January 17, 2023 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2023-01-17
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 15:08 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting — January 17, 2023
⚠️ These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript. They may contain errors or omissions. Official minutes should be consulted for the formal record.
Meeting Called to Order
- Time: 6:01 PM
- Quorum: All seven board members present
- Invocation: Board Member Misty Odin Weller
- Pledge of Allegiance: Board Member Stacy Chase
Special Recognition: School Board Recognition Month
- Dr. Null and Dr. Mark Murrell (Principal, College Park High School) honored the Board of Trustees for School Board Appreciation Month.
- Students from across the district provided cards, posters, banners, drawings, and candy.
- Board President Hubert and others expressed gratitude to staff and administrators, noting the board serves without pay and that the district's success is driven by its educators and staff.
Citizen Participation (46 Speakers)
Due to the large number of speakers, each was given 2 minutes (reduced from the typical 3 minutes).
Key Themes:
Girl Scout Recognition
- A Junior Girl Scout from Coffin Elementary thanked the board and presented Girl Scout cookies.
Dyslexia & Special Education Concerns
- Kristen Gisco raised concerns about the district failing to provide early identification for dyslexic students, citing that only 3.5% of students are reported as dyslexic at the elementary level (should be closer to 20%). She stated parents are being verbally denied written evaluation requests in violation of IDEA federal law and called for more dyslexia interventionists and diagnosticians.
- Nicole May asked the board to take a deeper look at literacy scores, curriculum alignment with the science of reading, and district policies on independent evaluations for special education families.
- Amber Fusa spoke passionately about systemic issues with special education services, particularly for autistic students, stating the district's "all means all" motto doesn't apply to students with dyslexia, autism, or other special needs.
- Mark Fusa described his autistic son being illegally restrained by staff and questioned why the district spent over $100,000 in taxpayer money to take the family to court to deny services.
Books & Library Materials
- Multiple speakers addressed the book reconsideration process, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and the broader issue of books in school libraries. Opinions were sharply divided:
- In favor of keeping books / opposing bans: Haley King (OGHS student), Rachel Walker, Emily Hopple, Amy Butler, Preston Sykes (Conroe High student), Deborah Liber, Becky Steffen, Jordan Lawrence (Grand Oaks student), Teresa Kenny (Village Books owner), Steve Foley, Erica Lawrence, Bonnie Bogert, Paul Laskoski, Elizabeth Morrison, and others argued that the district already has opt-out processes, that banning books violates First Amendment rights, that Librarians are qualified professionals, and that books help students develop empathy and critical thinking.
- In favor of removing books / supporting stricter oversight: Terry Bonnin, April Cy, Alexander Harris, Tina Orbal, Gabrielle Clark, Deborah Ferris, Carolyn Nene, Susan Scruggs, Audrey Warner, Jim McCann, and others argued that certain books contain obscene material that violates Texas Penal Code, that children's brains are impressionable, and that the board has a duty to protect children from inappropriate content.
Board Member on Book Reconsideration Committee
- Speakers were also divided on whether a board trustee should serve on book reconsideration committees:
- Opposed: Bonnie Bogert, Emily Hopple, Amy Butler, Deborah Liber, Becky Steffen, Aron Bingham, Erica Lawrence, and others argued it was a conflict of interest (potential for two votes), could intimidate committee members, and undermined the existing process.
- In favor: April Cy, Alexander Harris, Deborah Ferris, Carolyn Nene, and others argued it would add transparency and accountability.
Crisis Team Recognition
- Teresa Nean thanked the CISD crisis team for their response after a Scout from Troop 589 died by suicide on January 2nd, praising the support provided to families and scouts across multiple schools.
Nutcracker Performance Complaint
- Susan Moore (Geesinger Elementary music teacher, 24-year employee) addressed a complaint about rainbow-colored Chinese fans used in the school's Nutcracker performance, which some accused of representing "gay pride" and "indoctrination." She stated the fans were cultural props, she received zero complaints from parents, and no one contacted her before the complaint was escalated. A colleague, Trisha Matthews, corroborated this and condemned a former board member's social media posts accusing the program of "sexual grooming."
Other Topics
- Missy Hearen shared a positive experience with special education services at The Woodlands High School.
- Holly Moore spoke on behalf of teachers who are "terrified" to speak publicly, noting they are overwhelmed, exhausted, and hurt by accusations of indoctrination.
- Sierra Gordon (CISD alumni, new nurse) thanked the district for preparing her for success.
- Selena Bovich thanked Dr. Null for transparency during COVID and for visiting schools.
- Lyle Robertson requested a bus stop be placed at his children's driveway due to unsafe walking conditions on a 40 mph road.
- Aron Bingham questioned new board members' transparency regarding campaign finances, board training choices, and bringing a "Steve" employee to board training.
Consent Agenda (Item 4)
Vote: Approved unanimously (show of hands)
Item 5A: Attendance Zones for Elementary & Intermediate Schools (Grand Oaks Feeder Zone)
Presenter: Chris McCord, Transportation/Zoning
Key Points:
- New Dr. Christopher J. Hines Elementary School (950-student capacity, two floors) located at 4550 Lexington Boulevard in the Grand Oaks feeder zone.
- The zoning committee reviewed 21 scenarios over five months and recommended Scenario 7.0 for the elementary attendance boundary.
- Elementary impacts: Broadway and Snider receive significant enrollment relief; Hines would open with ~742 students; Burnham Woods receives proactive relief (two currently unpopulated sections rezoned to Hines); ~1,094 students impacted.
- Intermediate impacts: 8 scenarios vetted; Scenario 1 recommended for Clark/Cox Intermediate rezoning. Sections 57j (Legends Run) and 57y (Legends Trace) would move from Clark to Cox (~199 students impacted), in anticipation of growth from Woodson's Reserve.
- The committee prioritized keeping subdivisions together, minimizing future rezoning, and providing overcrowding relief.
- Discussion included questions about portable buildings, their cost (~$231,000 each for a double), lifespan, mold testing, and the general fund cost of portables vs. bond-funded construction.
Vote: Approved unanimously (show of hands)
Item 5B: Adoption of 2023-2024 School Calendar
Presenter: Dr. Upshaw
Key Points:
- The District Level Planning Committee reviewed 15 neighboring district calendars and received approximately 20,000 total survey responses.
- Recommended Draft B.2 calendar:
- School starts: August 9, 2023
- School ends: Before Memorial Day
- November 6 staff development day moved to March 5 (primary election day — safety consideration with voters on campuses)
- January 3 work day moved to April 19 to break up the long stretch between spring break and end of year
- February 16 designated as inclement weather/staff development day (district has sufficient built-in minutes)
- About 82% of respondents indicated satisfaction with the current calendar style.
- UIL activity start dates are set by UIL regardless of school start date.
Vote: Approved unanimously (show of hands)
Item 5C: Approval of 2023 Bond Planning Committee
Presenter: Blake Loock
Key Points:
- Over 360 submissions received via the district website; each board member could appoint up to 5 individuals.
- 160 members selected, representing all feeder zones, various age groups, business owners, residents, and 6 student members (a first for the district).
- First meeting scheduled for February 2, 2023.
- Committee members will be notified via email.
Vote: Approved unanimously (show of hands)
Item 5D: Districtwide Intruder Detection Audit Report
Presenter: Captain Blake Loock
Key Points:
- As of January, 18 campuses audited by the Texas School Safety Center.
- 17 campuses had zero findings; 1 campus had one finding in January.
- Corrective actions for the finding include:
- District Safety and Security meeting moved up to February 1
- Training plan developed for campus staff and substitutes
- Training scheduled for February 17 in-service day
- CISD-branded safety video produced (footage shot that Friday)
- Corrective action to be submitted to Texas School Safety Center by March 13 deadline
- 75% of campuses expected to be audited by May.
- The district also conducts its own comprehensive safety audits (required every 3 years), plus weekly door audits on campuses.
- Specific campus names and findings cannot be disclosed per state law.
No vote required — informational item.
Item 6A: Adoption of Educational Specifications (Texas Education Code 7.61 & 46.8)
Presenter: Mr. Foster
Key Points:
- Board asked to formally adopt three items:
1. Educational specification document (developed with Stantec)
2. Quantitative method for functional student capacity
3. Level 2 flexibility as defined by new facility standards
- These comply with recent state updates requiring more direct board approval of facility-related items.
- Discussed at December and January workshops.
Vote: Approved unanimously (show of hands)
Item 6B: Assignment of Architects for Preconstruction & Design Services
Presenter: Mr. Foster
Key Points:
Three major projects anticipated from the bond planning committee:
1. New High School (Conroe area) — assigned to PBK Architects
2. New Elementary/Intermediate Prototype (likely to be repeated multiple times) — assigned to IBI Group
3. New 7th-8th-9th Grade Campus (Grand Oaks feeder zone) — assigned to DLR Group
- Architects selected from the pool approved at the December board meeting.
- Authority delegated to superintendent to negotiate and execute agreements.
Vote: Approved unanimously (show of hands)
Item 6C: Capital Improvement Updates (Informational)
Presenter: Mr. Foster
Key highlights across projects:
| Project | Status |
|---------|--------|
| Safety & Security Upgrades (2023-24) | On schedule; completing two years' worth of campuses by end of 2024 |
| New Moorehead Junior High | On schedule for August 2023 opening; interior finishes underway |
| East County Transportation | Underground utilities underway; completion target December 2023 |
| North Transportation | On schedule; December 2023 completion |
| Conroe High School Renovation | On schedule (through end of 2025); new athletic facilities, CTE programs; summer demolition of old buildings planned |
| Oak Ridge High School Renovation | On schedule for August 2023; new front office transition underway; CTE building under construction |
| Hines Elementary | On schedule for August 2023 opening; neighboring homes under construction |
| New Maintenance & Child Nutrition Facility | On schedule; late spring/early summer occupancy |
| Caney Creek High School (6A upgrades) | On schedule for August 2023; new front entry in use since Thanksgiving break |
| Collins Intermediate | Gym complete and in use; remaining HVAC work through summer |
| Geesinger Elementary Renovation | In procurement/planning for summer work |
| Veterans Memorial Intermediate (former Moorehead) | Rebranding and driveway expansion in planning stage |
- Dr. Null noted a supply chain issue with a transformer at Conroe High School; Entergy sourced one from another project to keep the timeline on track.
No vote required — informational item.
Item 7A: Award of CSP 22-11-D06 (E-Rate Internal Connections Campus Refresh)
Presenter: Rick Reeves
Key Points:
- Award to Data Vox Incorporated for approximately $5.1 million
- Includes ~1,378 wireless access points and ~212 network switches for 9 campus technology refreshes
- Funded through federal E-Rate program (FCC Universal Service Fund); district pays full amount upfront, receives reimbursement (~averaging ~$1.5M back per year)
- Pricing effective through September 30, 2024; work may begin April 1, 2023
Vote: Approved unanimously (show of hands)
Item 8A: Approval of 2021-2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
Presenter: Darren Rice (CFO) and Sarah Roberts (Partner, Weaver — external auditor)
Key Points:
- Unmodified (clean) opinion on financial statements — highest level of assurance
- No material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, or compliance findings on any of the three audit reports issued
- General fund highlights:
- Total expenditures: ~$600 million (increase of ~$40M from prior year, mostly payroll growth)
- Unassigned fund balance: ~30% of expenditures (~4 months operating reserve)
- Unassigned fund balance: ~95% of total fund balance (consistent year over year)
- District participates in voluntary GFOA and ASBO financial reporting excellence programs; received awards for both
- New GASB 87 lease accounting standard adopted; GASB 96 (software intangibles) coming next year
- Audit committee (members: Melissa, Stacy, and Teresa) reviewed and unanimously recommended approval; Stacy Chase nominated as committee chair
- Auditor praised the district's finance team for professionalism, low turnover, and exceptional cooperation
Vote: Approved unanimously (show of hands)
Item 8B: Resolution Declaring Intention to Reimburse Project Expenditures
Presenter: Darren Rice
Key Points:
- Resolution allows the district to reimburse the general fund from future bond proceeds for costs related to school site acquisition, design, and school bus purchases
- Required under IRS Section 103 before calling a bond election
- District has spent up to $30 million from general fund on land acquisition (began in summer 2022 due to rising costs and land availability)
- Previously, all such purchases were made with bond funds
- All committed assets would be usable by the district even if a future bond election is not successful — no risk of loss
- Board members asked for clarity that nothing was committed that couldn't be walked back
Vote: Approved unanimously (show of hands)
Item 9A: Consider Trustee Request to Be a Standing Member on Book Reconsideration Committee
⚠️ Extended Discussion — Significant Disagreement
Background:
- Board Member Misty Odin Weller requested to serve as a standing member on all book reconsideration committees. She stated she had requested this since September and that Dr. Null initially told her the only requirement would be public notification.
- The current policy (EFB Local) does not explicitly include or exclude board members from the committee. It references a committee including a teacher, librarian, and "other appropriate individuals."
- Committees have consisted of 7 members (odd number), typically including 1 non-employee community member, 1 student, and district employees.
Key Positions:
Board President Hubert (Opposed):
- Called it a "major conflict of interest" — a board member would effectively get two votes (committee level + level three appeal)
- Compared it to a judge also serving as jury
- Predicted no community member would want to serve on a committee alongside a board member due to intimidation
- Read a lengthy statement characterizing this as dangerous "board overreach" and a "slippery slope," listing dozens of other committees where the same logic could apply
- Emphasized trust in administration and educators
Board Member Datron Williams (Opposed):
- Stated this was "not a proper chain of command or proper segregation" from his background in audit and risk management
- Argued the policy as written does not support board member participation
- Said board members are explicitly mentioned only in the level three appeal process
Board Member Stacy Chase (Opposed):
- Agreed it was a conflict of interest
Board Member Misty Odin Weller (In favor):
- Argued she is a board-certified educator with reading expertise, not an "untrained board member"
- Stated the community needs representation and the board needs awareness of what's happening with books
- Expressed concern about committee partiality (teachers who taught the material, librarians who purchased it)
- Argued the policy doesn't preclude board members
- Stated she only wanted awareness, not voting power
- Said the board is ultimately liable if inappropriate books remain on shelves
Board Member Tiffany Dunham (In favor):
- Questioned how the community's values are represented on committees
- Asked how committee members are selected (learned it was largely hand-selection by administration)
- Requested clarity on the process
Board Member Teresa Nelson:
- Asked questions about transparency and committee composition
Dr. Null / Administration:
- Stated they were simply seeking the board's direction and interpretation of the ambiguous policy
- Confirmed no other district they could find has a board member on such committees
- Miss Gadus explained committees have 7 members; selection has been ad hoc since book challenges are new to the district
Miss Heiser (District Counsel):
- Suggested the board could interpret whether "other appropriate individuals" includes a trustee
- Noted any permanent member designation would require policy change
Vote:
Motion by Datron Williams: Refrain from having any board member on reconsideration committees until the board clarifies the policy via a policy change/amendment.
Vote: Passed (show of hands — no specific count recorded, appeared to be majority)
Additional Outcomes:
- Board agreed to bring the library materials policy back for review/clarification at a future meeting
- Confirmed that a board member can bring a book concern to the president/superintendent for agenda consideration even without serving on the committee
- District will share committee composition information with the board as committees are seated
Item 9B: Level Three Appeal — The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
⚠️ Lengthy Hearing — Extended to past 1:00 AM
Background:
- Complainant ("Miss O," name protected under FERPA) filed a request in May 2022 to remove the book from curriculum, her child's access, and all district libraries.
- The reconsideration committee decided:
- The book should not be removed from high school libraries
- Junior high copies should be sent to the high school in their feeder zone
- The book could remain in high school classroom collections (self-selected reading) but would not be directly taught to students
- Miss O's son would not have access to the novel
- Level Two hearing officer Rick Morris upheld the committee's decision, finding the book did not contain obscene or harmful material as defined by Texas Penal Code.
- Miss O appealed to the Board of Trustees (Level Three).
All seven board members confirmed they had read the novel in its entirety and reviewed the full record. All affirmed they could serve as impartial decision-makers.
Complainant's Representative: Jonathan Hulahan (County Citizens Defending Freedom)
- Argued the book is "pervasively vulgar" under the Board of Education v. Pico (1982) Supreme Court plurality decision
- Cited specific passages involving: rape of a minor (pp. 30-31), minors engaged in sexual activity, bestiality (p. 158), sexual acts with a hot dog (p. 160), men soliciting young boys in a park for sex (p. 161)
- Noted the 2012 film adaptation removed rape scenes, most minor sexual activity, and the park solicitation scene — and still initially received an R rating
- Argued this is not book banning and not a First Amendment violation if the board determines it is pervasively vulgar
- Offered a middle ground: make the book "opt-in" (parents must consent before child can access it), rather than full removal
- Stated legal risk to the district from removal would be minimal
District's Representative: Rick Morris (Rogers Morris & Grover)
- Argued the book does not violate the Texas Penal Code — no criminal prosecution has ever been attempted in 23+ years of circulation
- Explained the Miller test (three-part obscenity standard): (1) appeals to prurient interest, (2) patently offensive to community standards, (3) lacks any redeeming social value — the book fails this test because it clearly has social value (NYT bestseller, library awards, themes of empathy, mental health, coming of age)
- Noted the Pico decision overturned a school board's book removal; five justices agreed the board could not remove books solely based on disagreement with content
- Argued that removing the book could put the district at risk of a First Amendment challenge
- Stated legal risk of leaving the book on shelves is zero
- Emphasized the committee properly followed policy and law
- Distinguished the book from pornography: it deals with difficult themes (rape, drugs, suicide) but does so to convey morality tales and foster empathy, not for titillation
Board Discussion Highlights:
Board President Hubert:
- Acknowledged the rape scene was very descriptive but noted the book later addressed that it was wrong
- Questioned whether the educational value of that scene was sufficient
- Expressed concern about consequences not being depicted in the book (no arrests, no overdoses, no addiction despite heavy drug/alcohol use)
- Noted message about a boy making out with another boy because "that's what friends do" was problematic
- Stated he was not for banning books but was troubled by specific content
- Favored opt-in approach to force parental involvement
Board Member Datron Williams:
- Argued strongly for parental choice and against the board imposing its values on all families
- Drew parallel to the Bible containing similar content (Genesis 19:35 — incest, drunkenness, rape)
- Warned of a "slippery slope" and "situational ethics" — saying you support parental rights while removing parental choice
- Noted the book has given it more publicity and more people will now read it
- Voted to keep the book accessible
Board Member Misty Odin Weller:
- Stated she could not read the book as a 14-year-old would at age 57
- Expressed concern about books in classroom libraries where there's no tracking or parental oversight
- Supported removing from classroom libraries
- Favored opt-in approach
- Noted a bill has been introduced in the Texas legislature for book ratings
Board Member Teresa Nelson:
- Noted the book has been challenged in multiple school districts nationwide (two removed it)
- Stated her primary concern was "what's right for the children," not litigation risk
- Emphasized that the community is divided on this issue, with many speakers supporting the book
Board Member Tiffany Dunham:
- Expressed concern about children accessing the book without parental knowledge
- Supported opt-in approach
Board Member Melissa Wagaman:
- Asked about whether "some redeeming value" outweighs potential harm under the Miller test
- Made the final successful motion
Board Member Stacy Chase:
- Voted with the majority on the final motion
Votes on Multiple Motions:
1. Motion (Chase): Remove from classroom libraries, keep in high school libraries, parents can opt out.
- Vote: Failed 3-4 (Chase, Williams, Wagaman in favor; Hubert, Nelson, Odin Weller, Dunham opposed)
2. Motion (Williams): Uphold the full committee decision (i.e., no changes).
- No second — motion failed.
3. Motion (Williams): Remove from classroom libraries, keep in library, make it opt-in for this specific book.
- Vote: Failed 3-4 (Williams, Hubert, Dunham in favor; Chase, Wagaman, Nelson, Odin Weller opposed)
4. Motion (Wagaman): ✅ Uphold committee decision to remove from curriculum; amend to also remove from classroom collections; book remains in high school libraries under current opt-out policy; board to revisit opt-in/opt-out policy at a later date.
- Vote: Passed 4-3 (Wagaman, Chase, Nelson, Williams in favor; Hubert, Odin Weller, Dunham opposed)
Final Outcome:
- ✅ The Perks of Being a Wallflower is removed from curriculum (already done by committee)
- ✅ Removed from classroom collections/libraries
- ✅ Remains available in high school libraries under current opt-out policy
- ✅ Board will revisit opt-in/opt-out policy at a future meeting
- Miss O's son continues to have restricted access per her original request
Item 9C: Student Expulsion Appeal (Closed Session)
- Hearing conducted in closed session (pursuant to Texas Government Code sections 551.082 and 551.0821) to protect student privacy.
- No action taken in closed session.
- Upon return to open session:
Vote: Board voted 7-0 to deny the appeal and uphold the expulsion.
Item 12: Future Agenda Items
Board members requested the following for future agendas:
1. Book reconsideration committee — review/revision of library policy (EFB Local)
2. RFID smart tag contracts for buses — review of the contract
Adjournment
- Motion to adjourn was made and carried.
- Meeting adjourned at approximately 1:35+ AM (after executive session).
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Motion | Result |
|------|--------|--------|
| Consent Agenda | Approve as presented | Passed unanimously |
| Grand Oaks Feeder Zone Attendance Zones (Scenario 7.0 + Intermediate Scenario 1) | Approve | Passed unanimously |
| 2023-2024 School Calendar (Draft B.2) | Adopt | Passed unanimously |
| 2023 Bond Planning Committee (160 members) | Approve | Passed unanimously |
| Educational Specifications Adoption | Adopt | Passed unanimously |
| Architect Assignments (PBK, IBI, DLR) | Approve | Passed unanimously |
| E-Rate Campus Refresh (Data Vox, $5.1M) | Approve | Passed unanimously |
| 2021-2022 ACFR | Approve | Passed unanimously |
| Reimbursement Resolution (up to $30M) | Approve | Passed unanimously |
| Board member on reconsideration committee — refrain until policy clarified | Approve | Passed (majority) |
| Perks of Being a Wallflower — Motion 1 (opt-out, remove from classroom) | Approve | Failed 3-4 |
| Perks of Being a Wallflower — Motion 2 (uphold committee fully) | Approve | Failed (no second) |
| Perks of Being a Wallflower — Motion 3 (opt-in for this book) | Approve | Failed 3-4 |
| Perks of Being a Wallflower — Motion 4 (remove from classroom collections, remain in HS libraries, opt-out, revisit policy later) | Approve | Passed 4-3 |
| Student Expulsion Appeal — Deny appeal, uphold expulsion | Approve | Passed 7-0 |