{
  "id": "2021-09-21_regular",
  "meeting_date": "2021-09-21",
  "meeting_type": "regular",
  "meeting_types": [
    "regular"
  ],
  "title": "Conroe ISD Board Meeting — September 21, 2021",
  "date_display": "September 21, 2021",
  "type_display": "Regular Meeting",
  "types_display": [
    "Regular Meeting"
  ],
  "item_count": 0,
  "has_agenda": false,
  "has_notes": true,
  "pdf_filename": null,
  "packet_url": null,
  "generated_at": "2026-06-18T19:45:20.880534Z",
  "highlights": "",
  "sections": [],
  "agenda_breakdown_md": "",
  "meeting_notes_md": "# Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2021-09-21\n*Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes*\n*Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.*\n*Generated 2026-03-28 14:02 UTC*\n\n---\n\n# Unofficial Meeting Notes\n## Conroe Independent School District – Board of Trustees Regular Meeting\n### September 21, 2021\n\n> **Note:** These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript and may contain errors or omissions. They are intended to help the public understand what occurred during the meeting.\n\n---\n\n## Opening\n- Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM by President Hubert; quorum confirmed.\n- **Invocation:** Jason Williams\n- **Pledges of Allegiance (U.S. and Texas):** Led by Teresa Wagaman\n\n---\n\n## Item 2: Awards & Recognition – Read for a Better Life Initiative\n\n- The district kicked off its annual **\"Read for a Better Life\"** initiative, encouraging all adults to read 30 minutes a day to children.\n- Because students could not attend the board meeting in person this year, a **video reading of the book *School's First Day of School*** by Adam Rex was shown, featuring district staff and community members.\n- **Mr. Blakelock** introduced the item and noted that the resolution would be approved as part of the consent agenda.\n- **Dr. Null** noted that one of the readers in the video was **Caroline Vetter DeMeritt**, mother of **David Vetter** (namesake of David Elementary), and that David would have turned 50 years old this week.\n\n---\n\n## Item 3: Citizen Participation\n\n### Speaker 1: Rod Hammer\n- Discussed **Critical Race Theory (CRT)**, noting he had spoken with administration (Mr. Heinz) and appreciated the conversation. Expressed his view that America is a great country, children should be taught the greatness of the Constitution, and no child should be told they are more or less important based on skin color.\n- On **masks**: Stated that in his work travel experience, problems were worse in workplaces with strict mask use and better where hand sanitizer was prioritized. Thanked the district for not requiring masks.\n\n### Speaker 2: Diane Daniels\n- Noted she had a respectful conversation with \"Skeeter\" (board member). Found it \"interesting\" that shortly after, Dr. Null released a video requesting mask-wearing. Urged the board to reflect carefully on the influence of communications (emails, videos) sent to parents, particularly regarding masks.\n- Expressed appreciation that **pocket Constitutions** were delivered to all 8th graders, which she had helped facilitate.\n- Called for a return to basics: \"reading, writing, arithmetic, and history.\"\n\n### Speaker 3: Lisa Mendez\n- Briefly appeared but did not deliver substantive remarks; the board clarified they cannot answer questions during public comment.\n\n---\n\n## Item 4: Consent Agenda\n\n- **Mr. Inman** requested that **Item I – Consider Adoption of Resolution Approving the Investment Program and List of Qualified Investment Brokers** be removed from the consent agenda for individual consideration.\n  - **Vote to remove item from consent agenda:** Approved unanimously by show of hands.\n\n### Item 4-I (Standalone): Investment Program Resolution\n- **Motion to approve** made and seconded.\n- **Mr. Inman abstained**, citing that a sister company of his employer was listed among the qualified brokers.\n- **Vote:** Approved (with one abstention – Inman).\n\n### Remainder of Consent Agenda (including Read for a Better Life Resolution)\n- **Motion to approve** made and seconded.\n- **Vote:** Approved unanimously.\n\n---\n\n## Item 5: Attendance Zone Updates – Gordon Reed Elementary (Conroe HS Feeder Zone)\n\n**Presenters:** Mr. McCord and Dr. Heinz\n\n### Key Information:\n- **Annette Gordon Reed Elementary** is under construction on McKayla Road and is scheduled to **open August 2022** with approximately **950 students**.\n- The committee will determine whether it will be a **Pre-K through 4** or **Pre-K through 6** campus.\n- The site has additional land that could accommodate a future campus (likely intermediate).\n- **Stewart Elementary** is currently Pre-K through 6 and is in a rapid growth area (Woodforest).\n\n### District Enrollment Update (Dr. Heinz):\n- As of September 16: **66,785 students** (67,485 including virtual program) — over **3,000 more** than the same date the prior year.\n- District-wide K-4 at nearly **96% capacity** using **89 portable classrooms**.\n- Junior highs are **over 100% capacity** using 36 portables.\n- District uses **167 portable classrooms** total (≈3,000 seats).\n- **Conroe was named one of the top 10 fastest-growing U.S. cities** (2010-2020 census).\n\n### Growth Projections (2028):\n- Conroe feeder elementary projection: **~9,374 students** vs. K-4 capacity of **7,900** → need ~1,500 additional seats.\n- Intermediate projection: **~4,950 students** vs. capacity of **~3,150** → need ~1,750 additional seats (approximately two new intermediate schools).\n\n### Schools of Concern:\n| School | Current Status | 2028 Projection |\n|---|---|---|\n| Stewart Elementary | 115% capacity, 2 portables | Over 2,000 students |\n| Giesinger | 120% capacity, 8 portables | Continued growth |\n| Patterson | Creeping up on capacity | New neighborhood nearby |\n| Wilkinson | Near capacity | 1,100 projected |\n| Runyon | Full at 585 | 900 projected |\n| Cryar Intermediate | Over capacity projected | 1,100 |\n| Bozman Intermediate | Over capacity projected | — |\n\n### Process & Timeline:\n- **Attendance Boundary Committee** meeting the next day (Sept. 22).\n- **First public meeting:** September 28.\n- **November:** Scenarios presented to board.\n- **January 2022:** Final recommendation to board.\n- A **website** is live with information, feedback forms, FAQ, and zoning worksheets for community input.\n\n---\n\n## Item 6: Summer School 2021 Score Report\n\n**Presenters:** Dr. Winkler (Elementary), Dr. Medford (Middle School), Mr. Oaks (High School)\n\n### Elementary Summer Programs:\n- **Locations:** Ford, Glen Loch, Houston, Maplewood, Rice\n- **Programs:** Bilingual (872 students), ESL (268), Passport to Learning/Kid Quest (1,030/204), Robotics (121), Extended School Year (99)\n- **Staff:** 200+ teachers, 54 paraprofessionals, 14 administrators, 7 nurses\n- Funded primarily through Title I and ESSER funds.\n\n### Middle School Programs:\n- **Locations:** Green, Julian, Vogel, Knox, Peet\n- **Programs:** Reading/Math Camp for 5th graders (263 students), Online Accelerated Math Credits (154 students — increase of ~30 from prior year), Junior High Course Credit (537 students — increase of ~100)\n- **Staff:** 89 teachers, 18 paraprofessionals, 8.5 administrators\n\n### High School Programs:\n- **Location:** The Woodlands High School; ESY at Peet\n- **1,376 students** participated — **~500 student increase** from summer 2020.\n- **3,658 course enrollments**; **98% completion rate**.\n- **$425,000 in credit recovery scholarships** funded through ESSER to help students who failed courses get back on track.\n- **82 students** in Extended School Year.\n- **422 initial credit offerings** across high school and junior high.\n- **Staff:** 74 teachers, 5 paraprofessionals, 4 administrators\n\n### Overall:\n- **5,146+ students served** across **12 locations** — comparable to running an entire small school district (e.g., Splendora ISD has ~4,500 total students).\n- Summer school supports the district's **low dropout rate** through credit recovery.\n- Board members praised the collaborative effort.\n\n---\n\n## Item 7: Capital Improvements Update\n\n**Presenter:** Mr. Foster\n\n### Creighton Elementary (Renovation):\n- Interior summer work complete; now focusing on **exterior and roof**.\n- New roof: two-ply modified bitumen with reflective white cap sheet.\n- **Fire sprinkler system** ground water storage tank and pumps delivered and installed; awaiting power activation (delayed by storm-related utility crew shortages).\n- **On schedule** — project wraps up August 2022. Kitchen and serving line expansion planned for next summer.\n\n### Morehead Junior High (New Construction — 500 additional seats):\n- Structural steel progressing ahead of schedule; exterior masonry underway.\n- Junior high track taking shape.\n- **On schedule** — opens August 2023.\n\n### Conroe High School (Major Renovation):\n- Campus-wide reorganization: new bus loop, parking lot, JV football field, new athletics venue, new CTE building.\n- Foundation work underway; significant elevation changes (~28 feet in some areas) requiring large retaining walls.\n- **On schedule** — work continues through calendar year 2025.\n\n### Woodforest Bank Stadium Jet Center:\n- Roof deck and building envelope progressing; interior systems and office spaces under construction.\n- **On schedule** — opens January/February 2022.\n\n### Safety & Security Program (2021):\n- District-wide security monitor systems being installed (reception areas can monitor all exterior exits/entrances).\n- 2021 phase wrapping up; 2022 scope being designed for board approval later this semester.\n- Board member asked about portable building coverage — portables are not typically included in floor plans due to their temporary nature, though the district tries to place them in secured areas.\n\n### Annette Gordon Reed Elementary:\n- Paving and building exterior progressing; roof in progress.\n- **On schedule** — opens August 2022.\n\n### Oak Ridge High School (Major Renovation + South County CTE):\n- Utility relocation phase underway but **slowed** due to Entergy and CenterPoint crews diverted to storm repairs.\n- **Reported on schedule** despite delays — long timeline provides buffer.\n- Work continues through summer 2023.\n\n### Wilkerson Intermediate (Classroom Addition):\n- Supply chain disruptions; contractor taking innovative approach (building walls before building arrives so they can cure and be paint-ready when the modular building is delivered in October).\n- **Scheduled to complete January 2022** (when students return from winter break) — described as a \"heroic effort.\"\n\n### Conroe High School Ninth Grade (Classroom Addition):\n- Steel was erected before concrete slab was poured (due to supply chain timing); concrete was pumped underneath the standing steel without incident.\n- **On schedule** — ready for students returning from winter break (January 2022).\n\n---\n\n## Item 8A: Consider Approval of Medical Air Devices (IVP Air Purification Units)\n\n**Presenter:** Rick Reeves; **Guest:** Dr. Garrett Peel (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Mayo Clinic-trained, MPH from Johns Hopkins)\n\n### Proposal:\n- Purchase portable **IVP (Integrated Viral Protection)** air purification units from **Medical Air Devices / Integrative Air Protection Solutions** (a Huntington Group company doing business with Trane HVAC).\n- **Not-to-exceed amount: $1,700,000** — would cover full district-wide implementation.\n- Technology uses a **heated metal mesh foam filter** to catch and kill viruses (including COVID-19 at 99.999%), bacteria, allergens, mold, and spores — **instantaneously in a single pass**.\n- Unlike HEPA filters (which only trap at 0.3 microns), this kills at sub-micron levels (COVID is ~0.1 micron).\n- **FDA Emergency Use Authorization** granted; endorsed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.\n- **Peer-reviewed research** conducted at University of Houston, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, and Galveston National Lab.\n\n### Unit Types & Pricing:\n| Unit | Coverage | Price |\n|---|---|---|\n| Venue (large) | Up to 30,000 cu ft, 3-5x/hour | $9,999 |\n| Classroom | Rooms up to 2,000 sq ft | $1,500 |\n| Desktop/Travel | Up to 256 sq ft | $500 |\n\n### Key Details:\n- **Lifetime warranty** on units; filters replaced every 2 years ($250 large, $150 small).\n- No ambient air temperature change; no noise or smell detected in campus testing.\n- Plug-and-play; some older buildings may need a dedicated circuit.\n- Currently used in **100+ healthcare facilities** (MD Anderson, Methodist Hospital, St. Joseph's) and several school districts (Galveston ISD, Slidell ISD, Houston ISD, San Angelo ISD, Fort Worth, Comal, Bandera, Ricardo).\n- **TEA has deployed these units** in the Travis Building (TEA offices).\n- **Commissioner of Education personally called Dr. Null** recommending the district look into this technology.\n\n### Board Discussion:\n- **President Hubert** expressed concern about timing — COVID numbers were declining, making it harder to measure effectiveness. Questioned whether this investment would have been considered absent COVID.\n- **Dr. Null** argued the technology benefits extend beyond COVID to flu, strep, RSV, and other airborne illnesses. Noted that 1% improvement in average daily attendance = **$2.5 million** in funding.\n- **Board members** asked extensive questions about maintenance, safety (child-proofing), electrical requirements, research validation, competitor products, and whether Montgomery County Public Health had weighed in (not yet asked directly).\n- Discussion about **funding**: ESSER funds and grant opportunities being explored; Dr. Null noted local general funds are available if grants don't materialize. Board consensus leaned toward not delaying for grant money.\n- **Implementation plan**: Phased rollout starting with clinics and high-traffic areas (libraries, music rooms, art rooms); full implementation if results warrant.\n\n### Vote:\n- **Motion to approve** purchase of medical air devices not to exceed $1,700,000 and authorize superintendent to negotiate and execute purchase documents.\n- **Vote: Approved unanimously** (by show of hands, no opposition or abstentions noted).\n\n---\n\n## Item 8B: Financial Reports\n\n**Presenter:** Ms. Garson (likely Rachel Garson, CFO)\n\n### August 31, 2021 Financial Summary:\n\n| Fund | Key Figures |\n|---|---|\n| **General Fund** | Assets: $230.1M; Revenue: $565M; Expenditures: $481M |\n| **Debt Service** | Assets: $20.6M; Expenditures: $104M (second debt payment of year) |\n| **Child Nutrition** | Assets: $3.1M |\n| **Self-Funded Insurance** | Assets: $10.5M; August deficit: $116K; Year-end deficit: $59K |\n\n### Other Financial Notes:\n- **2019 Bond Referendum:** $274.2M expended/encumbered; $377.5M remaining.\n- **Wellness Center participation:** 400 in August; 347 average for the year.\n- **Investments:** Par value $552.6M; pools yielding 0.075%.\n- **Woodforest National Bank** rate improved starting September 1 to **90-day T-bills + 25 basis points** (29 basis points for September) — estimated additional **$60,000/year** in interest revenue on ~$40M.\n- Year-end closing entries in preparation.\n\n---\n\n## Item 9: Executive (Closed) Session\n\n- Board entered closed session at **7:42 PM** under Texas Open Meetings Act sections 551.071, 551.072, and 551.074.\n- Board returned to open session at **8:37 PM**.\n\n---\n\n## Item 11A: Revision of Local Board Policy DEC (Compensation, Benefits & Absences)\n\n**Presented for information only — adoption scheduled for next meeting.**\n\n### Changes prompted by two new state laws:\n1. **HB 2073 (Quarantine Leave for Law Enforcement):** Requires that law enforcement officers (in CISD's case, district police) not be penalized in compensation or benefits if required to quarantine by local health authority or superintendent.\n2. **SB 1359 (Mental Health Leave for Peace Officers):** Requires paid mental health leave for officers who experience traumatic events. **CISD's recommendation extends this leave to ALL district employees**, recognizing that traumatic events at schools affect more than just police officers.\n3. **Name change:** \"Unpaid Leave\" renamed to **\"Non-FMLA Leave\"** for clarity — applies to employees who don't qualify for FMLA (e.g., employed less than one year).\n\n---\n\n## Item 11B: Nominate 2022-2023 Montgomery Central Appraisal District Board of Directors\n\n### Nominations submitted:\n- **Mark Frank**\n- **Adam Simmons**\n- **Bernard (Boehner) Lucy**\n- **Bruce Tough**\n- **Arthur Bredehoft**\n\n### Notes:\n- Barry Blanton had indicated he would not serve again.\n- Peggy Housman is the MUDs' nominee (separate process).\n- Board will return at a future meeting to formally vote on the slate.\n- **Ms. Wagaman abstained** from the vote.\n\n### Vote to submit nominations:\n- **Approved** (one abstention — Wagaman).\n\n---\n\n## Adjournment\n\n- Motion to adjourn approved.\n\n---\n\n*These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript. For official minutes, please consult the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees.*"
}