September 20, 2022 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2022-09-20
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 14:48 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
September 20, 2022
⚠️ Disclaimer: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript. They may contain errors or omissions. Please consult official board minutes for the authoritative record.
Call to Order
- Meeting called to order at 6:01 PM by Board President Sker Hubert.
- Quorum confirmed present.
- Invocation: Dayton Williams
- Pledges: Teresa Wagman
2. Special Recognitions
2A — Read for a Better Life Kickoff
- Dr. Null and Dr. Medford kicked off the annual Read for a Better Life initiative, encouraging all adults to read aloud to children for at least 30 minutes daily.
- Dr. Kindra Wiggins highlighted the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf, which serves 155 students from 8 districts with 11 teachers, an audiologist, sign interpreters, and support staff. Programs are based at Houser Elementary, Vogel Intermediate, Irons Junior High, and Oak Ridge High School.
- Students Michelle Martinez, Parasa, and Christian Perry from Oak Ridge High School performed a sign language interpretation of the book Wannabe, written by Oak Ridge graduate Christina Lind.
- Board members and administrators were invited to read on campuses the following day.
2B — Patrons Influencing Education (PIE) Award: The Woodlands Church
- Blake Blalock presented the award recognizing The Woodlands Church for donating their facility and staff for the annual Celebrate Our Schools convocation event for approximately 15 years.
- Representatives recognized:
- Pastor Randy Reed (Reeves)
- Pastor John Thomas
- Pastor Dave Marx
- Matt Kramer (Production Manager)
- Jeb Cony (Assistant Facilities Director)
- Cindy Grass (Facilities Events Manager)
- A plaque was presented by the board. Each representative received a pie (PIE = Patrons Influencing Education).
2C — America's Best In-State Employer 2022 (Forbes)
- Dr. Hines presented recognition to the Human Resources Department.
- Conroe ISD was named one of Forbes' America's Best In-State Employers for 2022, based on a survey of 70,000 U.S. employees. CISD was one of three public school districts in Texas's top 50 employers.
- HR Director Paula Green accepted the award and introduced HR team members: Chris Corson, Lauren Wistner, Claire Amos, Christy Stavano, Hillary McVey, Jamie Bone, JJ Dahl, Terell Jackson, and Tiffany Mattfeld.
- Board President Moore praised the HR department for recruiting the talent that makes CISD great.
3. Public Comment
Six speakers addressed the board:
1. Len Wiiz (Student) — Advocated for later school start times, citing sleep deprivation among high school students. Suggested delaying start by 20 minutes or switching bus pickup order so high schoolers are picked up last. Noted students average only 4–6 hours of sleep despite recommended 8–10 hours.
2. Evelyn Sergers (Army Veteran, Educator) — Spoke about her family's experience after her daughter's cancer diagnosis. Alleged CISD denied financial assistance to her family, made homebound services difficult, and objected to her unemployment benefits claim after she voluntarily resigned to care for her child. Requested a full explanation, apology, and accountability.
3. Alex Harris — Discussed racism and its historical origins, referencing the caste system and its spread. Urged education as the means to eliminate racism from the heart.
4. Destiny Parker (911 Dispatch Supervisor) — Proposed donating decommissioned fire hose sections as door-blocking devices for active shooter/lockdown situations. Noted the district initially rejected the idea but that the district's own emergency operations plan endorses barricading doors. Requested CISD approval as an additional safety measure, noting it could save the district thousands compared to commercial security devices ($60–$85 each).
5. Missy Odenweller — Thanked outgoing Trustee Scott Moore for his service, particularly to the dyslexia community. Urged the board to fill Moore's vacancy through a special election rather than appointment, arguing the community should have a say.
6. Tina Orbal (15-year CISD teacher) — Also advocated for a special election to fill the board vacancy. Additionally expressed concern about teacher autonomy, arguing teachers should have more power over what and when they teach and test, rather than teaching to a test.
7. James McCann (Resident, retired insurance executive) — Referenced a Golden Hammer article about Moore's resignation. Asked each board member to confirm whether there had been any prior conversations about the vacancy or a replacement, expressing concern about potential violations of open meetings requirements. Suggested if "cross-talk" occurred, a special election would be the appropriate path.
8. Linda Sasser (Former CISD teacher and former Board President) — Encouraged the board to fill the vacancy as soon as possible by appointing Sker Hubert, citing his election history (45% with two opponents, 65.6% with one opponent), his knowledge of the district, and the expense of a special election.
4. Consent Agenda
- Item H was pulled from the consent agenda for separate consideration.
- Motion to approve consent agenda (excluding Item H): Passed unanimously by show of hands.
Item H — Investment Program and Qualified Investment Brokers (split into two votes):
1. Resolution approving the investment program: Passed unanimously.
2. Resolution approving the list of qualified investment brokers: Passed. President Hubert and one other member abstained due to conflicts of interest (affiliations with listed brokers).
5. Action/Discussion Items
5A — Rifle Resistant Shield Grant Application
- Chief of Police Matt Blalock requested authorization to submit a grant application to the Office of the Governor for rifle-resistant ballistic shields for school-based officers.
- Cost estimated at approximately $5,600 per unit; an RFP would be conducted for best pricing.
- Specific quantities and caliber ratings were not disclosed for public safety reasons.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
5B — Attendance Zone Update: Veterans Memorial Intermediate (Caney Creek Feeder)
- Dr. Hines provided a comprehensive growth overview:
- District enrollment has grown from ~62,000 (2018) to over 70,700 (2022), a growth of 3,644 students year-over-year.
- The district is running approximately 2,000 students over prior demographic projections.
- A new demographic study is expected to be presented in November.
- 37 of 65 campuses are at or over capacity; district-wide capacity is at 101%.
- 217 portable classrooms are in use (~4,000 seats).
- Notable overcrowding: Creighton (143%), Suchma (125%), Peet (112%), Conroe 9th (111%), Grand Oaks HS (110%).
- Veterans Memorial Intermediate School (5th–6th grade) will open in 2023–24 in the current Moorehead Junior High building after Moorehead moves to a new 1,600-seat facility on Grangerland Road.
- The building originally opened in 2001 as an intermediate school, was converted to a junior high in 2008, and will now revert.
- An attendance zone committee (parents and principals) is working on boundary scenarios.
- 5 scenarios are posted on the district website; community meetings begin immediately (virtual 9/21, in-person 9/22 at Grangerland).
- Only 5th and 6th graders will be rezoned; 7th–8th graders move in entirety with Moorehead.
- Transfers traditionally allowed for students to finish at their current campus (family provides transportation).
- Informational item; no vote required.
5C — Attendance Zone Update: Hines Elementary & Grand Oaks Feeder
- Mr. McCord presented on elementary and intermediate boundary planning for the Grand Oaks feeder zone.
- Christopher J. Hines Elementary (950 seats) opens August 2023 in Lexington Boulevard, Grand Oaks feeder.
- Key growth data:
- Section N57 (Woodson's Reserve) alone expects 2,000 new homes translating to ~1,120 additional students.
- Developers project 12,000 homes on the east side of Grand Oaks feeder in coming years (dependent on Townsen road extension).
- Grand Oaks HS added 13 classrooms in one year (6 portables + 7 activated within building).
- Broadway Elementary at 137% capacity; Snyder at 135%.
- Clark Intermediate at 115% and expected to grow rapidly.
- Primary objectives: Populate Hines Elementary; relieve overcrowding at Broadway and Snyder; analyze potential boundary changes for Clark and Cox intermediates; potentially relieve Burnham Woods and Bradley.
- 9–10 boundary scenarios are posted on the district website.
- Community meetings planned for October 5–6.
- Recommendation expected to come to the board in January.
- Informational item; no vote required.
6. Teaching and Learning
6A — 2022 STAAR & End-of-Course Results
Presented by Dr. Winkler (Elementary), Dr. Medford (Middle Schools), and Dr. Poisch (High Schools).
Key Celebrations:
- No campuses identified as Comprehensive/Improvement Required — first time in several years.
- Houston Elementary exited Comprehensive status and earned a distinction in reading.
- Creighton Elementary earned a distinction in postsecondary readiness.
- Austin Elementary earned a B rating (88) with 4 distinctions.
- Glenlock Elementary earned its first A rating with 4 distinctions.
- 10 middle school campuses received postsecondary readiness distinctions.
- Vogel Intermediate received 4 distinctions for the first time since becoming a Title campus.
Elementary Results (vs. prior year / vs. state):
| Grade/Subject | Change from Prior Year | Above State Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Reading | +4 pts | +8 pts |
| 3rd Math | +2 pts | +11 pts |
| 4th Reading* | +7 pts | +7 pts |
| 4th Math | +3 pts | +13 pts |
*Reading and writing combined into one test starting this year for 4th and 7th grade.
Middle School Results:
| Grade/Subject | Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5th Reading | +3 pts | |
| 5th Math | No change | +7 pts above state; focus on multi-step equations with fractions |
| 5th Science | -1 pt | +12 pts above state; focus on hands-on learning, Earth/space vocabulary |
| 6th Reading | +2 pts | |
| 6th Math | -1 pt | Focus on tables/graphs, equivalent expressions, data distribution |
| 7th Reading/Writing | +5 pts | Combined test, first year |
| 7th Math | Gain noted | 64% passing; pre-algebra students counted in 8th grade |
| 8th Reading | +3 pts | |
| 8th Math | +2 pts | 15 pts above state |
| 8th Science | +2 pts | |
| 8th Social Studies | +1 pt | |
High School EOC Results:
| Subject | Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English I | Down from 79% to 72% | Goal: return to 80th percentile |
| English II | Down from 81% to 78% | Goal: return to 85th percentile |
| Algebra I | Down from 84% to 78% | Still above state; focus area |
| Biology | -1% | Confidence in teachers to recover |
| US History | +1% | |
District Accountability Rating: B (89) — same as prior years. District scores would qualify for an A, but the rating is capped at 89 because at least one campus received a D in one domain. This cap disproportionately affects large districts with many campuses (350+ domains across 70 schools — one D in any caps the entire district).
District Actions Taken:
- All 65 campuses participated in summer training with Lead Forward consulting firm.
- ESSER-funded math interventionists added at all intermediate, junior high, and high school campuses.
- Data dives conducted with each campus.
- District teams visiting each high school for student-level (not just test-level) analysis.
- District and Campus Improvement Plans to be presented at next month's board meeting.
Board Member Moore noted he would ask future questions about staffing (dyslexia specialists, math interventionists) tied to disaggregated subpopulation data in budget discussions.
7. Planning and Construction
7A — Capital Improvements Update (Mr. Foster)
| Project | Status |
|---|---|
| Safety & Security Program (districtwide) | On schedule; expected completion December 2022. Next installment planned for early 2023. |
| New Moorehead Junior High (Grangerland Rd) | On schedule for August 2023. Right half of building under A/C; practice fields and detention pond taking shape. |
| Conroe High School Overhaul | New CTE building and athletics venue sections to turn over mid-next semester. Overall on schedule through end of 2025. |
| Oak Ridge High School Overhaul + South County CTE | New front admin section (2-story) to open during winter break. CTE building structure going up. On schedule for August 2023. |
| Christopher J. Hines Elementary | On schedule for August 2023. Building structure near complete; surrounding neighborhood infrastructure developing rapidly. |
| Maintenance & Child Nutrition Facility | On schedule for summer 2023. Two-story office section plus warehouses/workshops. |
| Caney Creek High School Upgrades (6A capacity) | Athletic bleacher expansion underway; new front entry structure to turn over mid-semester. Full completion summer 2023. |
| Collins Intermediate Gym Addition | Steel being erected. Gym to turn over January 2023 (winter break); remaining work complete by August 2023. |
8. Financial Reports
8A — Financial Statements (as of August 31, 2022 — Preliminary Year-End)
Presented by Miss Garza.
| Fund | Total Assets | Key Figures |
|---|---|---|
| General Fund | $222.5M assets | Revenue: $546M; Expenditures: $508M; Cash/Investments: $204.2M |
| Debt Service | $222.8M assets | Second debt payment made in August |
| Child Nutrition | $12.8M assets | Revenue: $33.6M; Expenditures: $24.8M |
| Self-Funded Insurance | $8.1M assets | Revenue: $54M; Expenditures: $56.4M (deficit of ~$2M, anticipated ~$2.5M due to post-pandemic elective procedures catch-up) |
2019 Bond Referendum: $445.6M expended/encumbered to date; ~$203M estimated to complete.
Investment Portfolio: Combined yield of 2.05% vs. 90-day T-bill benchmark of 2.8%. Gap closing monthly; anticipated catch-up to continue into early 2023 due to expected Federal Reserve rate hikes.
9. Legal Items
9A — Montgomery County Appraisal District Board Nomination
- Board had opportunity to nominate a candidate to fill a vacancy on the Montgomery Central Appraisal District Board of Directors.
- Trustee Inman moved to nominate Mark Frank. No second received. Motion failed for lack of a second.
- No alternative nominations were made. The board did not submit a nomination.
9B — Resignation of Trustee Scott Moore & Consideration of Filling Vacancy
Resignation:
- Scott Moore formally resigned effective November 14, 2022, after 6 years as trustee and 13 years of volunteer service to the district.
- Moore stated on the record that he is not resigning because he moved out of the district (calling that a "falsehood"), but because work obligations (church ministry, deputy sheriff in Trinity County) prevent him from devoting adequate time.
- Moore expressed continued commitment to advocating for public education at the state level.
- Board members praised Moore's character, dedication, and servant leadership.
- Vote to accept resignation: Passed unanimously (Moore did not vote on his own resignation).
⚠️ Filling the Vacancy — Significant Discussion:
President Hubert recused himself from discussion and vote, turning the chair to Second Vice President Teresa Wagman.
Board options (per legal counsel/Miss Gladus):
1. Special election — Would be held in May (next uniform election date); estimated cost $180,000–$200,000; would leave seat vacant for ~7 months.
2. Appointment — Board appoints someone to fill the term; must be done within 180 days.
Motion 1 (Inman): Moved to open an application process, authorize Dr. Null to create an application form, solicit applications from the public, and vote on December 13, 2022. No second received. Motion failed.
Motion 2 (Williams): Moved to appoint Sker Hubert to fill the unexpired term for Position 7, effective November 18, 2022, citing Hubert's two prior election victories and unanimous selection as board president. Seconded by Sanders.
Discussion highlights:
- Lela Chase outlined her reasoning: special election is costly (~3 teachers' salaries), takes too long, and leaves the board short-handed; an application process just delays the same board decision; Hubert won 45% (3-way race) and 65% (2-way race) in prior elections; community communications she received overwhelmingly supported Hubert.
- Ray Sanders agreed, noting the district faces important decisions and cannot afford to be one member short for seven months.
- Trustee Inman objected, arguing that with early voting starting in 34 days and at least 3 (potentially 4) current board members leaving after the November election, the incoming board should make this 2-year commitment rather than the outgoing board. Compared it to appointing a Supreme Court justice at the end of a presidential term. Emphasized he had no personal issue with Hubert and would likely vote for him, but felt the process was wrong. Asked whether there had been prior discussions among board members.
- All board members present stated on the record they had no prior conversations with each other about this appointment.
- Williams called the question (ending discussion). Second by Chase.
- Vote to end discussion: Passed (Inman opposed).
Final Vote on Hubert Appointment:
- Motion passed by show of hands (Williams, Sanders, Chase, Wagman in favor; Inman opposed).
- Hubert recused himself from discussion and vote; Moore could not vote (resignation pending).
- Hubert accepted the appointment and stated for the record he had no prior conversations with any board member about being appointed.
Context: Hubert's name was not on the November 2022 ballot due to an administrative oversight on his application (left a field blank regarding length of Texas residency), which the state deemed invalid. His residency was never in question.
10–11. Executive Session
- Board entered closed session at 8:24 PM pursuant to Texas Government Code sections 551.071 and 551.074 (legal consultation and personnel matters).
- Board returned to open session at 9:59 PM.
12. Post-Executive Session Action Items
12A — Purchase of ~20-Acre School Site (Woodlands HS Feeder Zone)
- Authorization for superintendent to negotiate and execute documents.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
12B — Purchase of Three Tracts (~37.2 acres, ~17.7 acres, ~19 acres) for School Sites (Grand Oaks HS Feeder Zone)
- Authorization for superintendent to negotiate and execute documents.
- Vote: Passed unanimously.
Adjournment
- Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:00 PM.
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Motion | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Consent Agenda (minus Item H) | Approve | Passed unanimously |
| Item H — Investment Program | Adopt resolution | Passed unanimously |
| Item H — Qualified Investment Brokers | Adopt resolution | Passed (Hubert & one other abstained — conflict of interest) |
| 5A — Rifle Resistant Shield Grant | Authorize grant application | Passed unanimously |
| 9A — Appraisal District Nomination (Mark Frank) | Nominate | Failed (no second) |
| 9B — Accept Moore Resignation | Accept | Passed unanimously (Moore did not vote) |
| 9B — Inman Motion (open application process, vote Dec. 13) | Open applications | Failed (no second) |
| 9B — Williams Motion (appoint Sker Hubert) | Appoint Hubert | Passed (Inman opposed; Hubert & Moore recused) |
| 12A — Purchase ~20-acre site (Woodlands feeder) | Authorize purchase | Passed unanimously |
| 12B — Purchase three tracts (Grand Oaks feeder) | Authorize purchase | Passed unanimously |
Items of Note
- Trustee Scott Moore's resignation effective November 14, 2022 — one more meeting remaining.
- Sker Hubert appointed to fill Position 7 for the unexpired term effective November 18, 2022. This was a contentious item with public comment both for and against the appointment process.
- New demographic study expected in November, with deeper review in December workshop.
- Boundary zone processes underway for both the Caney Creek and Grand Oaks feeders, with community input sessions scheduled and scenarios posted online.
- District enrollment exceeded 70,700 — approximately 2,000 students over prior projections; 37 of 65 campuses at or over capacity.
- District accountability rating remains a B (89) — scores would qualify for an A but are capped by one campus receiving a D in one domain.