)
Key Points:
- Tax collections: slightly above prior year (+0.02%)
- Wellness center participation: 377 in April, averaging 333 for the year
- Investments: Par value $695.4 million; combined portfolio yield 0.196% vs. benchmark 90-day T-bill at 0.015%
- Pharmacy rebates discussion: Gallagher contracted an outside company to review PBM (pharmacy benefit manager) practices for additional rebates. Estimated savings of ~$2.4 million contributed to reducing planned premium increase from 9% to ~4%. Actual vs. estimated comparison available after conclusion of next financial year.
Executive Session (Items 8/9)
Board convened in closed session at 8:45 PM under Texas Government Code sections:
- §551.074 (personnel matters)
- §551.0821 (student information)
- §551.071 (consultation with attorney)
Purpose: Level three complaint hearing for parent James Hollingsworth regarding complaints against Woodlands High School staff, district-level administration, and level one/two hearing officers.
Returned to open session at 11:34 PM.
No action was reported as taken regarding the complaint hearing.
Item 10A – Purchase of ~16-Acre Site (Caney Creek HS Feeder Zone)
- Price: $293 per square foot, approximately 16 acres
- Authorized Dr. Null to negotiate and finalize the transaction
Vote: Approved unanimously
Item 10B – Purchase of ~18-Acre Site (Caney Creek HS Feeder Zone)
- Slightly larger property at slightly higher cost
- Authorized Dr. Null to negotiate and finalize the transaction
Vote: Approved unanimously
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Description | Result |
|------|-------------|--------|
| Consent Agenda | Multiple items including budget amendments (donations) | Approved unanimously |
| 6A | Conroe HS 9th Grade Addition GMP ($9,397,179.19) | Approved unanimously |
| 7A | Bank Depository Services – Woodforest National Bank | Approved (with abstentions due to conflicts of interest) |
| 10A | Purchase ~16-acre site (Caney Creek feeder) | Approved unanimously |
| 10B | Purchase ~18-acre site (Caney Creek feeder) | Approved unanimously |
Items Deferred/Pending
- Campus/Facility Naming – Submissions presented for information only; discussion and naming decisions scheduled for June board meeting
- Level Three Complaint Hearing – Heard in executive session; no action reported in open session
- Virtual School – Awaiting state approval; planning proceeding
Notable Board Member Statements
- Mr. Moore thanked behind-the-scenes departments for enabling educators and administrators
- Mr. Sanders read an extended statement on Mental Health Awareness Month with statistics and a call to action for community kindness
- Dr. Null expressed pride in the district remaining open all year with the highest in-person attendance among large Texas districts; noted 5.5 days remaining with commencements beginning in 48 hours
- Multiple board members (Hubert, Moore, and at least one other) declared conflicts of interest on the bank depository vote