{
  "id": "2022-03-22_regular",
  "meeting_date": "2022-03-22",
  "meeting_type": "regular",
  "meeting_types": [
    "regular"
  ],
  "title": "Conroe ISD Board Meeting — March 22, 2022",
  "date_display": "March 22, 2022",
  "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": "2026-06-18T19:45:20.917631Z",
  "highlights": "",
  "sections": [],
  "agenda_breakdown_md": "",
  "meeting_notes_md": "# Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2022-03-22\n*Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes*\n*Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.*\n*Generated 2026-03-28 14:20 UTC*\n\n---\n\n# Unofficial Meeting Notes\n## Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees\n### Regular Meeting — March 22, 2022\n\n> **Note:** These are **unofficial notes** based on an auto-generated transcript of the meeting. They may contain errors or omissions. Please consult official board minutes for the authoritative record.\n\n---\n\n## Call to Order\n- Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM by President Hubert\n- Quorum confirmed present\n- Invocation led by David Williams; Pledge of Allegiance led by Scott Moore\n\n---\n\n## Awards & Recognition (Item 2A)\n\n### Caney Creek High School — State Wrestling Champion\n- **Josh Thomas** recognized as the **2022 UIL Class 5A Boys 160-pound State Wrestling Champion** — the first state champion in Caney Creek wrestling program history\n- Introduced by Principal Dr. Jeff Stickler, Athletic Director Kendall Heinemann, and Head Coach Ferguson\n- Thomas was a two-time district champion, regional champion, two-time state qualifier, and helped lead the team to two consecutive district team titles\n- Coach Ferguson noted Thomas's work ethic, including purchasing his own mat during school shutdowns to continue training (\"The Grangerland Regional Training Center\")\n- Board member quoted wrestler David Taylor III about wrestling being a lifestyle choice\n\n### College Park High School — Three State Wrestling Champions\n- Introduced by Principal Dr. Mark Murrell and Head Coach Eric Spuke (noted as UIL National High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year)\n- Assistant coaches Lindsay Spute and Kenneth Mark also recognized\n\n**Maddie Welch** (Senior, Girls Wrestling):\n- State Champion; didn't start wrestling until sophomore year\n- Did not qualify for state as a junior; dedicated herself to winning as a senior\n- Also became a **National Champion** at the Women's High School National Championship in Colorado\n- Has aspirations to wrestle in college\n\n**Jacob Smith** (Senior, Boys Wrestling):\n- State Champion; on the state podium three years (5th as freshman, 4th as junior, 1st as senior)\n- 170 career wins — most in program history\n- Will attend **Colorado School of Mines** on a wrestling scholarship, majoring in computer science\n\n**Olivia De Giorgio** (Senior, Girls Wrestling):\n- **Three-time State Champion** (sophomore, junior, senior) — fewer than a handful of wrestlers in Texas history have achieved this\n- On the state podium all four years (5th as freshman)\n- Moved up a weight class mid-season to help the team; defeated the defending state champion at the higher weight\n- Finished 2nd at the Women's High School National Championship (lost by one point in finals)\n- Will wrestle at **Texas Wesleyan University**\n\n- The girls team finished **2nd place** at state (highest in program history); boys team finished **7th**\n\n### Oak Ridge High School — UIL State Champion, Traditional Animation\n- **Christina Lenz** (Senior) recognized as the **UIL Division II Traditional Animation State Champion**\n- Introduced by Principal Dr. AJ Levesky and teacher Mr. Yale\n- Finished 6th at state the previous year\n- Created a three-minute stop-motion film called *Metamorphosis* using over 4,000 still images\n- Mr. Yale noted this was an outside-of-class, no-grade project done over Christmas break\n- Christina does not plan to pursue animation in college but excelled through the opportunity CISD provided\n- Mr. Yale also previously had a South by Southwest champion in animation\n\n### Special Life-Saving Recognition\n- **Monica Jones**, teacher at Oak Ridge Elementary, shared her personal story:\n  - On February 8, she went to bed ill and did not come to work the next day\n  - Principal **Tammy Eldridge** became concerned when Jones didn't respond to texts/calls\n  - Eldridge contacted **Officer Tamisha Wiley** (CISD Police) to check on Jones\n  - Officer Wiley found Jones unresponsive; she and **Sergeant Michael Mann** called EMS\n  - Jones was hospitalized with **sepsis and bacterial meningitis**; doctors told her she likely would not have survived a couple more hours\n- **Tammy Eldridge**, **Officer Tamisha Wiley**, and **Sergeant Michael Mann** were recognized and honored for their actions\n- Captain Blakelock spoke on behalf of the CISD Police Department\n- Dr. Knoll referenced the Fred Rogers quote: \"Look for the helpers\"\n- A brief recess was taken following this emotional recognition\n\n---\n\n## Citizen Participation (Item 3)\n\n**Abby Colburn** — Senior, The Woodlands High School; co-president of Troop 1053 (theater department) and Texas Thespian State Officer:\n- Advocated for theater education awareness, citing statistics (arts generate $6.1B in taxable sales in Texas; theater students twice as likely to graduate HS, 22% more likely to attend college, 15% more likely to get commended on standardized tests, 32% lower risk of depression)\n- Presented a proclamation requesting March be designated \"Theater at Our Schools Month\" to bring awareness and funding to theater departments across CISD\n\n**Diane Daniel:**\n- Raised concerns about past mask mandates and the district's partnership with Kelsey-Seybold on COVID vaccinations\n- Asked whether students who received COVID vaccines would be asked about it during physicals, given potential side effects\n- Asked about the status of removing \"sexual and pornographic books\" from CISD libraries\n- Praised the district's dyslexia programs and extracurricular activities\n\n**Misty Oden-Weller:**\n- Reiterated concerns from the prior month about teacher retention and unfilled positions\n- Noted positions posted since August/September still unfilled (speech pathologists, special education teachers)\n- Her grandson waited three months to see a speech pathologist\n- Encouraged the board and Dr. Knoll to reach out informally to teachers to understand their needs and what is \"wearing them down\"\n- Emphasized CISD's position as a premier district that should set the bar for attracting teachers\n\n**Carolyn Nene:**\n- Cited statistics about professional athletes suffering cardiac events post-COVID vaccination\n- Referenced a Virginia pediatric physician requiring additional cardiac screening for vaccinated athletes before sports clearance\n- Requested CISD add an addendum to the annual physical exam form asking if students received the COVID vaccine, and if so, requiring further diagnostic studies to rule out heart damage\n\n**Jennifer Gulin:**\n- Raised concerns about equitable allocation of funds for uniforms\n- Conroe High School's mariachi program competed at state without traditional mariachi uniforms — the only school not in proper attire; students wore orchestra dress uniforms\n- Drew an analogy to a marching band competing at state in concert attire\n- Challenged the board to ensure equitable uniform funding in the budget process so Conroe's mariachi has proper uniforms next year\n\n**Robert LaBelle:**\n- Referenced Representative Toth's previous presentation about banning Critical Race Theory (CRT)\n- Stated he heard some board members told Rep. Toth to \"mind his own business\" (noted he did not see the letters directly)\n- Called for the district to push back against CRT, which he said is \"infused in the subjects\"\n\n---\n\n## Consent Agenda (Item 4)\n- **Motion to approve** the consent agenda as presented\n- **Vote: Passed unanimously** (all in favor by show of hands, none opposed)\n\n---\n\n## Item 12 (Moved Up) — Named Assistant Superintendent for High Schools\n- Item moved up on the agenda with no objections\n- Dr. Knoll noted Mr. Colson's retirement and praised his service\n- Recommended **Dr. Chris Povich** as the new Assistant Superintendent for High Schools\n  - Over 25 years in Conroe ISD\n  - Served in multiple roles: teacher, assistant principal, associate principal, 9th grade principal, junior high principal, high school principal across multiple feeder zones\n  - 8th position in the district\n- **Vote: Passed unanimously** (all in favor by show of hands, none opposed)\n- Dr. Povich thanked the board, Dr. Knoll, and Mr. Colson (his mentor for 13+ years)\n- Introduced his family to the board\n- Board members also praised Mr. Colson's contributions, including an anecdote about him jumping into the pool with the swim team at state championships\n\n---\n\n## Item 5A — Campus Mascot and School Colors for Gordon Reed Elementary\n- Colors: **Navy blue, yellow, and gray**\n- Students voted between Cubs and Gators; vote was nearly tied\n- The district solicited feedback from **Ms. Annette Gordon Reed** herself\n- Recommended mascot: **Titans**\n- **Vote: Passed unanimously** (all in favor, none opposed)\n\n---\n\n## Item 6A — Adoption of Instructional Material for Health and Physical Education\n- Dr. Upshaw presented the recommendation from the district instructional materials committee, reviewed through SHAC (Student Health Advisory Committee)\n- Only resource meeting the state board list: **Goodheart-Willcox**\n- Public posting had approximately 290 viewers since February 20 for feedback\n- **Motion to approve**\n- **Vote: Passed unanimously** (all in favor, none opposed)\n\n### Additional Notes on Teaching & Learning\n- Board members participated in Zoom meetings with principals and teachers the previous month; board expressed appreciation\n- Board members also conducting Ambassador Award visits to campuses to recognize teachers\n\n---\n\n## Item 7A — Capital Improvements Update\nMr. Foster provided updates on multiple projects. **All projects reported as on schedule:**\n\n| Project | Status/Notes |\n|---|---|\n| **Safety & Security 2022** | Camera/access control upgrades district-wide; on schedule through end of 2022 |\n| **Gladys Elementary** | HVAC system overhaul; equipment procurement underway, work begins summer |\n| **Creighton Elementary** | Kitchen expansion and utility upgrades; awaiting summer for completion |\n| **New Moorhead Junior High** | Building taking shape; opens **August 2023** |\n| **Conroe High School Renovation** | Construction going vertical — CTE building, athletic venues, JV/practice fields; phased turnovers starting mid-next school year through **December 2025** |\n| **New JET Center** | **Substantial completion achieved** this month; receiving furniture |\n| **Gordon Reed Elementary (Flex School #21)** | Interior finishes underway; opens **August 2022** |\n| **Oak Ridge High School** | South County CTE facilities; new admin facility framing, new driveways; phase turnovers end of 2022, completion **August 2023** |\n| **Conroe High School 9th Grade Addition** | Building in great shape; ready for students returning from summer break |\n| **Flex School #22** (Grand Oaks HS feeder zone) | Site clearing underway; opens **August 2023** |\n| **New Maintenance & Child Nutrition Facility** (FM 2854) | Demolition of existing building; opens **summer 2023** |\n| **Caney Creek HS Upgrades** | Demolition underway for athletic facility expansion; completion **summer 2023** |\n\n- **Bond Referendum Update (2019):** $321.3M expended to date; $330.1M remaining; $488.5M of approved $653.5M sold\n- Discussion about the former West Tabernacle Baptist Church on the maintenance facility property — the church was able to purchase salvaged materials from the demolition contractor\n\n---\n\n## Item 8A — Award of RFP 21-1015: Self-Funded Health Plan ASO Medical Product Services\n- Employee Benefits Committee (representatives from all feeder zones, auxiliary departments, and administration) recommended **Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)**\n- Five vendors submitted proposals: United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, Healthcare Highways\n- Two finalists (Aetna and BCBS) made final presentations\n- BCBS recommended by **unanimous vote** of the Employee Benefits Committee\n- **Estimated annual savings: approximately $8.2 million** compared to United Healthcare renewal rates\n  - ~$7.7M from enhanced network efficiencies\n  - ~$521K from reduced admin fees\n  - BCBS put money up front to back savings guarantees\n- Contract term: **2 years** beginning September 1, 2022, with three additional one-year renewal options\n- Current insurer (United Healthcare) was in 3rd year; prior to that, Aetna for 20+ years\n- Network disruption assessed as **very minimal** — main facilities near-identical match; Kelsey population exact match with enhancements\n- BCBS/Memorial Hermann contract finalized earlier in March, resolving prior uncertainty\n- Plan design and premium recommendations to come at the April work session; adoption vote at April board meeting\n- Gallagher consultant Maggie Parker answered questions\n- This is Gallagher's first BCBS school district client in the Houston area, though BCBS is the TPA for TRS statewide\n\n**Vote: Passed unanimously** (all in favor, none opposed)\n\n---\n\n## Item 8B — Approval of ClassLink Inc. for Single Sign-On Suite\n- Annual expenditure not to exceed **$160,000**\n- ClassLink Suite replaces current SSO vendor (which was acquired by another company and removed required features including reverse proxy for home access)\n- Features include two-factor authentication, analytics, modern UI, file access, user rostering\n- Procured through interlocal agreement with Texas Department of Information Resources cooperative\n- Funded from the general fund\n\n**Vote: Passed unanimously** (all in favor, none opposed)\n\n---\n\n## Item 9 — Financial Statements (as of February 28, 2022)\nMrs. Garcia presented:\n- **General Fund cash & investments:** $402.1 million total\n  - Tax collections over 95% for the year\n- **General Fund revenue YTD:** $478 million; **expenses:** $239.2 million\n- **Debt Service:** Revenue $108.3M; expenses $81.1M\n- **Self-Funded Insurance:** Running a deficit of ~$1.7M YTD (revenue $26.9M vs. expenses $28.6M), though January and February individually showed revenues exceeding expenditures\n- **Investment portfolio par value:** $800.7 million\n  - Combined yield: ~21 basis points, trailing slightly behind 90-day T-bill\n  - Pool yields already rising to 35 basis points as of meeting date (expected to catch up within ~60 days following recent Fed rate increase)\n\n---\n\n## Closed Session\n- Board entered closed session at **7:45 PM** under Texas Open Meetings Act sections 551.071 (consultation with attorney) and 551.074 (personnel matters)\n- Board reconvened in open session at **8:52 PM**\n- **No action reported** from closed session\n\n---\n\n## Adjournment\n- Motion to adjourn; seconded and approved\n- Meeting adjourned at approximately **8:52 PM**\n\n---\n\n*These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript and may contain inaccuracies. For official minutes, please contact the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees office.*"
}