July 20, 2021 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2021-07-20
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 14:00 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting — July 20, 2021
These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript and may contain errors or omissions.
Opening
- Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM by President Hubert; quorum confirmed.
- Representative Scott Moore and Ray Sanders led a moment of silence/prayer and the pledges of allegiance.
Item 2A: Patrons Influencing Education (PIE) Award
The district recognized local healthcare partners who provided critical guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling CISD to keep schools open with the highest percentage of in-person instruction.
Presenters: Barbara Robertson (CISD School Nurse of the Year for Texas) and Chris McCord (Assistant Superintendent of Operations)
Recipients:
- Lone Star Family Health Center: Karen Harwell, CEO
- Montgomery County Hospital District: Dr. Robert Dixon (EMS Medical Director), Chief James Campbell (Chief of EMS), Randy Johnson (CEO), Melissa Miller (COO — not present)
- Montgomery County Public Health District: Dr. Charles Sims (Public Health Authority), Dr. Saheed Ibrahim (Chief Epidemiologist), Alicia Williams (Public Health Director — not present)
- Memorial Hermann The Woodlands: Justin Kendrick (SVP/CEO), Linda Nelson (Director of Business Development & Marketing), Jason Glover (VP of Operations — not present), Kate Willis (Director of Hospital Operations)
Chris McCord highlighted Memorial Hermann's pivotal role in transforming a CISD facility (stadium, natatorium, and parking lot) into a vaccine hub in one week. Recipients received plaques and pecan pies.
Item 2B: Ambassador Award — District Support Staff
Presenter: Blake Clock
Recipients recognized for outstanding service:
- Ellen Cooper — 29 years with CISD, 21 in payroll; helped communicate with employees about leave during COVID
- Jennifer Cox — 14 years with CISD, 4 in information systems; created systems for campus technology needs
- Tracy Peterson — 10 years with CISD; first point of contact for parents
- Jessica Villarreal — Assisted new team members at the administration building
- Clay Shoeguard — Nearly 25 years with CISD; technology repair shop's first technician
- Corporal Brad Palmer — CISD Police Department since 2010 (not present); trains recruits and ensures school safety
- Debbie Walters — 27 years in print shop, 25 full-time
Item 3: Citizens Participation (Public Comments)
President Hubert read a statement before public comments: "Critical race theory is not part of the Conroe ISD curriculum. Conroe ISD's curriculum is and will continue to be based on the state-mandated Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) that are available from the Texas Education Agency."
He also clarified during comments: The school board and district are not mandating masks, COVID vaccines, or suggesting any students must receive vaccinations to attend school.
Summary of Public Comments (~20 speakers):
Critical Race Theory / Curriculum Concerns:
- Edward Scruggs — Opposed CRT, citing Dr. Ben Carson's story as an example of success without race-based ideology; warned of strong parental opposition if implemented.
- Ginger Russell — Asserted that social-emotional learning (SEL) is a form of CRT; referenced CISD's improvement plan language about cultural/diversity awareness training; questioned district funding of TASA/TASB.
- Diane Daniels — Expressed skepticism about the district's denial of CRT; reminded board members of upcoming re-election dates (2022 and 2024).
- John Mansoowich (Pastor) — Argued CRT is incompatible with a biblical worldview.
- Connor Ernest — Criticized the NAACP's stance; called for transparency in curriculum, budget, and personnel decisions; questioned enforcement of curriculum standards.
- Edgar Wingo — Opposed CRT and diversity/equity/inclusion efforts; called for security cameras with audio in classrooms.
- Madison Djakovic — As a mother of a mixed-race child, argued CRT teaches hate and undermines children's self-confidence; advocated for anti-bullying campaigns instead.
- John Boucher — Opposed CRT/SEL; urged the board to "condemn critical race theory in all of its forms."
- Kenneth Earnest — Criticized district administration's attitude toward parents; proposed a public meeting on curriculum and budget; cited Texas Education Code §11.1512(b)(2) regarding community collaboration.
LGBTQ+ Issues / Board Member Conduct:
- Rachel Walker — Called on board members to vocally support LGBTQ+ students; referenced hate speech and asked the board to "be louder" for queer kids.
- Jason Rocha (Founder/CEO, The Woodlands Pride) — Invited all board members and CISD staff to the Woodlands Pride Festival on October 30 at Town Green Park; cited statistics about suicide risk for LGBTQ+ youth from non-accepting homes.
- Deborah Weitner — Referenced a specific board member's (Mr. Inman's) public social media comments calling the LGBT community "one of the most vile, hate-filled communities"; invited board to prove they don't share those views by attending Woodlands Pride.
- Anne-Marie Kennedy — Requested the board have a table at Woodlands Pride with resources for LGBTQ+ students; emphasized keeping kids alive and connected.
- Kristen Johnson — As a parent, expressed dismay at a board member's social media posts; invited board to participate in Woodlands Pride.
COVID-19 Vaccines / Masks:
- Charles Montgomery — Opposed vaccine mandates and masks for children; cited statistics claiming zero mortality for children without pre-existing conditions; questioned vaccine efficacy.
- Carrie Bigford — Criticized CISD's partnership with Kelsey-Seybold for vaccination clinics; argued the flyer was misleading; cited VAERS adverse event data.
- Kathy Locetta — Opposed updated CDC guidelines; warned against implementing mask mandates, social distancing, or contact tracing.
- Dr. Tom Reed (Foot & Ankle Surgeon) — Opposed mandating or coercing COVID vaccinations, calling them "experimental biological gene therapy"; cited VAERS data and questioned vaccine efficacy.
- John Wurtz — Continued Dr. Reed's testimony; cited myocarditis cases, brain damage, and spontaneous abortions allegedly linked to vaccines; opposed mask mandates.
- Virginia Young — Criticized vaccine campaigns in schools; alleged violations of the Nuremberg Code; called for a letter to faculty prohibiting pro-vaccine comments to students.
- Amita Russo (Nurse/Researcher) — Argued PCR tests are misapplied, masks are harmful, and COVID injections are not true vaccines.
- Jonathan Houlihan (Attorney/Veteran) — Warned the board about legal risks of endorsing emergency use authorization vaccines; urged respect for parental rights and individual liberty.
- Joe Locetta — Characterized the pandemic as "manufactured"; urged the board not to follow CDC guidelines.
- Garrett Costello — Opposed CISD partnering with medical entities to recommend vaccines; argued the school's purpose is education, not medical recommendations.
Dyslexia:
- Kristen Varisco — Recounted her dyslexic daughter's experience; discussed the failure of HB 3880 in the legislature; hoped CISD would implement SBOE dyslexia handbook changes.
- Nicole May — Thanked Trustee Scott Moore for his advocacy; reported CISD is moving forward with proposed changes to dyslexia identification and services; encouraged use of ESR funds for struggling readers.
- Chris Delauro — Questioned discrepancy between national (20%), state (5.8%), and CISD (4.8%) dyslexia identification rates; reported difficulties getting IEP/504 accommodations followed; noted dyslexia program stops at 8th grade.
Other:
- Elias Perez — Defended his daughter, orchestra teacher Alicia Lynn Perez-Gibbs, against racism allegations made by Joseph Liu; called the accusations slanderous.
- Joseph Liu — Continued his multi-month complaint about alleged racist treatment of his son by an orchestra teacher at Collins Intermediate; said he has been refused meetings with the teacher.
- Andy Liu (Student) — Gave a victim impact statement describing being replaced as concert master two days before a major concert; blamed the teacher, school, and board for inaction.
- David Burka — Called for academic excellence and urged the board to "do the right thing."
Item 4: Consent Agenda
Action: A board member requested Item 4B (Amendment to the 2020-2021 Budget) be removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion.
Vote to remove Item 4B: Passed unanimously.
Vote on remainder of consent agenda: Passed (voice vote, no opposition noted).
Item 4B: Amendment to 2020-2021 Budget
Presented by: Mr. Rice
- Budget amendment totaling $12,104,426 in revenues and appropriations
- General Fund: $1,000 in activity fund donations
- Other Funds: $12,103,426 for new/revised state, federal, and local grant allocations
- The $1,000 general fund portion was described as a formality (donation in/out)
Vote: Passed unanimously.
Item 5: Safe Return to In-Person Instruction Update
Presenters: Dr. Hinds and Chris McCord
Key Points:
- Instruction will be 100% in-person for 2021-2022; no online option available
- No mask mandate — per GA-36, schools cannot require masks; however, anyone may choose to wear one
- No vaccine requirement — vaccines are not mandated or required for attendance
- Personal responsibility emphasized as the primary approach
- Basic illness prevention: stay home with fever of 100°+ or new symptoms; hand washing encouraged
COVID-19 Protocols:
- Positive test: Individual should isolate for 10 days, be fever-free for 24 hours (without medication), and diarrhea-free for 24 hours. Students should notify school nurse.
- COVID-19 is NOT currently on the CDC excluded illness list — meaning students cannot technically be mandated to stay home solely for a positive test (unlike chickenpox, etc.)
- Symptoms without positive test: Should consider isolating, seek medical guidance, consider wearing a face mask
- Parent notification: Dashboard on website will continue; the district is "poised and ready" to reinstitute the classroom-level notification system from 2020-2021 if needed
- Absent students: Will be treated like any other absence — teachers will provide work, but there will be no online class to log into
Significant Board Discussion:
- Board members expressed concern about rising hospitalization rates (Montgomery County went from 4 to 40 hospitalizations in one week)
- Questions raised about how parents will be informed if a positive student remains in the classroom (since the district cannot mandate exclusion)
- Dr. Knoll acknowledged the situation is "becoming more concerning" and protocols would be adjusted as needed
- Trustee clarification exchange: A trustee explicitly confirmed with staff that there are no slides/plans to segregate students, mandate vaccines, or mandate masks — all confirmed as not being done
Summer School Results:
- Over 5,000 students served
- Only 1 student positive, 2 employees positive
- No spread observed; very limited mask use
Other:
- COVID testing to continue through October 1 (5,000+ tests available)
- Enhanced cleaning/sanitizing continues; hand sanitizer available in buildings and buses
- PPE available for all employees by request
- District will scale response up or down based on conditions
Item 6A: House Bill 3 Implementation — Board Adoption of Plans and Goals
Presenters: Dr. Upshaw and Mr. Colson
The state requires the district to adopt plans for early childhood literacy, early childhood math, and college/career/military readiness (CCMR).
Goals (5-year targets, based on "Meets" level — above state passing rate):
1. Third Grade Reading: Increase from 52% to 56% at meets level (state passing is "approaches" — 74%)
- Progress measures: letter sounds, letter ID, reading levels K-2
2. Third Grade Math: Increase from 51% to 55% at meets level (state passing is 75%)
- Progress measures: numeracy, counting sets across grade levels
3. CCMR: Increase graduates meeting CCMR from 63% to 76%
- Sub-population minimum goal: 60% by 2025 (equivalent to "A" in state accountability)
- Progress measures: TSI passage rates, industry-based certifications, economically disadvantaged graduate CCMR rates
Board Discussion:
- President Hubert asked about tracking JROTC students into military service; staff acknowledged campuses may have that data but it's not readily available at the district level
- Discussion about JROTC's purpose being broader than military preparation
- Questions about early childhood assessment tools (MASS reading assessment, 3x/year)
Vote: Passed unanimously.
Item 6B: Preliminary 2021 STAAR 3-8 and EOC Results
Presenters: Dr. Winkler, Dr. Medford, and Mr. Colson
Key Findings:
- CISD administered ~100,000 tests (only ~2% decrease from 2019 vs. ~13% decrease statewide)
- CISD scores dipped from 2019 but did not experience the significant decreases seen at the state level
- Testing a higher percentage of students while having smaller score decreases than the state was viewed as a strong indicator of success
- End of Course (EOC) exams: Slight increases in English I and English II; slight regression in Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History — all less regression than state averages
Scores presented (2019 comparison to 2021):
- Elementary: 3rd and 4th grade reading, math, and writing
- Middle School: 5th grade reading, math, and science; 6th grade reading and math; 7th grade reading, math, and writing; 8th grade reading, math, science, and social studies
- High School: English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, U.S. History
Board Discussion:
- The district did NOT lower expectations or "move the finish line" for students
- Summer school served 5,000+ students — highest in recent memory
- Individual student plans will be in place from Day 1 of the new school year (rather than spending 6 weeks assessing)
- Hurricane-impact studies suggest recovery within approximately one year
- Additional federal funding and tutoring mandates will support recovery efforts
Item 7A: Select Job Order Contracting — Administration Building Office Reconfiguration
Presenter: Mr. Foster
- Project to reclaim and reconfigure office space in the administration building after all private tenants moved out
- Contractor: Joris Construction (from the JOC vendor pool approved by the board in November 2019)
- Cost: $606,826
- JOC method selected as appropriate for this smaller-scale project (vs. CM-at-Risk for larger projects)
Vote: Passed unanimously.
Item 7B: Capital Improvement Updates
Presenter: Mr. Foster
Project Status (all reported as on schedule unless noted):
| Project | Status | Notes |
|---------|--------|-------|
| York Junior High (building addition) | On schedule | Opening August 2021; classrooms/furniture being set up |
| The Woodlands College Park HS (building addition) | On schedule | Opening August 2021; trailers removed |
| The Woodlands HS (building addition) | On schedule | Opening August 2021; nutrition lab being built |
| Armstrong Elementary (kitchen/serving area expansion) | On schedule | Kitchen equipment being installed; ready for first day |
| Ride Elementary (A/C system overhaul) | On schedule | New mechanical system operational; ceiling going back up |
| Creighton Elementary (building overhaul, Phase 1 of 2) | On schedule | A/C starting up; Phase 2 next summer |
| Moorhead Junior High (new school) | On schedule | Opens August 2023; slab complete, structure underway |
| Conroe High School (major renovation, ~5 years) | On schedule | Rain causing challenges; new bus loop/parking lot concrete being poured; opens for August return |
| Gordon Reed Elementary (new school) | On schedule | Opens August 2022; slab complete, structure underway |
| Oak Ridge High School (major overhaul + south county CTE campus) | On schedule | ~30-month project; interior prep and central plant work underway |
| JET Center (teacher training facility at Woodforest Bank Stadium) | On schedule | Stadium work on track for first scrimmage Aug 19; building opens Spring 2022 |
| Safety & Security (district-wide, 2021 installment) | On schedule | Wrapping up September; 2022 installment being designed |
| Wilkerson Intermediate (PE classroom addition) | On schedule, with caveat | Metal building delivery running late; targeting January 2022 turnover |
| Conroe High School 9th Grade Campus (building addition) | On schedule | Opens 2022-23 school year |
Board Discussion:
- Question about building material cost increases — Mr. Foster noted steel prices are a concern but believes they may be near peak; budgets have been tracking with the bond plan so far.
- Conroe High School scope was increased for greater capacity due to enrollment growth projections.
Item 8A: Award of RFP 21-03-09 — Toner and Ink Jet Cartridges
Presenter: Rick Reeves
- Vendors: Tree House (OEM cartridges) and VQuest Office Machines & Supplies (remanufactured)
- Annual estimated expenditure: $450,000
- 18 vendors submitted responses
- Contract through July 2022 with option for two additional one-year renewals (through July 2024)
Vote: Passed unanimously.
Item 8B: Award of RFP 21-04-07 — Medical Stop-Loss Coverage
Presenter: Rick Reeves
- Awarded to: HM Insurance Group
- Annual estimated expenditure: ~$2.5 million
- Mirrors current $550,000 individual stop-loss level with no lasering
- Increase of ~$69,000 (2.8%) over current plan
- Previous vendor (UnitedHealthcare, year 2 of contract) proposed a 21%+ increase
- Contract effective for 2 years through August 31, 2023, with option for 3 additional one-year renewals through August 2026
- Evaluated by financial services, HR, and Gallagher Benefit Services (consultant)
Vote: Passed unanimously.
Item 8C: Financial Reports
Presenter: Ms. Garza
Key Financial Data (as of June 30, 2021):
- General Fund Total Assets: $309 million
- Cash & Investments (General Fund): $293.7 million ($227.3M in state pools, $53M in long-term investments with TCG)
- General Fund Revenue YTD: $536.5 million
- General Fund Expenses YTD: $395.7 million
- 2019 Bond: $272.9 million expended/encumbered; $378.5 million remaining
- Self-Funded Insurance: June deficit of $367,000 (revenue $4.4M, expenditures $4.7M); YTD gain of $644,000
- Wellness Center participation: Up in June to 418 visits
- Investment Portfolio: Combined yield of ~18 basis points vs. 90-day T-bill at 0.048
Board Discussion:
- Question about whether the $644K YTD gain in self-funded insurance would hold through the remaining summer months — staff noted June trends suggest it should be close.
- President Hubert noted the board had 3 budget workshops and 2 formal budget presentations during the year, all open to the public.
Item 11A: Select Delegate to TASB Delegate Assembly
Background: As CISD has grown to become one of the 10 largest districts in Texas, it is now eligible for a seat on the TASB Board of Directors.
Nomination: Scott Moore — nominated for TASB Delegate Assembly representative
Vote: Passed unanimously.
Item 11B: Select Representative to TASB Board of Directors
Nomination: Scott Moore — nominated for TASB Board of Directors seat
Note: This is CISD's first-ever seat on the TASB Board of Directors, made possible by the district's growth. The district holds this seat as long as its ADA exceeds 125% of state ADA. Moore will transition from delegate assembly to the board of directors position.
Vote: Passed unanimously.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn passed. Meeting concluded.
Summary of Key Actions
| Item | Action | Vote |
|------|--------|------|
| Consent Agenda (minus Item 4B) | Approved | Unanimous |
| Budget Amendment (Item 4B) | Approved ($12.1M) | Unanimous |
| HB 3 Goals (Literacy, Math, CCMR) | Approved | Unanimous |
| JOC for Admin Building ($606,826) | Approved | Unanimous |
| Toner/Ink Cartridges RFP ($450K) | Approved | Unanimous |
| Medical Stop-Loss (HM Insurance, ~$2.5M) | Approved | Unanimous |
| TASB Delegate — Scott Moore | Approved | Unanimous |
| TASB Board of Directors — Scott Moore | Approved | Unanimous |
Notable Items
- No mask mandate, no vaccine mandate, no segregation of students — confirmed multiple times by board and administration
- No online instruction option for 2021-2022
- Rising COVID hospitalizations in Montgomery County acknowledged as concerning; protocols to be adjusted as needed
- Significant public comment (~20 speakers) on CRT, LGBTQ+ issues, COVID vaccines/masks, and dyslexia
- Multiple speakers invited board to attend Woodlands Pride Festival (October 30) in response to a board member's (Mr. Inman's) public social media comments about the LGBTQ+ community
- Board president's pre-comment statement: CRT is not part of CISD curriculum; curriculum is based on TEKS
- STAAR scores dipped from 2019 but less than statewide decreases; district tested a higher percentage of students than the state average
- First-ever TASB Board of Directors seat for CISD — Scott Moore selected