August 2, 2022 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2022-08-02
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 14:40 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting — August 2, 2022
These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript and may contain errors or omissions.
Opening
- Meeting called to order at 6:02 PM with a quorum present.
- Invocation by Mr. Dayton Williams, who offered a prayer of comfort for the family of Ms. Casey Arnold, mourned by the district.
- Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Dale Inman (U.S. and Texas flags).
Awards & Recognition
Destination Imagination Global Champions — "The Timekeepers" (Academy of Science & Technology)
- GT Coordinator Chris Reichelt introduced the team.
- Conroe ISD had 110 teams participate in Destination Imagination during 2021–22.
- The Timekeepers won first place at the global level for the third consecutive year — an unprecedented feat in DI history.
- They competed in the secondary-level Fine Arts challenge ("Daring Escape" technical challenge) and also received the Renaissance Award for exceptional creative artistry, workmanship, and storytelling.
- Appraisers noted the team performed a full eight-minute original musical; appraisal team members "were literally in tears."
- Team members recognized: Abram Allen, Naaman Aurora, Marley Bartholomew, Jonathan Kim, and Rihanna Patel. Coach: Cindy Kim (also John Anderson White credited as coach).
- President Hubert congratulated the team on behalf of the board.
Transportation Department Ambassador Awards
- Assistant Superintendent for Operations Chris McCord noted the district will have air-conditioned buses for all route and field trip buses for the first time in the district's 130-year history, and the district is exploring new technology innovations.
- Director of Transportation Sam Davila recognized employees from among approximately 600 transportation staff:
- Richard Biggs — Head Driver, Conroe Transportation Center
- Tuana Nolan — Operations Supervisor, Conroe Transportation Center
- Anna Snow — East County Transportation Center
- Rhonda White — Operations Specialist, East County Transportation Center
- Gilbert McKenzie — Regular Education Driver, Oak Ridge Transportation Center
- Janice Henderson — Regular Education Driver, Oak Ridge Transportation Center
- Renya Reyes — Oak Ridge Transportation Center (unable to attend)
- Austin Richardson — Bus Technician
- Kelly Glover — Special Needs Driver (monitor unable to attend)
District Staff Support Ambassador Awards
- Presented by Sarah Blakelock:
- Portia Spurlock — Administrative Assistant, Teaching & Learning (16 years with CISD)
- Marco Ovalle — Technology Department (12 years; responsible for 9,000+ security cameras and 175 video servers)
- Hillary McVeigh — Human Resources, Employment Services Specialist (5 years with CISD)
- Loretto Thurman — Communications Department (24 years with CISD; one of the first faces visitors see at the admin building)
CISD Police Department Ambassador Awards
- New Police Chief Matt Blakelock introduced the department's new uniforms (darker blue, more breathable). He recognized:
- Jolyn Marlon — Crossing Guard since August 1999 (David Elementary/Collins Intermediate area); her daughter Miranda West is also now a crossing guard.
- Edward Stone Sr. — Prevention Control Monitor, Conroe High School (5 years); known by name to students who ask after him if he's absent.
- Officer John LaPlante — CISD Police Officer (7 years; 19 prior years in St. Louis); assigned to McCullough Junior High; created a student drawing contest during the pandemic.
- Fila — 11-year-old Belgian Malinois retiring after serving since 2013; narcotics detection canine and beloved community outreach figure. She will retire with her handler, Corporal Joel Armstrong, who has a new K-9 partner named Smokey.
Citizen Participation
The board voted unanimously to waive the restriction limiting public comments to posted agenda items only (since the regular July meeting was canceled due to lack of quorum).
Speakers:
1. Caroline Nini — Expressed disappointment with the board's response to concerns about inappropriate/sexually explicit books in school libraries. Referenced the 75-page document with 35 books previously submitted. Criticized the board's response of creating a software system for parents to monitor checkouts, saying the books should simply be removed. Demanded immediate removal of "all sexually deviant books and teaching materials" from CISD schools.
2. Celeste Grabowski — Parent of two CISD students and veteran teacher (19 years, 14 in CISD). Advocated for increased compensation for paraprofessionals, noting the starting pay of $14/hour is insufficient given their critical role, especially for students with IEPs. Cited over 40 instructional aide positions posted unfilled on the CISD website. Asked the board to re-examine para pay and make adjustments to attract and retain staff.
3. Misty Odenweller — Criticized district personnel decisions related to Critical Race Theory (CRT). Referenced a video by Tamika Taylor advising how to avoid CRT buzzwords. Objected to the hiring of an individual whose doctoral thesis advocated for CRT. Asked the board to adopt a policy banning all tenets of CRT and supplemental materials, consistent with HB 3979 and SB 3.
4. Robert Holden (Willis) — Raised concerns about U.S. educational rankings globally. Discussed COVID-19 vaccinations, opposing mandates for children and requesting the district inform parents of their right to opt out of vaccinations. Made comments about board member liability and suggested cameras in classrooms and board member classroom audits.
5. Rachel Walker — Parent in the Conroe/Oak Ridge North feeder zone and PTO board member at Oak Ridge Elementary (Title I school). Running for CISD Board Position 1. Challenged the board to make board meetings accessible in Spanish for Spanish-speaking parents, noting affordable captioning programs exist. Thanked the board for being receptive during public comments.
6. Peggy Roscoe — Mother, grandmother, former CISD teacher. Cautioned against improperly inserting religion into public schools. Referenced the recent Supreme Court ruling on a Washington state football coach's prayer. Urged CISD to be vigilant about teachers/coaches leading students in prayer, noting the power imbalance and the diversity of religious beliefs among the district's ~68,000 students.
7. Amber Sullivan — CISD employee for 13 years, high school librarian for 6 years. Defended librarians' professional expertise (master's degrees in library science). Argued against book removal efforts, stating books help students process difficult experiences including sexual assault, pandemic, school shootings, and loss. Noted that high school students can enlist in the military and take college-level classes. Shared that a student aide said a challenged book helped her process a sexual assault. Urged the board to "trust your librarians."
8. Marie Young — Former CISD student and SFA graduate. Argued that sexually explicit books in schools constitute grooming tactics. Drew parallels to stages of grooming used by sex offenders. Referenced the Loudoun County controversy and a recent arrest of a teacher. Called on the board to protect children by removing such materials.
9. Stuart Schrader — Raised concerns about inconsistent graduation regalia policies across CISD's seven high schools. A Woodlands High School graduate enlisted in the Marine Corps was denied the ability to wear a military sash at commencement, while a Caney Creek graduate was photographed wearing one. Called for a standardized district-wide policy on graduation regalia that permits official military sashes for enlisted graduates.
Item 4: Consent Agenda
- Vote: Approved unanimously (no items pulled).
Item 5: Teaching & Learning
5a — Professional Development Plan 2022–2023
- Presented by Dr. Chris Hines.
- Required by SB 1267: districts must adopt a professional development policy guided by SBEC Continuing Education Clearinghouse recommendations.
- The plan includes 7 clearinghouse-recommended courses plus 11 additional courses added by the district, delivered via an online catalog. Topics generally cover health, safety, and reporting requirements.
- This plan is separate from the district's broader professional learning framework.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 6: Legal
6a — Adoption of Legal Policy Manual Update 119 and Revision of Board Policy DFBB
- Update 119 brings policies into compliance with the last legislative session.
- Policy DFBB (non-renewal) was revised to clarify reasons for non-renewal of contracts.
- Policy DMA (professional development) was included as part of this update.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
6b — Repeal Local Policy EF and Adopt Policies EFA and EFB
- The existing single policy EF (Instructional Resources) was repealed and replaced with two separate policies:
- EFA — Instructional Materials (defined by Texas Education Code; includes five board-approved criteria for supplemental materials selection; contains prohibitions against harmful materials per the Penal Code; includes challenge processes and encourages parental involvement).
- EFB — Library Materials (governed by Texas Library Standards recommended by TEA; contains similar prohibitions and challenge processes but with distinct selection criteria appropriate to libraries).
- Both policies contain provisions prohibiting materials with harmful content as defined by the Penal Code.
- Noted this was a two-month approval process — presented last month, voted on this month. Policies are identical to what was presented previously.
- Board counsel noted enforcement can now proceed under the new policies; the old policy had limited enforcement capability during the transition.
- Policies expected to be updated in the online policy manual by end of week/early the following week.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 7: Capital Improvements Update
- Presented by the district's construction/facilities representative (unnamed in transcript; referred to informally).
Safety & Security Program (2022)
- On schedule; work includes access control, impact-resistant film on vestibules, camera upgrades.
- Next installment expected December/January for board approval to complete the district-wide effort.
Campus Renovations
- Gladys Elementary — Complete overhaul of building systems above ceiling; on schedule, ready for students returning next week.
- Creighton Elementary — Kitchen and serving line expansion; equipment installed, on schedule for the first day of school.
New Moorhead Junior High
- Scheduled to open August 2023; building nearing full enclosure; interior finishes underway; athletic fields progressing.
Conroe High School Major Overhaul
- Concrete shortages resolved; bus loop and temporary connections in place for the new school year.
- Athletic field is green with turf grass; CTE venues and athletics venues progressing.
- Drop-off plan ready for first day of school (concern from previous meeting about concrete shortage was resolved).
- Project on schedule through calendar year 2025.
Oak Ridge High School
- Building systems overhaul and south county CTE programs.
- New admin section expected for mid-year turnover (Christmas break); new CTE area slab poured with steel going vertical.
- Dramatic interior changes along Main Street corridor; on schedule through August 2023.
Dr. Christopher J. Hines Elementary (formerly "Flex 22")
- Named after Dr. Christopher J. Hines (board reacted with applause).
- Located in the Grand Oaks feeder zone; on schedule for August 2023 opening.
- Surrounding neighborhood developing rapidly with new housing.
New Maintenance and Child Nutrition Facility (FM 2854)
- Building slab ~95% complete; structural steel arriving; on schedule for summer 2023 opening.
Caney Creek High School Upgrades (6A transition)
- Locker facilities, weight room, training rooms being reorganized; phased turnovers by sport.
- New front entrance under construction; expected mid-October completion (temporary secure entrance in use at start of school year).
- New front door area will include attendance office, conference room, and other amenities.
- Overall project on schedule through August 2023.
Collins Intermediate — New Gymnasium
- Building slab is primary focus; structural steel expected soon.
- Gym expected to be complete for return from winter break.
- Additional life-cycle improvements on campus through August 2023.
Other Notes
- Gordon Reed Elementary signage issue (raised by Mr. Sanders at previous meeting) being addressed; new letters ordered.
Item 8: Purchasing / Bid Awards
All items presented by Rick Reeves (Purchasing). All contracts include automatic renewal options and 90-day termination clauses.
8a — RFP 220104: Career Technology Education Materials, Supplies & Equipment
- 20 vendors responded; estimated annual spend ~$700,000.
- Contract firm through July 2023, renewable for four additional one-year terms through July 2027.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
8b — RFP 220105: Catering Services
- 31 vendors responded; estimated annual expenditure ~$500,000.
- Contract through July 2023, renewable through July 2027.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
8c — RFP 220106: Supplemental Contracted Educational Services & Professional Development
- Estimated annual expenditure ~$3.5 million.
- Evaluated by curriculum, instruction, and special education departments.
- Board confirmed all materials still fall under board policies for vetting.
- Contract through July 2023, renewable through July 2027.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
8d — RFP 220107: Instructional Supplies & Materials for the Classroom
- 42 vendors responded (~68% not previously awarded by the district or co-op); estimated annual expenditure ~$7.5 million.
- Contract through July 2023, renewable through July 2027.
- Board discussion: materials include anything going into classrooms (books, supplies, etc.); all will be vetted per board policies.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
8e — RFP 220108: Student Bus Monitoring & Parent Notification System
- Awarded to Smart Tag; estimated annual expenditure ~$850,000.
- RFID-based system (similar to Disney MagicBands/toll tags); monitors students boarding/exiting buses.
- Parents receive notifications when bus approaches their stop; administrators can track student location on bus routes.
- Data security: chip contains only a number; student data linkage occurs behind the district's firewall. Data stored in cloud but district controls/owns the data.
- Pilot conducted during end of school year and summer school.
- Implementation target: January 2023 (need to program ~60,000–70,000 student IDs).
- Future potential: point-of-sale for child nutrition, library use.
- ~100 customers nationally, 10–15 in Texas currently using this vendor.
- Replacement card cost anticipated at ~$5 (details to be finalized).
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
8f — RFP 220405: Gasoline, Diesel, and Propane Fuel
- Awarded to Midtex Oil LP (regular unleaded and ultra-low sulfur diesel), Mansfield Oil Company (biodiesel), and AmeriGas Propane (propane).
- Estimated annual expenditure ~$4.5 million.
- Used reverse auction bidding (eBridge platform); pricing based on OPIS/PAD 3 differential.
- Net decrease of 3% from current bid differential.
- Contract through July 2023, renewable for two additional years through July 2025.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
8g — RFP 220507: Charter Bus & Student Group Travel Services
- 14 vendors awarded; estimated annual expenditure ~$570,000.
- Monthly compliance checks for safety and insurance.
- Contract through July 2023, renewable through July 2025.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
8h — RFP 220509: Grease Trap Services
- Awarded to MagnaFlow Environmental Inc.; estimated annual expenditure ~$100,000.
- Contract through July 2023, renewable through July 2025.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
8i — CSP 220511: Network & IP Phone System for Flex 22 Campus (Dr. Hines Elementary)
- Awarded to DataVox Incorporated; estimated expenditure ~$750,000.
- Includes wireless access points, routers, switches, phones, UPS, cabling.
- Procured early due to abnormally long lead times to ensure installation before August 2023 opening.
- Board noted prices have increased significantly compared to previous school technology purchases.
- Contract effective through September 2023, renewable for two additional years.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
8j — Interlocal Purchase Agreement with City of Fort Worth
- Resolution authorizing the district to join the City of Fort Worth's JP Morgan Chase Commercial Card Consortium contract.
- Purpose: travel purchasing cards for employee and student travel, particularly hotel payments (increasing number of hotels no longer accept checks).
- No fees associated with the agreement.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
Public Hearing: 2022–2023 Budget and Proposed Tax Rate
- Presented by Darren Rice, Chief Financial Officer.
Financial Highlights
- Superior rating from the state's Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for year ended 8/31/2020, and notification of superior rating for 2021 as well.
- Clean audit from Weaver (independent auditors) for year ended 8/31/2021.
- One of only two ISDs to receive a 5-star rating all 12 years from Texas Smart Schools.
- First district in the state to earn transparency awards for finance, debt, and purchasing.
- Extensive transparency website available with tax rate disclosures, revenue/expenditure presentations, check registers, department-level budget data, and the district's 380-page award-winning budget book.
Key Budget Parameters
- Enrollment projection: 69,515 students (1,750 new students anticipated)
- Average daily attendance: 94%
- Certified property value: $52.5 billion (21.85% increase generating ~$9.4 billion in additional value)
- Critical point: Increased property values provide no net new revenue to the general fund — as local tax revenue increases, the state reduces its funding dollar-for-dollar.
Proposed Tax Rate
- $1.1146 total (a $0.0614 decrease)
- M&O rate: $0.8546
- Debt Service rate: $0.26
- Since 2018–19, this represents a cumulative $0.1654 decrease.
- CISD is the second-lowest tax rate in the greater Houston area for 2022–23.
Revenue
- Total estimated revenue: $619.83 million (3.98% increase over prior year)
- Revenue increase driven by:
- 1,750 new students generating $29.01 million in state funding
- Interest revenue increase of $2.5 million (rising rates)
- Teacher Incentive Allotment (first year): $2.2 million
- Local tax increase of $54 million offset dollar-for-dollar by $54 million state reduction
Expenditures
- Total estimated expenditures: $619.83 million (balanced budget)
- Key expenditure increases:
- General pay increase: $13 million total
- Teachers/librarians: $1,500 increase (2.4% on midpoint) — $6.2M
- All other employees: 2% raise; minimum hourly rate increased to $13/hour — $6.8M
- Starting teacher salary: $60,000
- Additional personnel (195 positions): $13.45 million (163 teachers, 31 paraprofessionals) — for growth, staffing formula changes, and opening of Gordon Reed Elementary
- Pre-K ratios adjusted from 22:1 to 19:1 (~$1M)
- Grades 5–6 ratios adjusted from 26:1 to 25:1 (~$600K)
- Substitute pay and junior high stipend increases: $620,000
- Teacher Incentive Allotment: $2.1 million
- Employee retention stipend moved from general fund to ESSER funds ($500 fall / $1,000 spring — still paid to employees)
- Utilities increase: $2 million
- Fuel increase: $1 million
- Budget composition: 89.31% payroll; 5.14% contracted services; 4.1% supplies/materials; 1.45% equipment/other
Fund Balance
- Projected unassigned fund balance (8/31/22): $178.5 million
- Target (25%): $155 million
- Available above target: $23.5 million (proposed to designate for future land purchases)
2023–24 Pro Forma (Forward-Looking)
- Using conservative assumptions (2.5% AV growth, 1,300 new students):
- Projected deficit of $11.8 million — approximately equal to the cost of a 2% employee raise
- Key takeaway: Current state funding formula (HB 3) has no mechanism to fund employee raises; the district urged the legislature to address this in the upcoming session.
- Dr. Knoll noted two peer districts are adopting budgets with $100M and $50M deficits respectively, while CISD's budget is balanced.
Board Discussion on Tax Rate / Revenue
- Board member Stuart Schrader asked about revenue neutrality. CFO Rice explained that unlike cities/counties, school district funding is entirely enrollment-based through the state formula — increased property values do not generate additional general fund revenue; they only shift the local/state funding ratio.
- Discussion of "golden pennies" (5 discretionary pennies generating ~$5.2M local + ~$3M state each) — the district is at the floor of its tax rate except for these 5 golden pennies.
- The board acknowledged the state previously closed a loophole that allowed golden penny revenue to be shifted to debt service for accelerated debt payoff.
Public Comment on Budget
- No members of the public came forward to comment during the budget hearing.
Next Steps
- Actual certified values expected August 5
- August 16 regular meeting: Additional public hearing + board vote to adopt budget and tax rate
Item 10: Financial Reports (June 30, 2022)
- Presented by Karen Garza.
Balance Sheet (as of 6/30/22)
| Fund | Total Assets |
|------|-------------|
| General Fund | $273 million |
| Debt Service | ~$53 million |
| Child Nutrition | $15 million |
| Self-Funded Insurance | ~$7.5 million |
Cash & Investments
- General Fund: ~$255 million (majority in state pools at $134M)
- Debt Service: $49.1 million
- Child Nutrition: ~$14 million
- Self-Funded Insurance: $7.1 million
Income Statement (General Fund, as of 6/30/22)
- Total Revenue: $522 million
- Total Expenditures: $438 million
2019 Bond Referendum
- Total funds expended/encumbered: ~$411 million
- $165 million bond sale closed in early July — all 2019 bond referendum bonds now sold
- Estimated to complete: ~$238 million
Self-Funded Insurance
- June: Revenue $4.4M, Expenditures $4.7M (deficit ~$300K for month)
- Year-to-date deficit: $3.1 million (improved to ~$2M through July with pharmacy rebates)
- August historically a high-usage month
Investment Portfolio
- Par value: ~$602 million
- Combined portfolio yield: 1.13%
- 90-day T-bill yield as of end of June: 1.6%; as of August 1: 2.48% (rates rising after Fed action in July)
Executive Session
- None held.
Adjournment
- Motion to adjourn approved. Meeting concluded at approximately 8:18 PM (based on context of hearing conclusion).
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Description | Result |
|------|-------------|--------|
| Citizen Participation | Waive agenda-only restriction for public comments | Unanimous approval |
| Consent Agenda | Approve as presented | Unanimous approval |
| 5a | Professional Development Plan 2022–23 | Unanimous approval |
| 6a | Policy Update 119 & DFBB revision | Unanimous approval |
| 6b | Repeal EF; Adopt EFA & EFB (instructional/library materials policies) | Unanimous approval |
| 8a | CTE Materials, Supplies & Equipment (~$700K) | Unanimous approval |
| 8b | Catering Services (~$500K) | Unanimous approval |
| 8c | Supplemental Educational Services & PD (~$3.5M) | Unanimous approval |
| 8d | Instructional Supplies & Materials (~$7.5M) | Unanimous approval |
| 8e | Student Bus Monitoring System — Smart Tag (~$850K) | Unanimous approval |
| 8f | Gasoline, Diesel & Propane Fuel (~$4.5M) | Unanimous approval |
| 8g | Charter Bus & Group Travel (~$570K) | Unanimous approval |
| 8h | Grease Trap Services (~$100K) | Unanimous approval |
| 8i | Network & IP Phone System for Dr. Hines Elementary (~$750K) | Unanimous approval |
| 8j | Interlocal Agreement — City of Fort Worth (travel cards) | Unanimous approval |
| Adjournment | Motion to adjourn | Approved |
All votes were unanimous. No items were tabled or deferred. No dissenting votes were recorded on any item.