June 15, 2021 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2021-06-15
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 13:57 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting — June 15, 2021
Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript. They may contain errors or omissions. Please refer to official board minutes for the definitive record.
Opening Remarks
Board President Hubert opened the meeting at 6:02 PM, reflecting on the 2020–2021 school year and the lifting of the district's mask mandate on June 1, 2021. He noted:
- Over 65,000 students are enrolled in CISD; 84% chose to attend school in person
- No single school was closed due to COVID, thanks in part to the partnership with the Montgomery County Hospital District
- He thanked teachers, administrators, and the board for their efforts throughout the pandemic year
Special Recognitions
2a — CTE SkillsUSA 2021 State Champions
Director of CTE Tally Stout recognized CISD students who won state championships and qualified for nationals in SkillsUSA competitions:
- Grand Oaks High School (Teacher: Loretta Jones): Levi McLaughlin and Stephen Walls — Digital Cinema Production
- Conroe High School (Teacher: Brian Reeves): Angel Camacho — Automotive Estimating; Giovanni Labotto (absent) and Walter Fuentes — Automotive Refinishing
- The Woodlands High School students were to receive awards on campus
2b — Patron Influencing Education (PIE) Award — Montgomery County Officials
Dr. Knoll personally presented the PIE Award to Judge Mark Keough of the Montgomery County Commissioner's Court, recognizing the county's $19 million investment in CISD through CARES Act funds. Dr. Knoll highlighted:
- Constant daily communication with Judge Keough beginning spring break 2020
- The county investment funded PPE, additional nurses, and other COVID-related needs
- CISD is the largest employer in the county
PIE Awards also presented to county emergency management staff:
- Darren Hess, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (absent — storm preparation)
- Jason Millsaps, Executive Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (present) — recognized for their role in setting up the Woodforest Bank Stadium vaccination site, which served up to 5,000 county residents per day at peak
2c — Ambassador Award: Child Nutrition Department
Director Robin Hughes recognized:
- Melissa Rodriguez (York Junior High) — 2 years of service
- Mary Louise Palmer (Peet Junior High) — 7+ years of service
- Maria Guerra (Travis Intermediate) — 20+ years of service
- Lisa Wilson (Grangerland Intermediate, 13 years) and Noemi Rodriguez (Sam Houston Elementary, 7 years) — unable to attend
2d — Ambassador Award: Maintenance & Custodial Department
Director Marshall Schrader recognized:
- Rosalia Juarez — Day fill-in, North Custodial (since 2014)
- Donald Perry — Maintenance (since 2008)
- Jesse Johnson — District locksmith, 27 years of service
- Earl Williams — Model employee with consecutive years of perfect attendance
- Hortensia Rios — Hauser Elementary (since 2003)
- Larry McCain — on vacation, recognized in absentia
2e — Ambassador Award: Transportation Department
Director Sam Davila recognized:
- Robert Hicks (Oakridge Transportation Center) — absent; known for positive community image
- Sally Lou Crawford (Conroe Transportation Center) — absent; rescued a toddler walking roadside
- Maria Broussard — recognized by Pearl Finch Museum as Patriot of Courage (4 years)
- Teresa Smith (East County Transportation Center) — caring, can-do atmosphere
- Sandra Moreno (Conroe Transportation Center) — 26 years serving special needs students
- Jason Pryor (Woodlands Transportation Center) — retiring at age 85
President Hubert noted the transportation department drives 7 million miles annually with an outstanding safety record.
Citizen Participation (Public Comments)
In favor of Critical Race Theory (CRT):
- Savannah Eldridge — Spoke in favor of CRT as a framework to examine systemic racism; noted CRT is not currently being taught in Conroe ISD; urged both sides of history to be told
- [Speaker - last name Johnson] — Advocated for teaching both sides of history including Operation Wetback, the 1931 deportations, fugitive slave laws; stated the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats would hold the board accountable on curriculum decisions
- Carl White (President, Montgomery County NAACP) — Cited historical facts about slavery, the Dred Scott decision, and institutional racism; urged the board not to change policies to prevent teaching CRT
- Glynnis/Glenna Sloan — 77-year-old white woman; shared that she only recently learned about racial massacres in states she lived in; defined CRT and argued it is about truth, not blame; expressed fury that racial history has been suppressed
- Greg McDonald (Retired pastor, 31 years) — Drew parallel between family counseling and national racial reckoning; asked audience whether they learned about the 1921 Tulsa Massacre in school; argued that not discussing racism does not prevent division
Opposed to CRT:
- Joseph Liu — Expressed "unequivocal opposition" to CRT in schools; stated schools should teach the "three R's"
Joseph Liu (also addressing a separate matter) — Physician and 26-year CISD resident; described what he believes was a racially discriminatory action against his Asian-American son by an orchestra teacher at Collins Intermediate; stated he was refused parent-teacher conferences three times in violation of the Every Student Succeeds Act; has filed complaints with TEA and the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights; his son has volunteered to present a victim impact statement at the July board meeting
Regarding COVID-19 vaccines and district partnership with Kelsey-Seybold:
- Diane Daniels — Questioned the board's decisions on mask mandates and the partnership with Kelsey-Seybold to offer COVID-19 vaccines to students ages 12–17; described the vaccine as "experimental"; asked who voted on these decisions; reminded the board of upcoming election dates
- Susan Scruggs — Cited VAERS data on adverse events and deaths associated with COVID vaccines; argued the vaccines are under Emergency Use Authorization and not fully approved; expressed concern about the partnership
- Paola Silva — Presented arguments that children have a 99.997% recovery rate from COVID; argued children are not significant virus spreaders; described the vaccine as a "genetic experimental" shot; cited reports of myocarditis in young people
- Kathy Locetta (speaking in place of Alex Silva) — Continued concerns about spike proteins and cardiac damage; cited historical vaccine halts (rotavirus, swine flu); questioned why the board promoted the vaccine rather than teaching healthy lifestyle habits
- Unnamed female speaker — Demanded a roundtable meeting with the board; criticized the district for not promoting immune system health; stated it is "against the law to give medical advice" and put the board "on notice"
Other topics:
- Charlie Patterson — Spoke on behalf of Janet Bartlett as a candidate for the naming of a new CISD campus; praised her 30+ years as a classroom teacher and 10 years as a substitute
- Christy Swaboda — Former part-time CISD employee; described paying over half her paycheck toward health insurance premiums as a part-time employee (district requires part-time employees to pay 50% of the district contribution); her June 15 paycheck was $126.57; urged the board to reconsider this policy
- John Wurtz — Advocated naming a new school "Veterans Memorial" in honor of fallen military service members; referenced Brandon Smitherman of Conroe, killed in Iraq in 2007
Consent Agenda (Item 4)
Vote: Approved unanimously (motion, second, no discussion)
Item 5a — Discussion: Possible Names for New CISD Campuses and Facilities
Dr. Knoll noted three school namesakes were present: Charlie Patterson (Patterson Elementary), Dr. Jean Stewart (Stewart), and Kathy Clark (Clark Intermediate).
Ms. Blakelock facilitated discussion on naming four facilities:
1. Teacher Training Center (at Woodforest Stadium)
2. New Caney Creek Junior High
3. Current Caney Creek Junior High (reverting to intermediate)
4. New Elementary in the Conroe Feeder Zone
Board members offered nominations:
Mr. Sanders proposed:
- Transfer the Walter Jett name to the new teacher training center
- Name the new junior high Albert L. Moorehead Junior High (retaining existing name)
- Name the current junior high (becoming intermediate) Veterans Memorial Intermediate
- Name the new elementary Janet K. Bartlett Elementary
Mr. Morgan proposed Dr. Annette Gordon-Reed for the elementary school (Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Harvard professor, Conroe native)
Mr. Williams also nominated Annette Gordon-Reed for the elementary
Ms. Wagman nominated Barbara Cargill (science teacher, 14-year State Board of Education member) for either the elementary or junior high
President Hubert nominated Dr. Joanne Bacon for consideration
Mr. Inman (absent) communicated through Dr. Knoll strong support for the Jett name transfer and Veterans Memorial for the intermediate
Item 5b — Consider Name for Teacher Training Center
Motion: Name it the Walter Jett Training Center (official title to be finalized)
Vote: Approved unanimously
Item 5c — Consider Name for New Junior High (Caney Creek Feeder Zone)
Motion: Name it Albert L. Moorehead Junior High
Vote: Approved unanimously
Item 5d — Consider Name for Current Junior High / Future Intermediate (Caney Creek Feeder Zone)
Motion: Name it Veterans Memorial Intermediate
Vote: Approved unanimously
Item 5e — Consider Name for New Elementary (Conroe Feeder Zone)
After procedural discussion about how to handle multiple nominations, the board conducted a vote on three nominees:
| Nominee | Votes |
|---|---|
| Annette Gordon-Reed Elementary | 3 |
| Janet K. Bartlett Elementary | 2 |
| Barbara Cargill Elementary | 1 |
Result: Named Annette Gordon-Reed Elementary
Note: Ms. Wagman raised a procedural concern about whether each nomination should have been voted on individually (up or down) by the full board rather than splitting votes across candidates. President Hubert acknowledged the concern but noted the vote stood as conducted.
Item 5f — Consider Approval of Interlocal Agreement with Montgomery County Emergency Communication District (9-1-1)
Presented by: Captain Blakelock, CISD Police Department
CISD Police Department would become a secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for 9-1-1 in Montgomery County. Benefits include:
- Ability to transfer 9-1-1 calls directly
- Automatic number/location information for callers
- Smart 911 and Rave Facility profile data access
- Text-to-911 capability
- Telecommunication device for deaf/hard of hearing
- Language line interpretation services
- Emergency backup dispatch location at Montgomery County 9-1-1
- Analytics and reporting capabilities
- All equipment, installation, maintenance, and training costs borne by Montgomery County 9-1-1
Montgomery County Emergency Communication District Executive Director Chip Van Steinberg explained the district was created by voters in the late 1980s, operates under Chapter 772 of the Public Health and Safety Code, has a 5-member appointed board, and is funded by 9-1-1 fees.
The agreement was approved by the Montgomery County 9-1-1 board on May 19, 2021.
Vote: Approved unanimously
Item 6a — PULLED FROM AGENDA
District goals presentation was pulled to incorporate recently received STAAR scores. To be brought back at the July meeting.
Item 7a — Capital Improvements Update
Presented by: Danny Phillips
Summary of active projects:
| Project | Status | Target Completion |
|---|---|---|
| York Junior High Additions | Exterior complete, interior finishes ongoing | August 2021 |
| Woodlands College Park Additions | Exterior complete, culinary lab nearing completion | August 2021 |
| Woodlands High School Addition (3-story) | Exterior complete, classrooms nearing completion | August 2021 |
| Armstrong Campus Renovations | Kitchen addition underway | August 2021 |
| Wright Elementary (full HVAC update) | New ductwork installation | August 2021 |
| Creighton Elementary Overhaul (HVAC/roof) | Roof ~80% complete | August 2021 |
| New Caney Creek Junior High | Paving installed, structural assembly beginning | August 2023 |
| Conroe High School Renovations (multi-phase, 54 months) | Athletics underground utilities started; NW parking lot subgrade in progress | Athletics: August 2022; Parking lot: August 2021; CTE addition: August 2022 |
| Teacher Training Center (Woodforest Stadium) | Slab 80% installed, structural assembly starting | Spring 2022 |
| Safety & Security Projects (9 facilities) | Upgrades underway | August 2021 |
| New Flex 21 Elementary (Conroe feeder) | Paving, steel delivery, slab poured for fine arts/gym | August 2022 |
| Oak Ridge High School Overhaul / South County CTE | Just started June 2021, chiller plant first | Phased; school in session August 2021 |
| Wilkerson Intermediate PE Addition | Site demo started, storm system installation | January 2022 (after winter break) |
| Conroe High School 9th Grade Classroom Addition | Demo started; bus loop extension | Bus loop: August 2021; Addition: August 2022 |
Hope Elementary and Stockton tours to be scheduled for board members in coming weeks.
Item 8a — Concession Services (RFP 21-04-05)
Award of concession services contract to Spectrum Catering and Concessions for Moorehead Stadium, Woodforest Bank Stadium, and the Natatorium.
- Estimated annual commission to CISD: $150,000 (35% of gross sales)
- Contract through June 2022 with four one-year renewal options through June 2026
- Two vendors submitted proposals
- Board confirmed this does not interfere with booster club or Boy Scout fundraising activities — those groups work through/with the concessionaire
Vote: Approved unanimously
Item 8b — On-Site Clinic Management Services (RFP 21-01-04)
Award to Memorial Hermann for on-site clinic management.
- Estimated annual expenditure: $700,000
- Five responses received; evaluated by financial services, HR, employee benefits committee, and Gallagher Risk Management
- Contract effective for two years through August 2023 with option for three additional one-year renewals
- Funded from self-funded health insurance fund
Discussion: Mr. Sanders noted that clinic visits dropped to ~330/month during COVID (break-even is ~550-600/month). Staff explained the decision to continue the clinic because 987 employees chose it as their primary care, and they want to evaluate whether post-COVID usage rebounds. If not, employees would be given advance notice to adjust benefit choices. The district is also waiving the telemedicine deductible (~$36,000/year cost) regardless.
Vote: Approved unanimously
Item 8c — ESSER Act Update
Presented by: Dr. Hinds
Key points:
- ESSER III allocation: $43.1 million (initial two-thirds); total $64.7 million over three years (through September 2024)
- ESSER II allocation: $28.8 million (newly confirmed); will first cover the 2020-21 hold harmless, with remainder to be incorporated into planning (through September 2023)
- Virtual school/academy did not pass the legislature; families will be notified; placeholder kept in budget in case it returns in a special session
- Task force of district staff, campus staff, parents, and community members has met five times
- ~500 survey responses received
Survey feedback highlights:
- Strong support for after-school tutorials, summer school, targeted small group instruction, summer enrichment
- Very strong support for addressing social-emotional needs (additional counselors, behavior support, Communities in Schools)
- Strong support for setting aside funds for attendance/enrollment fluctuations
- Support for extending the value of one-time funds beyond three years (transition fund concept)
Budget categories in draft plan (~$64M total):
| Category | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Campus formula allocations | ~$16.5 million |
| District support positions | Included in staffing |
| Hold harmless reserve | $12.5 million |
| Summer school (4 summers) | Included |
| Software, Wi-Fi, technology, PD | ~$7.6 million |
| Virtual academy placeholder (22-23) | TBD |
| Unallocated | $12.3 million |
- Campus allocations weighted by campus size and percentage of economically disadvantaged students
- Each campus has a "floor" budget allowing at least one hire per year
- Communities in Schools expanding to 6 additional campuses (Rice, Reeves, Hope, Milan, Blaylock, Armstrong)
- Summer school enrollment up 40% over two years ago (505 elementary/intermediate students)
- Application due to state by late July; does not require formal board approval (superintendent approval)
Item 8d — Preliminary 2021–2022 Budget Overview
Presented by: Mr. Rice
Legislative Session Results:
- HB 3 fully funded; HB 1525 cleanup bill made changes to CTE, fast growth allotment, GT, and CCMR calculations
- Fast growth allotment: initially feared $7M loss → ended with ~$2M gain
- Virtual academy did not pass
- Fund balance cap bill (HB 3445, 110-day limit) did not pass
Key Budget Assumptions:
- Enrollment projection: 66,298 students
- ADA percentage: 94.2% (each 1% below costs ~$2.5 million)
- ~15% of students were still remote at year end; ~250 expressed interest in virtual academy
- Property value growth estimate: 5% (~$42.1 billion total); certified values due July 25
- Due to HB 3/Robin Hood, property value increases do not generate net new general fund revenue
Tax Rate:
- Current rate: $1.2125 (third lowest in greater Houston area)
- Estimated 2021-22 rate: ~$1.191 (at 5% growth); could decrease further with higher growth
Fund Balance:
- Current unassigned fund balance: $153.7 million (~27% of budget)
- Board goal: 20-25% of budget
- Anticipated to increase by $7.5M+ at fiscal year end
Revenue & Expenditures:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Estimated Total Revenue | $585.0 million |
| Estimated Total Expenditures | $596.0 million |
| COVID Relief Funding Used to Balance | $10.0 million |
Compensation:
- 3% general pay increase for all employees
- 5% raise for bus drivers; starting pay raised to $18/hour
- All hourly employees raised to minimum $12/hour
- Starting teacher salary: $58,500
- Pay increase cost: $12.5 million
New Personnel: 72 positions ($3.47M)
- 32.5 for Hope Elementary and new students
- 39.5 for transportation, custodial, and campus support
Retention Stipend: $10 million (one-time)
- October 1: $500 per employee (to aid recruitment and retention at start of year)
- February (tentatively): potentially another $500 per employee (contingent on budget performance)
- Funded with COVID relief money
- Flat rate benefits hourly employees proportionally more
- Does NOT count toward TRS retirement calculations
- Board discussion acknowledged risk of creating perpetual expectations but noted it is budget-friendly as one-time money
Budget Timeline:
- July 14: District-level planning committee presentation
- July 25: Certified property values from appraisal district
- August 3: First public hearing on budget
- August 17: Second public hearing + adoption of budget and tax rate
Item 8e — Financial Reports (Month Ended May 31)
Presented by: Ms. Carson (Garza)
- General Fund total assets: $343.9 million
- Cash and investments: $327.2 million (majority in state pools at $248.7M)
- Year-to-date revenue: $527.9 million; local revenue $378.5 million
- Year-to-date expenditures: $335.6 million
- 2019 Bond referendum: $262.9 million expended/encumbered; $388.5 million remaining
- Self-funded insurance: Positive by ~$1 million YTD (revenue $40.1M, expenses $39.1M); higher claims expected in summer
- Wellness center participation: averaging 333 visits/month
- Investment portfolio yield: ~19 basis points combined vs. 0.01% benchmark (90-day T-bill)
Executive Session
Board entered closed session at 8:57 PM under Sections 551.071 and 551.074 of the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Board returned to open session at 9:35 PM.
Item 10 — Superintendent's Contract
Motion: Approve extension of the superintendent's contract for one year through June 1, 2026, with other amendments as discussed in executive session.
Vote: Approved unanimously
Item 11 — Local Policy Manual Update 117
Information only — no vote required. Three local policies included:
- DEC (compensation/benefits) underwent the most significant revision as part of TASB's statewide effort to streamline district policies and move procedural content out of policy
- Board will be asked to formally adopt the policies at the July meeting
Meeting Adjourned
Motion to adjourn approved; meeting concluded.