November 15, 2022 — Regular Meeting

Name: November 15, 2022 — Regular Meeting
Start: 2022-11-15

Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting

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Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2022-11-15

Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes

Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.

Generated 2026-03-28 14:54 UTC

Unofficial Meeting Notes

Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees

Regular Meeting — November 15, 2022

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 with a quorum present.
Invocation by Ray Sanders; Pledge of Allegiance led by Dayton Williams.

Awards and Recognitions

Hometown Hero Recognition (Item 2B)

Interfaith of The Woodlands named Conroe ISD as the Organization Hometown Hero for 2023.
Board Trustee Theresa Wagaman was also named an Individual Hometown Hero for 2023.
Missy Herndon, President and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, presented the awards.
Both will be formally honored at the Celebration of Excellence Gala on March 31, 2023.
Herndon also recognized Ray Sanders for his extensive service on the Interfaith board, including serving as board chair and Interfaith Community Clinic board chairman.

National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists (Item 2A)

Dr. Chris Povich, Assistant Superintendent for High Schools, introduced the recognition.
Students recognized are among the top 1% of high school seniors in Texas based on PSAT scores.
Approximately 16,000 semi-finalists nationally; about 15,000 will become finalists eligible for $30+ million in scholarships.
Semi-finalists were individually introduced and recognized along with their parents.
Named semi-finalists included: Laura Bauer, Emmy Bruno, Deborah Chu, Emlin Jeanik, Lina Jurick, Kendrick, Faith Leo, Travis McKenna, Brooke McMullen, Jack Pittinger, Andrew Schwartz, and others (some names unclear in transcript).

Recognition of Departing Board Member Dale Inman (Item 2C)

Dale Inman served on the board since 2018 (4 years).
Dr. Noel thanked him for his service, kindness, and prayerful support.
Inman expressed gratitude, respect for fellow board members, and love for the Conroe community.

Recognition of Departing Board Member Ray Sanders (Item 2D)

Ray Sanders served 12 years on the board.
Multiple board members offered extended tributes:

- President Skeeter Hubert described Sanders as a mentor who encouraged better preparation and always put students and community first.

- Dayton Williams praised Sanders as honorable, selfless, and a model for future board members.

- Board Member (unnamed) thanked Sanders for guidance and leadership during their shorter tenure.

Dr. Noel highlighted Sanders' dual professional expertise as a licensed professional counselor (advocating for mental health services) and as a distinguished banker (chairing finance and audit committees), calling him "a gentleman."
Sanders, a Sam Houston State University graduate, shared that his grandfather was a superintendent during Texas school integration and emphasized the value of public education, service, and caring for people regardless of background.

The board took a 5-minute recess at approximately 6:37 PM and reconvened at 6:38 PM.

Citizen Participation (Item 3)

Eight speakers addressed the board:

1. Holly Tetra Moore — CISD parent and former teacher pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership. Cited the educator shortage crisis in Texas (8.6% student growth over 10 years, 30-40% teacher attrition within 5 years, 77% of Texas teachers considering leaving). Urged the board and community to support and uplift staff, pushing back against negative social media commentary.

2. Emily Kress — 13-year teacher. Thanked Ray Sanders. Expressed feeling loved and supported at CISD. Called for changing the narrative at board meetings to focus on positive stories about teachers and students. Thanked Dr. Noel for making her feel welcome.

3. Aaron Bingham — Parent of three at Snyder Elementary. Thanked Ray Sanders. Acknowledged his children had been "pulled out" of getting lost in the shuffle by attentive teachers. Praised Dr. Noel's responsiveness and professionalism. Expressed that parents are now more engaged and want to work collaboratively with the board.

4. Alex Harris — Discussed Texas law on harmful and obscene materials in schools. Thanked the district for removing The Handmaid's Tale after a reconsideration request. Expressed concern that there were no records of how the book was introduced into schools. Urged the district to implement a policy requiring review, approval, and record-keeping for all materials entering schools.

5. Marisol Vasquez — Current Conroe High School student and Anderson Elementary alumna. Advocated for Anderson Elementary, noting deteriorating floor conditions with duct tape and mismatched tiles. Expressed that the students and staff deserve better facilities.

6. Paul Lazowski — Father of four CISD students. Expressed frustration with rhetoric heard at previous board meetings. Voiced concern about incoming board members who he believes will "ban books" and "demonize citizens." Urged remaining trustees and constituents to maintain critical thinking and protect children's well-being.

7. Stewart Schroeder — Thanked Ray Sanders for 12 years of service, calling him dependable, knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate, and noting his financial background was an asset to the district.

8. Carrie Freemeyer — 25-year CISD employee and local president of TSTA Conroe. Announced the annual Salute to Education ceremony on May 4, 2023. Congratulated and welcomed incoming trustees, urging them to set aside personal agendas and focus on student achievement and a positive, safe learning environment.

9. Charlotte Burnett — Former CISD employee, student, parent, and current grandparent. Praised Dr. Noel's leadership and the district's commitment to diversity and career advancement. Expressed pride as a "roaring Conroe Tiger parent" with family connections across CISD schools.

Consent Agenda (Item 4)

Motion to approve: Made and seconded.
Vote: Approved unanimously by show of hands.

Personnel (Item 6 — moved up on agenda)

Item 6A: Naming of Director of Federal Programs

Dr. Noel recommended Dana Boyer for the position of Director of Federal Programs, replacing the retiring Dr. Pam Zoda.
Boyer has over 10 years with CISD, including coordinating state testing and working with CTE departments.
Motion: Made and seconded.
Vote: Approved unanimously by show of hands.
Boyer thanked the board, introduced her family, and pledged full dedication.

Item 6B: Naming of Deputy Superintendent

Dr. Noel recommended Dr. Bethany Medford as the new Deputy Superintendent, succeeding the retiring Dr. Heinz.
Transition plan: Dr. Heinz returns in spring at half-time retaining his title; retired Assistant Superintendent Greg Colson also returns half-time. Dr. Medford will officially start in June but will work with Dr. Heinz through spring.
Notable: Dr. Medford was a former high school student of Dr. Heinz when he was a high school principal.
Dr. Medford has 20 years of experience in CISD, starting at Peet Junior High.
Motion: Made and seconded.
Vote: Approved unanimously by show of hands.
Dr. Medford thanked the board, introduced her family (daughters Kennedy and Kaden, juniors at Conroe), and acknowledged mentors across the district.

Attendance Zones

Item 5A: Attendance Zone for Intermediate Schools — Caney Creek HS Feeder Zone

Presented by: Dr. Heinz
Grangerland Intermediate is at ~1,250 students (capacity 1,050) with projected growth to ~2,200 by 2028.
Opening of Veterans Memorial Intermediate School (repurposed from former Moorhead Junior High on FM 1485) will add capacity of ~2,100 total students.
Recommended Scenario 3.13: Grangerland at 508 students (geocoded); Veterans Memorial at 663 students.

- Grangerland zone: San Jacinto, Hope, and portion of Milam

- Veterans Memorial zone: Creighton, Austin, and portion of Milam

- Boundary runs along FM 1485 with Fire Tower Road as eastern dividing line.

No public comments received since last month's presentation.
President Hubert acknowledged the extensive committee work by community members, parents, and staff.
Motion: Made and seconded.
Vote: Approved unanimously by show of hands.

Item 5B: Update on Attendance Zones — Grand Oaks HS Feeder (Elementary & Intermediate)

Presented by: Mr. McCord
Information item only — no vote taken.
Committee is establishing first-ever boundaries for Dr. Christopher J. Hines Elementary (opening August 2023) and analyzing rezoning for Cox and Clark Intermediate (Clark is over capacity with rapid growth projected).
21 elementary scenarios and 8+ intermediate scenarios reviewed to date.
Two leading elementary scenarios (6.1 and 7.0): Both keep Hines Elementary under 750 students geocoded while helping overcrowding at Broadway and Snyder. The scenarios differ only in which developments (Allegro at Harmony vs. Villages at Harmony) go to which school.
Leading intermediate scenario: ~199 students would shift from Clark to Cox (Legends Trace and Legends Run), essentially flip-flopping capacity numbers between the two schools.
Four community meetings held; over 25 pages of community feedback received.
Goal: Bring recommendation to board in January.

Item 5C: 2023-2024 School Calendar Information

Presented by: Dr. Upshaw
Information item only — no vote taken.
District is a District of Innovation (can start before August 21).
Survey received 6,000+ responses (1,300 more than prior year); 60% like current calendar, 18% indifferent, ~8% dislike.
Six draft calendars presented (A through F) with key variables:

- Start date: August 9/10 (midweek) vs. August 14/16 (later)

- End date: Before or after Memorial Day

- Winter break timing: Early (Dec 15) vs. later (Dec 20) — complicated by where Christmas falls

- Election Day: Whether to include Monday Nov 6 off before Election Day Nov 7 (based on high absence rates this year)

- Instructional days: Range from 173-175

- Staff development days and early releases: Various configurations

Board discussion highlights:

- Dayton Williams questioned adding the pre-election Monday off, noting it could lead to requests for additional days and that 2023 is not a presidential election year. Stated "I need my kids in school as much as possible."

- Dr. Noel shared attendance data from the recent election week: Friday before = 91.2%, Monday before election day off = 89.9%, Wednesday after = 93.7%, following Monday = 93.3% — roughly a 3-point dip.

- Dr. Noel noted the March 5, 2024 presidential primary should be considered for its impact on schools as polling locations.

Community feedback to be gathered via sample calendars released before Thanksgiving.

Safety & Security

Item 5D: Intruder Detection Audit Report

Presented by: Mr. McCord
Texas School Safety Center conducting unannounced random inspections per Governor Abbott's directive.
Nine CISD campuses audited to date with zero findings (desired outcome).
75% of Texas schools expected to undergo audits by May 2023.
District has over 2,000 exterior perimeter doors requiring constant maintenance.
Corrective actions (if any occur) would be reported publicly in aggregate; specific campus names and findings would be shared in closed/executive session only.
Board expressed concern about discussing security details publicly; state requires public announcement of audit results.
Board praised students, teachers, substitutes, and bus drivers for maintaining security protocols.

HB 3 Goals Report (Item 7A)

Early Childhood Literacy & Math — Presented by Dr. Winkler

Goals set under HB 3 for Early Childhood literacy, math, and CCMR.
Third Grade Reading (STAAR meets level): Some student groups have already exceeded targets; others still working toward goals. STAAR redesign may require goal adjustments.
Pre-K Literacy: Letter name identification grew from 15% to 78% (BOY to EOY 2021-22); letter sound identification from 16% to 86%.
Pre-K Math (counting sets): Grew from 27% to 82% BOY to EOY.
Concern noted: Current second graders (Pre-K during COVID 2019-20) showing a dip in math proficiency — started at 22% this year vs. 33% last year. District is pushing instructional coaches into classrooms.

College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) — Presented by Dr. Povich

Class of 2022 preliminary data:

- TSI criteria: Currently at 43% (baseline goal 44%; still collecting data)

- IBCs: 25.37% (well above 11% goal)

- Economically disadvantaged: 51% (above 47% goal)

Graduation rate (Class of 2021): Above state average; dropout rate below state average.
SAT/ACT: CISD scores above both national and Texas averages in all categories. 54% of SAT and ACT test-takers met college readiness benchmarks.
37 National Merit Semi-Finalists (consistent with prior year).
Advanced Placement: 66% of students scored 3+ on AP exams. Numbers recovering toward pre-COVID 2019 peak.
Dual Credit: 2,205 students earned 17,000+ college credit hours.
IBCs: Grew from ~1,100 to 4,600. 14 students earned educational aide-level certifications (a first for the district). State is tightening IBC requirements.
Post-secondary plans: 77% of graduates interested in 2- or 4-year college. Top universities: Texas A&M (leading), Sam Houston State, UT, Texas State, U of H.
Military enlistment: 84 graduates (Army 24, Marines 14, Navy 19, other branches 27).
State has not yet been able to count military enlistment toward CCMR due to federal data collection issues; expected spring 2023.
Williams requested future presentations break down dense data slides across more slides for readability.

Construction & Capital Improvements

Item 8A: Change Order for North County Transportation Center

Presented by: Mr. Foster
Request to add North County Transportation Center renovations to the existing East County GMP (Moorhead Junior High + East County Transportation Center) previously awarded to Jairus General Contractors.
Combining bidding packages for both transportation centers created economies of scale that met budget targets.
Amount: $13,546,408 (not-to-exceed change order).
Funds are within the bond program budget — no budget exceedance.
Motion: Made and seconded.
Vote: Approved unanimously by show of hands.

Item 8B: Capital Improvements Update

Presented by: Mr. Foster

| Project | Status |

|---------|--------|

| Safety & Security 2022 | On schedule; work through end of 2022; 2023 installment (final for 2019 bond) to be bid next month |

| New Moorhead Junior High | Near 100% dry condition; on schedule for August 2023 opening |

| Conroe High School renovation | New gyms to open spring semester; CTE wings progressing; Rotunda, Freshman Annex, and Ag Building to be removed from service summer 2023; overall completion end of 2025 |

| Oak Ridge High School | New admin/front entry to open after winter break (January); new CTE wing taking shape |

| Dr. Christopher J. Hines Elementary | Building nearing dry-in (late January); on schedule for August 2023 opening; adjacent neighborhood development imminent |

| Maintenance & Child Nutrition Facility (FM 2854) | Structure underway; paving mostly done; on schedule for summer 2023 use |

| Caney Creek High School upgrades | New front entry to open over Thanksgiving break; building additions and fire lane work underway; full project completion end of August 2023 |

| Collins Intermediate gym addition | On schedule for January opening (winter break); full project complete August 2023 |

Purchasing (Item 9)

All six items presented by Rick Reeves. All approved unanimously.

|------|-------------|------------------|--------------------|------|

Notable board discussion: On Items 9C and 9E, board members confirmed that all materials (including books) go through the district's vetting process and must comply with board policies and TEKS standards.
Replaced vehicles are auctioned off.

Financial Items

Item 10A: Resolution to Create Capital Improvement Program Contingency Fund

Presented by: Mr. Rice and Mr. Foster
Purpose: Transfer $18.8 million from general fund unassigned fund balance to a new capital improvement contingency fund to address potential cost overruns in 2019 Bond projects due to unprecedented construction inflation (14-20% in construction vs. 8%+ general inflation).
Represents only 2.9% of the $653.57 million bond referendum.
District will still be $12.9 million above the 20% fund balance target after the transfer.
All expenditures from the fund will be reported to the board at each regular meeting.
Funds can only be accessed through change order process after contractor demonstrates every effort to stay within original scope.
Unused funds return to general fund by December 31, 2025.
This does not create new debt — uses cash on hand.
Examples discussed: Concrete shortage during Conroe HS renovation (Portland cement supply from Ukraine disrupted); suppliers now quoting prices valid for only 24 hours to 30 days rather than typical longer periods.
Other districts are either passing costs to new bond elections or cutting projects entirely; CISD wants to avoid both.
Motion: Made and seconded.
Vote: Approved unanimously by show of hands.

Financial Report (Item 10B)

Presented by: Ms. Garza
General Fund: Total assets $667.8 million; YTD revenue $92 million; YTD expenses $52.4 million. Property taxes beginning to come in.
2019 Bond Referendum: Estimated $125 million to complete. The new $18.8 million contingency fund will be tracked by project on the bond schedule starting next month.
Self-Funded Insurance: October surplus; YTD revenue $8.7 million, expenditures $8.1 million, surplus ~$620,000.
Investments: Par value $613.8 million; portfolio yield 3.01%; pools at 3.24%; 90-day T-bill at 3.99%.

Legal (Item 11A)

Termination of Void Employment Contract — Aura Anna Brown

Teacher's certificate was revoked by the State Board for Educator Certification for breaking her employment contract in another school district.
Contract is void under state law.
Motion: Made and seconded.
Vote: Approved unanimously by show of hands.

Additional Notes

No executive session was held.
Dr. Noel noted the March 5, 2024 presidential primary should be factored into the 2023-24 school calendar discussion regarding schools as polling locations.
Three board seats are being vacated (Sanders after 12 years, Inman after 4 years, and one other). New trustees to be sworn in later in the week.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn was made and seconded. Meeting adjourned.