June 20, 2023 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2023-06-20
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 15:49 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting — June 20, 2023
These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript and may contain inaccuracies.
Board Members Present
- Scott Henry Hubert (President)
- Skeeter (S.) Duncan
- Theresa Wagaman
- Tiffany Nelson
- Datren Williams
- Misty Odenweller
- Stacy Chase (remote from Germany; excused herself partway through the meeting)
Invocation: Tiffany Nelson
Pledge of Allegiance: Misty Odenweller
Meeting Called to Order: 6:01 PM
1. Special Recognitions
Destination Imagination Global Champions — Knox Junior High
- Chris Reichelt, Coordinator of Gifted Programs, presented the "Insoluble Fraction" team from Knox Junior High, who won first place at the DI Global (World) competition in May 2023.
- CISD had 137 teams participate in DI during 2022-2023 (K-12).
- The team's solution addressed stress, anxiety, and mental health awareness among junior high students through a creative skit.
- Coaches: Tina Patel and Kelly Lawson.
- Regional DI Director Pat Saddath was also recognized.
- President Hubert congratulated the team on behalf of the board.
Child Nutrition Department Ambassador Awards
- Robin Hughes presented awards to:
- Tomas Pello — Associate at Ford Elementary (4 years)
- Juanita Seidel — Manager at Caney Creek High School (20 years)
- Waltene Woods — Manager at Knox Junior High (9 years)
- Christy Luna — Manager at Hope Elementary (5 years)
- President Hubert thanked the nutrition department, noting the district serves ~70,000 students and that school meals are critical to student success.
Custodial and Maintenance Department Ambassador Awards
- Marshall Schroeder presented awards to:
- James Braden — Equipment Maintenance (Child Nutrition)
- Gilbert Pacheco — IPM Life Safety team
- Eric Alcantor — General Maintenance
- Nelly Ortiz — South Custodial (The Woodlands HS athletics)
- Anna El Campo — North Custodial (Administration Building)
- Jose Mesa — Plumber, Maintenance
- Linda Lim — Custodian at Snyder Elementary (not present)
- President Hubert congratulated the team and highlighted their essential role.
2. Citizen Participation (2 minutes per speaker)
Joseph Liu — Raised concerns about lack of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation in CISD leadership and the board. Referenced a prior racial discrimination complaint involving his son at Collins Intermediate. Noted AAPI students make up over 5% of the student body but there are zero AAPI members among the district's 49 top leaders.
Candace Franklin — Shared frustration with the district's dyslexia identification process for her 9-year-old son. The family obtained an independent educational evaluation after the district allegedly failed to properly diagnose him. Her son testified before Texas House and Senate committees in support of HB 3928 (the Beckley Wilson Act), which was signed into law on June 10, 2023.
Alexander Harris — Referenced HB 900, signed by Governor Abbott, prohibiting explicit materials in schools. Criticized specific books in the district and called for community standards.
[Unnamed Speaker] — Defended CISD science books and curriculum against complaints that they teach religion. Criticized the "Christian nationalist movement" and its influence on book challenges, villainization of teachers, and opposition to public education. Urged support for the upcoming bond.
[Unnamed Speaker] — Submitted an information request regarding teacher retention, financial data, last bond election spending, and bond committee independence. Stated he is a retired chemical engineer with grandchildren in the district and wants transparency.
Nicole May — Member of the Texas Dyslexia Coalition, provided board members with handouts on HB 3928 (the Beckley Wilson Act). Outlined the eight expected changes in Texas dyslexia evaluation and services. Thanked Trustee Odenweller for support throughout the legislative process.
Paul Kralson — Referenced pushbacknation.com podcast about school transparency issues. Mentioned a prior incident involving explicit content shown to students during a Zoom class at an elementary school during COVID.
Jacques Holloway — Rising junior at The Woodlands High School. Argued that hundreds of students fail to eat adequate lunches due to poor quality of school meals. Urged the board to improve lunch quality and suggested cost-effective alternatives like rice and beans. Challenged board members to eat school lunches themselves for a week.
[Unnamed Speaker] — Advocated for more junior high soccer teams, noting only 18 students make the team out of 50-100 trying out while football has more spots. Also urged the board to bring the same passion to fixing the special education system as they bring to voucher discussions.
[Unnamed Speaker] — Referenced several bills from the Texas legislative session including SB 14 (banning gender transition treatments for minors) and efforts to remove explicit books. Expressed support for these measures.
Cassandra Crow — Expressed frustration with the public comment format's inability to allow dialogue. Pushed back against the term "Christian nationalist." Was alarmed by a teacher's comments at a previous meeting that she felt condemned people who were white, straight, and Christian. Thanked Dr. Noel for addressing the book issue.
3. Consent Agenda
Vote: Approved unanimously (7-0, including Chase via remote)
4. Rave Panic Button System (Item 5)
Memorandum of Understanding with Montgomery County Emergency Communication District
Presented by Mr. McCord:
- Alyssa's Law (SB 838) requires Texas school districts to implement a panic alert system by 2025-2026. CISD is implementing two years ahead of schedule.
- The Rave 911 app allows staff to report emergencies; geofenced to campuses; notifies 911 and all campus staff; provides First Responders with campus maps and real-time information.
- Cost: Montgomery County ECD is subsidizing costs. CISD's three-year cost would be ~$88,000, fully covered by a SPAT Grant of $116,184.
- Net cost to the district: $0
- Training to occur at the beginning of 2023-2024 school year.
- Question raised about Year 4+ funding — McCord expressed confidence that safety funds would be available but noted the system costs ~$80K/year and is required by law.
Vote: Approved unanimously (7-0, including Chase)
5. Adoption of Instructional Material — Phonics, Grades K-5 (Item 6A)
Presented by Dr. Upshaw (Teaching and Learning):
- Background: Following a literacy survey requested by the board and a review of the Commissioner's approved supplemental materials list, CISD expedited a phonics adoption process.
- Process: Materials were showcased in person and virtually. Surveys went to educators and the community. A district focus group of teachers evaluated the top three publishers.
- Top choice across all groups: Benchmark
- Also chosen by community survey and district focus group
- Teachers preferred its ready-made kits, consumables, decodable books, and easy preparation
- Financial commitment options presented:
- K-3 for 8 years: ~$3.2M
- K-5 for 8 years: ~$3.7M (recommended)
- K-5 for 4 years: ~$2.4M
- Alternative: Purchasing additional kits for current program (Into Reading) would cost ~$4.7M
- Funds would come from the general fund; Mr. Rice indicated unspent funds from the current year's budget are available.
Significant Discussion:
- Trustee Wagaman raised concerns about committing to 8 years given potential curriculum changes and evolving state requirements.
- Trustee Odenweller expressed significant concerns about the 8-year, $3.7M commitment, noting:
- HB 1605 is requiring districts to move away from Lucy Calkins/Fountas & Pinnell materials by 2024-2025
- Spending $3.7M now on just the phonics component while facing a broader reading curriculum overhaul could result in redundant spending
- Asked whether the district could use existing materials to "patch" for one year
- Dr. Upshaw emphasized teacher preference, the insufficiency of current phonics materials, the urgency of compliance, and that writing custom lessons would cost ~$3M.
- Trustee Chase (remote) asked about Benchmark's ability to deliver materials by the first day of school (confirmed yes) and whether the program would improve student outcomes (yes, based on prior experience with Heggerty).
- Extensive debate occurred about the interplay between this phonics adoption and broader reading methodology changes required by HB 1605.
Motion: Adopt Benchmark for phonics K-5, 8-year commitment (~$3.7M)
Vote: Approved 4-3
- In favor: Duncan, Hubert, Nelson, Chase (confirmed remotely before excusing herself)
- Opposed: Wagaman, Williams, Odenweller
6. Construction Manager at Risk — New Elementary School (Item 7A)
Presented by Mr. Foster:
- For a new elementary school to benefit Caney Creek and Oak Ridge feeder zones (potential 2023 bond project).
- Marshall Construction Company selected as best value from five firms through a two-step RFQ/pricing process.
- Initial obligation is a nominal five-figure fee for pre-construction services only.
- If bond does not pass, district can terminate for convenience with minimal financial exposure.
- A Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) would return to the board for approval before construction begins.
Vote: Approved unanimously
7. Capital Improvement Update (Item 7B)
Mr. Foster provided updates on multiple projects:
- Safety & Security (2019 Bond): On schedule; compatible with new Rave system; completion by December 2024.
- Moorhead Junior High: Substantially complete; furniture being set up; ready for August.
- Hines Elementary: Furniture deliveries started; essentially complete; ready for August.
- Bartlett Elementary: On schedule; slab progressing; opens August 2024.
- Conroe High School renovation: Demolition in progress (Rotunda gone); on schedule through end of 2025.
- Oak Ridge High School/CTE Center: Substantially complete for students in August; new Main Street Corridor opened; road and practice field improvements underway.
- Caney Creek High School (6A upgrade): Weight room furnished and in use; on schedule for August.
- Collins Intermediate: Mechanical systems overhaul on schedule for August.
- Giesinger: Mechanical systems overhaul (more intensive); on schedule for August.
- Veterans Memorial (rebranded from former Moorhead JH): Carpet and classroom rebranding underway; driveway stabilization in progress; on schedule for August.
- New Maintenance & Child Nutrition Facility: Wrapping up; move-in over the summer; substantial completion expected late June/early July.
- East County Transportation: On schedule (completion December 2023); paving done; awaiting steel.
- North Transportation: On schedule (completion December 2023); steel arriving July.
8. Purchasing Items (Items 8A-8E)
Items 8A-8D: Catering Services, Instructional Supplies, CTE Materials, and Educational Services RFPs
- Presented by Rick Reeves.
- These are semi-annual additions to the district's approved vendor pool — they do not obligate purchases but expand options for competitive pricing.
- Trustee Odenweller requested more time to review vendor lists for Items B, C, and D, and asked for a side-by-side comparison with existing vendor lists.
- Mr. Reeves clarified that existing approved vendor pools remain in place and these are additions only.
- After discussion, the board voted on all items A-D together.
Vote on Items A-D: Approved (unanimous; no abstentions noted)
Item 8E: Letter Jackets
- SSR Jackets (Monk Holdings) selected for estimated annual expenditure of ~$50,000.
- Pricing firm for one year with two automatic one-year renewals through June 2026.
Vote: Approved unanimously
9. Employee Compensation Plan Resolution (Item 9A)
Presented by Mr. Rice:
- The Texas Legislature has not yet allocated funds for 2023-2024 employee raises.
- CISD's fiscal year begins September 1 (unlike many districts starting July 1), giving the district time to wait for a potential special legislative session.
- Other area districts have been forced to adopt deficit budgets (some exceeding $169M in deficits) to provide raises without state funding.
- The resolution allows employees to be compensated at 2022-2023 rates until the legislature acts, with retroactive pay once new funding is allocated.
- Dr. Noel emphasized:
- The expectation is to give a raise — the board is fully on board.
- A retention stipend may be brought for approval in July to help offset inflationary pressures in the interim.
Vote: Approved unanimously
10. Annual Financial Audit Proposal (Item 9B)
- Five-year extension with Weaver and Tidwell for audit services.
- Fee: $90,000/year for first two years, increasing by 2.75% over remaining three years (to $97,500 in final year).
- Audit committee voted unanimously to recommend approval.
Vote: Approved unanimously
11. Financial Reports (Item 9C)
Mr. Rice presented:
- General Fund Revenue (YTD): $551.6M
- General Fund Expenditures (YTD): $402.5M
- 2019 Bond: $599.4M expended/encumbered; ~$51.8M estimated to complete
- Self-Funded Insurance: May had a deficit month ($5.5M expenses vs. $4.4M revenue), but year-to-date surplus of $3.1M
- Investments (as of May 31): Total par value $631.6M; combined portfolio yield 4.89%
12. Level Three Appeal Hearing — Science Textbook Reconsideration (Item 10A)
Background:
- Dr. Alex Harris, a community member (not a CISD parent), filed reconsideration requests regarding portions of two high school science textbooks:
1. 2015 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Texas Biology textbook
2. 2014 McGraw-Hill Aquatic Science textbook
- Dr. Harris requested the district:
1. Supplement textbooks by teaching creationism as an alternative hypothesis with equal class time
2. Include teachings on life from major world religions if evolution is retained, and expose what he called the "racist history" of evolution
- Reconsideration committees denied both requests, finding the material aligns with state-adopted TEKS and that committees lacked authority to modify state curriculum.
- Level 2 hearing officer Dr. Chris Hines upheld both committee decisions.
- Dr. Harris appealed to the Board of Trustees.
Board Participation:
- Trustees Duncan and Odenweller excused themselves from the hearing (not serving as impartial).
- Remaining members (Wagaman, Hubert, Nelson, Williams) confirmed they reviewed the full record and could serve impartially.
- Trustee Chase had already excused herself from the meeting.
Dr. Harris's Presentation (20 minutes):
- Argued that the Big Bang Theory and evolution/origin of life are not science but rather "faith and beliefs of the religion of atheism."
- Contended that the Big Bang Theory violates the first law of thermodynamics.
- Called the origin of life a "puzzle" of unproven hypotheses.
- Argued Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection is fundamentally racist, connecting it to the caste system, Jim Crow laws, Supreme Court decisions, and eugenics.
- Requested moving these topics from science classes to social studies under "world religions."
- Stated he has also presented these concerns to the State Board of Education.
Dr. Hines's Presentation (20 minutes):
- CISD is required to teach the TEKS; the district does not write, rewrite, add to, or modify TEKS.
- The appropriate venue for objecting to TEKS content is the State Board of Education, not the local school board.
- Current textbooks were selected in 2014 from the state-approved list in accordance with board policy.
- Board policy EFA states no instructional material shall be removed solely because of the ideas expressed therein.
- Board policy EFA also notes parental rights extend only to their own children; Dr. Harris is not a CISD parent.
- Requested the board uphold both committee decisions.
Board Discussion:
- The board went into closed session for legal advice (9:00-9:20 PM approximately).
- Upon return, President Hubert noted this is not a matter of agreeing or disagreeing with Dr. Harris's theories but a legal question of whether the board has authority to change TEKS at the local level. Legal counsel confirmed the district cannot modify state curriculum, and doing so could jeopardize funding, graduation certification, and state compliance.
- Trustee Nelson referenced 2019 TEKS changes that shifted language from "evaluate" to "compare and contrast" regarding scientific theories. Asked whether the current textbooks compare and contrast different theories (confirmed they follow current TEKS guidance). Noted some tension about whether board members can "write content" but acknowledged limitations.
- Trustee Williams stated he considers the exercise "an egregious waste of district time and resources" and that Dr. Harris's logic is "grossly flawed" and "riddled with racist ideology." Called it "a charade."
- Trustee Odenweller stated: "I do believe that atheism is a religion."
Motion: Uphold the Level 2 recommendation (upholding reconsideration committee decisions).
Vote: Approved 3-1
- In favor: Hubert, Wagaman, Williams
- Opposed: Nelson
- Not participating: Duncan, Odenweller (excused from hearing), Chase (excused from meeting)
Dr. Harris will receive written notice of the board's decision.
13. Executive Session
The board entered closed session at 8:28 PM under Texas Government Code sections 551.071, 551.076, and 551.089. Returned at 8:37 PM. No actions taken from executive session (separate from the later closed session for legal advice during the textbook hearing).
14. Future Agenda Item Requests
- Trustee Odenweller: Requested a discussion on "the presence of ideologies in our schools" (personal ideologies).
- Trustee Williams: Requested a discussion on "timeliness of these meetings" and time spent on items he considers irrelevant to the board's core purpose.
- Trustee Nelson: Requested a discussion on discipline — following up on a previous presentation from Dr. Hines, wanting to address discipline issues in the district and improvements for the new school year.
Meeting Adjourned
Motion to adjourn approved; no formal vote required.
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Description | Result |
|------|-------------|--------|
| Consent Agenda | All consent items | Unanimous (7-0) |
| Item 5 | Rave 911 Panic Button MOU | Unanimous (7-0) |
| Item 6A | Benchmark Phonics Adoption (K-5, 8-year, ~$3.7M) | Approved 4-3 |
| Item 7A | Marshall Construction — CMAR for New Elementary | Unanimous |
| Items 8A-D | Vendor Pool RFPs (Catering, Instructional, CTE, Educational Services) | Approved (unanimous) |
| Item 8E | Letter Jackets — SSR Jackets | Unanimous |
| Item 9A | Employee Compensation Resolution | Unanimous |
| Item 9B | Weaver & Tidwell Audit Proposal (5-year) | Unanimous |
| Item 10A | Textbook Reconsideration Appeal — Uphold committees | Approved 3-1 (Nelson opposed; Duncan, Odenweller excused; Chase absent) |
Notable Items
- Phonics adoption was contentious (4-3 vote) with significant concerns about the 8-year commitment length and cost given pending statewide reading curriculum changes under HB 1605.
- Employee raises are on hold pending state legislative action; a retention stipend may be proposed in July.
- The textbook appeal regarding teaching creationism alongside evolution in science classes was denied; the board determined it lacks authority to modify state TEKS.
- Trustee Chase participated remotely from Germany (approximately midnight local time) for the first portion of the meeting and voted on early agenda items before excusing herself.
- Three future agenda items requested: ideologies in schools, meeting timeliness, and student discipline.