July 18, 2023 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2023-07-18
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 15:52 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees – Regular Meeting
July 18, 2023
Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript. They may contain errors or omissions. Official minutes should be consulted for the definitive record.
Attendance
- Presiding: Vice President Wagman (President absent; referenced as arriving late or not presiding)
- Present: Trustees Odin Weller, Nelson, Duncan (and others not specifically named)
- Noted Absences: Multiple board members were noted as absent by a public commenter; exact count not specified in transcript
Item 1: Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 6:01 PM. Quorum confirmed.
Invocation: Trustee Duncan
Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Trustee Nelson
Item 2: Special Board Recognitions
Transportation Department
- Sam Davila Retirement Recognition: Director of Transportation retiring after 20 years of service. Assistant Superintendent for Operations Chris McCord praised Davila for achieving an all-air-conditioned bus fleet, his availability, and advocacy for staff. Presented with an Ambassador Award.
- Transportation Ambassador Award Recipients (presented by Associate Director Juan Melendez):
- Lacey Troll – Bus driver; responded calmly to a student medical emergency
- Becky Mondorano – Video tech; helped a driver to safety and attempted to extinguish a bus fire
- Renee Williams – Operations specialist; instrumental in Smart Tag program implementation
- Dana Gray – Bus driver; addressed bullying/harassment and promoted positive culture
- Clayton Talley & Shannon Miller (team award) – Evacuated a bus and extinguished a tire fire on Highway 242
- Christopher Holderman – Standby driver; protected a crossing guard from a near-miss vehicle incident
- Emily Peterson – Standby monitor; named Rookie of the Year at Woodlands Transportation Center
- Alexandro Clagenberg – Technician; transitioned from crossing guard to driver to full-time mechanic
District Support Staff Ambassador Awards (presented by Mrs. Blakelock):
- Alejandra Tapia – Student Support Services; speaks six languages, liaison to the Mexican Consulate
- Christy Stavino & Christine Corson – Human Resources recruitment (both 8-year employees)
- Sherry Howard – Special Education department
- Holly Reyna – Administrative Assistant, Gifted & Talented department (with CISD since 2012)
- Jay Sirs – Communications department print shop machine operator (not present)
Police Department Ambassador Awards (presented by Chief Matt Blakelock):
- Carla Hines – Crossing guard; provided emergency medical care to a student struck by a car
- Sergeant Brandy Walker – Supervises Woodlands College Park feeder zone and 911 center; coordinates community outreach programs (Junior Leader, PAL camps, National Night Out)
- Officer Randy Bass – Campus officer at Stewart & Gordon Reed Elementary; personally welcomed and comforted a family that transferred from Uvalde's Robb Elementary
- Michelle Sweeney – Communications/Records division; handles 911 dispatch, also received life-saving award for performing CPR on a cardiac arrest victim on FM 1488
Item 3: Citizens Participation
Marlo Sauceda – Parent of Woodlands High School student. Announced that TWHS theater department was invited to perform at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland—the only Texas school among 24 U.S./Canadian high schools selected. Performances of "Awesome 80s Prom" scheduled that Friday and Saturday.
Alexander Harris – Expressed opposition to teaching evolution in science classes, citing it as a violation of the laws of thermodynamics and characterizing it as "indoctrination of atheism." Stated he would take his message directly to students at campuses.
Wyatt Franklin – Student with dyslexia. Shared how CISD failed to properly diagnose him. Described working with the Texas Dyslexia Coalition at the state capitol, testifying before House and Senate education committees, and meeting with the Lieutenant Governor to help pass the Beckley-Wilson Act.
Mark Fusca – Bond committee member. Advocated for including Oak Ridge High School Phase 3 in the upcoming bond package, noting it was left out of the committee recommendation. Suggested finding ~$40 million through reallocation (artificial turf funds, land acquisition, technology, or building fewer schools).
Carol Durkey – Bond committee member. Emphasized that 148 committee members attended 11 meetings over six months. Urged voters to research the facts before voting. Highlighted the district's 73,000+ students and second-lowest tax rate.
Carolyn Nene – Praised passage of HB 900 prohibiting sexually explicit books in public schools. Criticized the board for previously only removing 55 books. Stated continued monitoring of compliance.
Paula Zoski – Defended the district and public education. Defined and warned against "Christian nationalism" as an ideology distinct from Christianity itself. Argued it threatens public education through voucher programs and manufactured crises. Encouraged support for the upcoming bond.
Amber Fusca – Discussed special education due process cases. Referenced agenda Item 11B where a judge found the district denied a student FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) from January 2021 to April 2022. Noted this was the second due process case lost in two years. Called it a "wake-up call" regarding special education services.
Brent Vizay – Bond committee member and CISD graduate (1989). Highlighted needs including AG barns (Conroe HS and Caney Creek lack them), 16 elementary schools without gyms, and the need for pool expansion. Praised district staff for efficiently managing taxpayer dollars.
Item 4: Consent Agenda
Motion: To accept the consent agenda as presented
Vote: Approved unanimously (by show of hands)
Item 5: Administration – Discipline Discussion
Dr. Medford presented updates on discipline measures for the 2023-24 school year, following up on an April workshop:
New Staff Additions:
- Additional assistant principals (many due to growth)
- Associate principals added at middle schools
- 11+ positions at high schools due to growth
- Additional counselors
- 4 campuses added Behavior Support Coaches
- New specialist in Student Support Services
- Instructional coaches for reading and math at every campus
- New District Hearing Officer
Program Changes:
- Short-term DAEP: ~130 seats (JH/HS) and 40 elementary/intermediate seats; added one additional teacher (~30 more seats)
- Long-term DAEP (NEW): Dedicated wing at Washington High School with 4 teaching units (3 core content + 1 special ed certified). Allows 30, 45, and 60-day placements. 40 new seats.
- Early Childhood Response Team: 4 new paraprofessionals plus a dedicated Student Support Services coach for early childhood campuses
- Special Education Additions: 9 additional PASS program units, 6 additional SDC (self-contained classroom) units, 30 new teachers and 30 new paraprofessionals
Training Updates:
- Foundation training: 67 campuses, nearly 600 teachers/staff attended in first week after school ended
- Safety-specific trainings: Chapter 37, vaping, threat assessment, tabletop scenarios
- Year-round offerings: STOIC, CHAMPS (expanded to PE/Fine Arts), ongoing Foundation work
Key Discussion Points (Trustee Odin Weller):
- Teacher notification: Raised concern that teachers are not being informed when DAEP students return to their classrooms. Dr. Medford committed to reiterating this expectation at the AP meeting that week.
- On-campus alternatives to DAEP: Discussed ISS (in-school suspension) as an existing on-campus option; DAEP is the next step per Chapter 37.
- Elementary DAEP referrals: 12 students previous year, 24 in 2022-23.
- "Dinging" explained: Refers to RDA (Results Driven Accountability) reports flagging disproportionate discipline of special education, African-American, or Hispanic students. Can result in required reporting, monitoring, or state intervention. This is a federal-level concern as well.
- Consistency across campuses: Odin Weller expressed concern that too much autonomy in Foundation programs leads to inconsistent expectations across campuses, particularly for students transferring between schools. Dr. Medford explained that principals share best practices monthly and visit each other's campuses regularly.
- Cell phone policy: Odin Weller advocated for a more uniform district-wide cell phone policy, citing discipline and mental health benefits. Referenced successful implementations at Stockton and College Park. Dr. Medford noted SHAC (School Health Advisory Council) would present on this topic in August.
Future Agenda Item Requested: Discussion on uniform cell phone use policy (to be added to a future agenda after SHAC presentation in August).
Item 5A: Virtual School Extension Waiver
Dr. Bethany Medford requested ratification of a waiver application to continue as a Texas Virtual School Network full-time online school for 2023-24 and 2024-25. Senate Bill 15 expires September 1; multiple extension bills failed, but Governor Abbott granted the commissioner waiver authority on June 12. Application was submitted within the 30-day deadline. Currently ~130 students enrolled with more waiting.
Funding: Course completion basis for grades 7-9 (high school); ADA-based for younger students. District expects to be close to fully funded.
Motion: To approve the virtual school extension waiver
Vote: Approved unanimously (by show of hands)
Item 6: Planning and Construction Update (Mr. Foster)
Safety & Security Program (2023-24):
- Completes 2019 Bond referendum safety/security project
- On schedule; work largely invisible (security systems, fire alarms, radio systems, access control)
- Fire Marshal's office cooperating on campus reopening approvals
New Campus:
- Jana K. Bartlett Elementary School – On schedule for August 2024 opening. Building slab in, steel arriving soon, parking lot paving underway.
Renovations:
- Conroe High School – Through calendar year 2025. Athletic programs and CTE moving into new spaces. Rotunda, annex, and former Ag Building demolished; parking lot infrastructure underway. Fine Arts wing and dining commons construction begun.
- Oak Ridge High School – CTE moving into new wing. Interior on schedule. Road intersection work 90% resolved; new road to open sometime in fall semester. Campus will be ready for students in August.
- Bathroom issue raised by Trustee Odin Weller: One bathroom in Fine Arts Wing was an issue last year but has been fixed. Outdoor athletic restroom has received minor improvements but problem not fully resolved.
- Collins Intermediate – Gym addition complete; AC overhaul on schedule.
- Giesinger Elementary – Intensive AC rehab on schedule; goal to have air conditioning running for staff return August 1.
- Veterans Memorial – Rebranding complete; extended driveway for parent traffic, signage installation scheduled, carpet replacement underway.
Auxiliary Facilities:
- Conroe ISD Operation Center (Maintenance/Child Nutrition) – Departments beginning move-in process; temporary occupancy notices received.
- East County Transportation Center – On schedule; paving done, building structure in place. Completion targeted for December (winter break).
- North County Transportation Center – Essentially on schedule; some supply chain concerns with electrical gear. Also targeting winter break completion.
Portable Classrooms (Mr. McCord):
- Six classrooms remain to be installed
- Ahead of typical schedule for this time of year
- Furniture, technology, electricity, badge readers, and fencing being addressed
Heat Impact on Construction:
- No reported incidents of heat-related illness among approximately 2,000 workers across project sites
Item 7: Business and Purchasing
7A: RFP 230402 – Student Accident Insurance
- Award to: Greater East Texas Insurance Associates (Texas Kids First)
- Annual premium: ~$142,600 (0% change from previous year)
- Term: Through July 2024 with option for four annual renewals through July 2028
- Vote: Approved unanimously
7B: RFP 230403 – Building and Welding Materials, Tools, Hardware, and Supplies
- Award to: Vendors listed on attached tabulation
- Estimated annual expenditure: $950,000
- Responses: 26 vendors
- Term: Through July 2024 with two annual renewals through July 2026
- Vote: Approved unanimously
7C: RFP 230405 – Tree Removal Services
- Award to: Top Cut Tree Service Inc. and Tri-Guy LLC
- Estimated annual expenditure: ~$140,000
- Responses: 5 vendors
- Term: Through July 2024 with two annual renewals through July 2026
- Vote: Approved unanimously
7D: RFP 230501 – Safes for Cafeterias
- Award to: Dawson Security Group
- Estimated expenditure: $60,000
- Responses: 4 vendors
- Term: Through July 2024 with two annual renewals through July 2026
- Vote: Approved unanimously
Vice President Wagman confirmed that bids go through a third-party eBid system and remain sealed until the deadline.
Item 8: Business and Finance – Financial Reports
Balance Sheet (as of June 30):
| Fund | Total Assets |
|------|-------------|
| General Fund | $305.1 million |
| Debt Service | $61.6 million |
| Child Nutrition | $15.3 million |
| Self-Funded Insurance | $12+ million |
Income Statement:
- General Fund total revenue YTD: $561.3 million
- General Fund total expenditures: $470.6 million
2019 Bond Referendum Update:
- Estimated amount to complete: $47.6 million
- Life-to-date encumbered/expended: $603.6 million
Self-Funded Insurance:
- June deficit: $762,000 (common for summer months)
- Year-to-date surplus: $2.7 million
Investments (as of June 30):
- Total par value: $631.6 million
- Pools earning: 5.29%
- Woodforest: 5.69%
- Combined portfolio: 5.00%
- 90-day T-bill: 5.14%
Item 9: Executive Session
Board entered closed session at 7:52 PM pursuant to Texas Government Code §551.071 and §551.0821.
Board returned to open session at 8:18 PM.
Item 11: Legal
11A: Local Policy Manual Update (First Reading – Information Only)
Miss Galatis presented minor policy changes:
- FFI (Bullying Policy): Modified to comply with TEA guidance issued in January
- CKEA (Security Personnel): New local policy code specifically addressing commissioned peace officers; language moved from CKE to better organize topics
- DEA: Minor wording correction related to mid-year compensation
- FD: Administrative code change regarding credit for homeless students
These will return for action at the August meeting.
Significant Discussion – HB 3 Armed Security Requirements:
Trustee Odin Weller raised the new legislative requirement (Section 37.0814) for at least one armed security person on every campus during school hours. Key points:
- The district currently has an officer on every campus for the 8-hour school day but would need 30+ additional hires to have dedicated officers
- Currently reviewing 8 police applicants
- Odin Weller strongly advocated for exploring the Guardian Program (allowing trained, vetted employees to have locked, fingerprint-access firearms on campus)
- Argued this could free up ~$871,000 in funding while meeting compliance
- Dr. Noel cautioned against rushing a decision that could jeopardize safety, stating the administration is still evaluating options
- Chief Blakelock confirmed various options are being explored
Future Agenda Item Requested: Discussion on Guardian Program / armed security compliance
11B: Settlement Agreement – TEA Docket 089SE1122
Special education due process case settlement.
Motion: To approve the settlement agreement and authorize the superintendent to execute all necessary documents.
Significant Statement by Trustee Odin Weller: Expressed deep concern about the case, noting:
- This is the second due process case the district has lost in two years
- She listened to both days of the hearing online
- A child lost approximately 1.5 years of dyslexia services during first and second grade
- The family invested in private tutoring to help the child catch up to third-grade reading level
- Drew parallels to her own daughter's dyslexia experience
- Acknowledged the family likely won't be "just putting it behind them"
- Called on the district to continue improving special education services
Vote: Approved unanimously (by show of hands)
Item 12: Future Board Agenda Requests
The following items were requested for future agendas:
1. Cell phone use policy discussion (Odin Weller) – to follow SHAC presentation in August
2. Guardian Program / armed security discussion (Odin Weller)
3. Technology – removing ideology (carried over from previous meeting, per Trustee Nelson or another member)
Item 13: Adjournment
Motion to adjourn: Approved
Meeting adjourned (approximately 8:42 PM based on transcript)
These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript and may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to official CISD board minutes for the authoritative record.