August 1, 2023 — Special Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2023-08-01
Special Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 15:57 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe ISD Board of Trustees — Special Meeting
August 1, 2023
These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript and may contain errors or omissions.
Opening
- Meeting called to order at 6:01 PM with a quorum present.
- Trustee Stetson Burnett Nelson joined remotely (out of town on business).
- Invocation led by Trustee Datyon Williams; Pledge of Allegiance led by Trustee Stacy Chase.
Citizen Participation (Public Comment)
Because this was a special meeting, public comments were limited to posted agenda items only. Eight speakers addressed the board:
1. Christena Brown — Parent in the Oak Ridge feeder. Described overcrowding at Suchma Elementary (only 4 years old, already over capacity). Third graders in portables without covered walkways must use umbrellas to access the main building; during storms, portable students must evacuate into the already-overcrowded main building. Sixth graders will also be in portables this year. Expressed strong support for the bond.
2. Paul Laskoski — Parent of four CISD students. Thanked the 148-member bond planning committee. Urged the board to advance the bond election expeditiously. Criticized "Christian nationalism" as the most dangerous ideology facing the district, arguing its adherents are unlikely to support the bond and would prefer voucher programs.
3. Teresa Neiman — Expressed support for the bond. Discussed the definition of "ideology," noting it can be neutral (democracy, totalitarianism) or negative. Observed that in 20 years working in CISD she hadn't thought about particular ideologies until the last 9 months, having seen more ideologies presented in the boardroom than in any classroom.
4. Alexander Harris — Responded to previous meetings where he was called a "racist" and a "Christian nationalist." Referenced Senate Bill 14 (prohibiting gender-affirming surgeries for minors), reading aloud the specific procedures banned. Stated if opposing those procedures makes one a Christian nationalist, "sign me up."
5. Holly Moore — Spoke in support of the bond. Emphasized that while not every community member's school may be directly affected, all children deserve the best. Called the bond crucial for addressing overcrowding, discipline issues, and infrastructure.
6. Barry Millenson — Current CISD Bond Committee member. Urged unanimous board support for the bond package. Praised the transparent, professional process. Warned that board division on issues sends a bad message to the public; the bond needs total board agreement to pass.
7. Sam Pile — Parent and grandparent. Stated he removed his youngest child from CISD due to leadership succumbing to a minority pushing personal ideologies. Supports ideology-free schools and references Texas legislation (SB 3) prohibiting promotion of personal ideologies unrelated to instruction.
8. Stephanie Cox — Parent and bond planning committee member. Expressed concern that the committee lacked a true cross-section of constituents, arguing it was "stacked" with educators/employees. Questioned whether ESSER funds were used wisely and suggested the bond package may not reflect what citizens need.
9. Scott Harper — Bond committee member and Chamber of Commerce representative. Praised the committee process and product. Noted $1.6 billion was left "on the cutting room floor." Urged the board to unanimously approve and find ways to stop "kicking the can down the road."
Consent Agenda (Item 3)
- Motion to approve consent agenda.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (all in favor).
Item 4: Naming of Director of Transportation
- Dr. Null recommended Juan Melendez as the new Director of Transportation, succeeding retired Sam Davala.
- Melendez joined the department in 2016 as a former junior high principal, was promoted to associate director, and has been mentored within the department.
- Motion to approve. Vote: Approved unanimously.
- Melendez gave brief acceptance remarks thanking God, his family, leadership, and the transportation team.
Item 4A: Consider and Accept the Recommendation of the 2023 Bond Planning Committee
Bond Committee Presentation
Harry Vean (elected committee spokesperson) presented on the process:
- 148 voting members with diverse backgrounds (parents, educators, business leaders, community members, 5 current students)
- Committee required a two-thirds supermajority to include any item in the bond
- Emphasized transparency — all materials posted publicly on the CISD bond website
- Community engagement sessions held in various feeder zones
- Growth data: District has grown ~1,500 students/year for over a decade; recent years saw ~3,000-3,500 students/year
Shane Reagan (elected committee spokesperson) presented the bond package details:
Four Propositions Totaling $1,995,777,000
Proposition A — New schools, additions, renovations, master plans, infrastructure:
- 8 New Schools (adding 13,700 new seats):
- Conroe Area High School (3,800 seats)
- Caney Creek 9th Grade Campus (1,600 seats)
- Conroe Area Junior High (1,600 seats)
- Grand Oaks 7th/8th/9th Grade Campus (2,200 seats)
- The Woodlands Feeder Elementary (950 seats)
- Two 242 Corridor Elementary schools (950 seats each)
- Conroe Area Intermediate (950 seats)
- Grand Oaks Elementary (950 seats)
- Additions at 3 campuses (700 new seats): Moorhead Junior High (500), Hailey Elementary (100), Ford Elementary (100)
- Major Renovations at 5 campuses (seats impacted, not added): The Woodlands HS (3,200), Knox JH (1,350), Oak Ridge HS 9th Grade Campus (1,250), San Jacinto Elementary (725), Creighton Elementary (650)
- Master Plans at 2 campuses (future phases): Oak Ridge HS Phase 2 (2,200 seats), Washington HS (400 seats)
- Additional items for infrastructure, safety, land, transportation, and technology infrastructure
Proposition B — $40 million for technology devices (student Chromebooks, iPads; paid off within 5 years)
Proposition C — $112 million for:
- Gymnasiums at 16 elementary schools currently without one (using cafeterias for PE)
- Agricultural barn (Ag barn) facilities: renovation of 2 existing South County barns ($3M each) and construction of 1 new barn ($11M) for Conroe/Caney Creek feeders (which currently have no Ag facilities)
- Ag barns received 95% vote — highest of any item
Proposition D — $22.9 million for natatorium improvements:
- $2.5 million for refurbishment of existing Wilkinson Natatorium
- ~$20 million for new 50-meter outdoor pool with covered structure, additional locker rooms
Financial Impact Presentation (John Robusto, District Financial Advisor)
- Bond sales scheduled in four annual installments (~$489M, $616M, $572M, $316M)
- Bonds to be sold with Permanent School Fund guarantee (AAA rating)
- Tax rate impact: 2 cents on the Debt Service rate
- $95.5M paid off in first 5 years; $154M in 7 years; $266M in 10 years
- Tax impact would not be realized until the following year (not 2023-24)
Tax Rate Context (Darren Rice, CFO)
- Senate Bill 2 compressed the tax rate by an additional 10.7 cents and increased homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000
- 2023-24 tax rate: 96.21 cents (26 cents debt service, 70.21 cents M&O) — 15.25 cents less than last year
- Since 2018-19, tax rate has decreased 31.79 cents total
- On a $500,000 home: Bond would add $6.67/month ($80/year); net savings from SB2 still ~$100/month or $1,200/year
- On a $350,000 home: Bond impact is ~$4.17/month
- Average home value in CISD: $386,000
Board Discussion Highlights
Ag Barns:
- Conroe and Caney Creek students currently have zero access to Ag barn facilities
- ~2,500 students eligible for CTE Ag programs; only 200-400 can participate due to space
- Students who transfer from South County schools to North County lose Ag access
Technology Devices:
- 69,666 devices will fall off/expire over next 6 years
- The $40M will not achieve 1:1 student-to-device ratio (not the goal)
- Devices are essential for state-mandated testing; without them, testing periods are extended
- This is "catch-up" — technology devices were removed from the 2019 bond
Elementary Gymnasiums:
- 16 elementaries without gyms (5 of 6 College Park feeder, 4 of 6 Woodlands feeder, 4 of 11 Conroe feeder)
- All new elementary schools are built with gyms; older schools were not
Natatorium:
- CISD has 400 lane meters of water for 6 (soon 7) high schools; Klein has 1,000; Katy has 1,600
- Infrastructure deteriorating (rebar visible in pool floor, outdated systems)
- UIL recently approved water polo, adding a second sport to the single facility
Items Cut:
- $1.6 billion in needs were left off
- Baseball field turf removed (~75% voted against inclusion) — Reagan (biggest turf advocate) explained the committee felt it could jeopardize the critical items
- Other high-vote items that didn't reach 66% threshold: continuation of Oak Ridge HS project, additional safety funds, additional infrastructure funds
Vote on Item 4A
- Motion to accept the recommendation of the 2023 Bond Planning Committee (Props A, B, C, D) as presented.
- Vote: Approved unanimously, 7-0 (initial hand count showed 6-1 due to delay in Nelson's remote response; confirmed 7-0 after Nelson confirmed her "yes" vote).
Item 4B: Consider and Approve Order Calling a School Bond Election
- Motion to call a school building bond election for November 7, 2023.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 4C: Consider and Approve Election Services Agreement with Montgomery County
- Agreement for Montgomery County to provide election services (equipment, interpreters, infrastructure).
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 4D: Consider and Approve Joint Election Agreement with Montgomery County
- Required by state law for cost-effective joint elections with other governmental entities.
- Discussion included guidance from Bond Counsel Marcus Deets on political advertising restrictions:
- Board members and employees cannot advocate for/against the bond using district resources (email, buildings, Wi-Fi)
- In personal capacity/personal time/personal social media, board members may share personal opinions
- Senior staff are considered "always on duty" and cannot ever advocate
- Same rules apply to teachers
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
Board took a brief recess.
Public Hearing: 2023-24 Budget and Proposed Tax Rate
Darren Rice, CFO presented the preliminary budget:
Legislative Updates
- HB 3 (school safety) — requires armed security officer at each campus
- SB 2 — additional 10.7 cents tax compression; homestead exemption increase ($40K to $100K); hold-harmless provision in state funding
Budget Highlights
- Enrollment estimate: 73,194 students; ADA estimated at 92.5%
- Certified property values: increased 5.26% to $54.9 billion (accounts for new homestead exemption)
- Tax rate: 96.21 cents (15.25 cents less than prior year; 31.79 cents less than 2018-19)
- No-new-revenue (effective) tax rate: calculated at approximately 83.19 cents (12.79% decrease referenced)
Revenue
- SB 2 property tax decrease: -$66.26M (offset dollar-for-dollar by state funding)
- Golden Penny yield increase: +$13.5M
- New student ADA funding: +$29.91M
- Increased interest income: +$4.3M
- TRS on behalf: +$1.75M
- Total estimated revenue increase: $49.4M
Expenditures
- 556 new positions at $35.7M (supporting growth, new campuses, staffing ratio change from 23:1 to 22:1 in grades 1-4, absorbing 225 ESSER positions at $16M)
- No salary increase included yet (pending legislative action; board passed resolution last month for retroactive raises once funded)
- 3% raise would cost ~$17.5M; 5% raise ~$26M
- Inflation adjustment: $3.5M; portables: $3M; software: $1M; other: $2.36M
- Total estimated expenditure increase: $49.4M
Fund Balance
- Target: 20-25% of budget (~$124M at 20%)
- Projected unassigned fund balance: $126.3M ($2.3M above 20% target)
Preliminary Budget
- Total: $672,772,241 (balanced budget)
- ~89% allocated to payroll
Public Comment on Budget
- Stewart Shader asked about declining ADA trends; Dr. Null attributed much of it to post-COVID behavior changes (parents keeping sick kids home) and acknowledged it as a priority, though pre-COVID levels may not return.
No board action taken — hearing only. Second public hearing and adoption vote scheduled for August 15.
Item 7A: Consider and Adopt Resolution Approving Retention Stipend
- $1,200 retention stipend for full-time qualifying employees (≥50% employment); $600 for part-time (<50%)
- Paid in two installments: October 15 and November 15, 2023
- Qualification: employed on or before September 15, 2023, and expected to be employed through May 23, 2024
- Funded by ESSER funds (~$11M total cost, with some covered by Child Nutrition and federal grants)
- Additionally noted: if the bond passes, $30 million previously used for land purchases will be reimbursed to the general fund, potentially available for spring retention stipends at the board's discretion
Board Discussion:
- Trustees expressed appreciation for finding a way to reward employees despite no state funding for raises yet
- Clarified $30M land purchase reimbursement was approved by prior board resolution (~15-18 months ago)
- Stipend applies to all qualifying employees — teachers, paraprofessionals, all staff
- Motion to adopt. Vote: Approved unanimously.
- Dr. Null indicated he would record a video to inform staff of the stipend this week.
Item 8A: School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) — Cell Phone Use and Student Mental Health
Dr. Bryce Spears, SHAC Chair, presented findings from the mental health subcommittee (12 members: 8 parents, counselors):
Key Data Points
- US Surgeon General issued advisory (May 2023) on social media and youth mental health
- >3 hours/day on social media doubles risk of poor mental health outcomes
- Teens spending >3 hours/day have 35% increased risk of suicide
- >5 hours/day: 71% more likely to have at least one suicide risk factor
- Even 10 minutes on social media negatively affects self-perception and mood
- 26-study meta-analysis (55,000+ students): higher daily social media time = ~60% increased risk of depression
- Cell phone use decreases school connectedness (a protective factor)
- Montgomery County is among top 10 Texas counties for suicides (2020 data)
SHAC Recommendations
- K-8: Cell phones used responsibly before/after school only; silent and in backpacks during school hours (class, lunch, hallways, locker rooms); no recording/photography
- 9-12: Same as K-8 with exception of two designated ~10-minute periods per day (not lunch) for students to check phones for personal matters
- Emergency access maintained; 504/IEP accommodations unchanged
- Avoid mixed messages (e.g., QR codes in hallways prompting phone use)
- Support with appropriate interventions; phones should not be used as behavioral incentives
Board Discussion
- Significant interest from multiple trustees in moving forward
- Dr. Null cautioned against rushing implementation without proper buy-in from parents and campus staff
- Emphasized the educational component for parents is critical — parents are often the ones texting during class
- Noted campuses that adopted another campus's policy without staff buy-in "crashed and burned"
- Some campuses (e.g., York JH) already enforce strict phone policies successfully
- Current district policy already requires phones off during instructional time in elementary/intermediate, but enforcement and scope vary
- Trustee Dungan expressed desire to make a motion to adopt K-8 recommendations immediately; informed this was an information/discussion item only — no motions could be made
- Discussion about Robert's Rules and when trustees can make motions on agenda items (requires "consider and approve" language, proper public notice)
- Agreed outcome: Dr. Null will form a larger committee (including SHAC subcommittee members, parents from all feeders, educators, staff) to study the issue, develop implementation recommendations, and bring proposals back to the board (~2-3 months)
- Educational/awareness campaign can begin immediately through district communications
No formal action taken — informational item only.
Item 9A: Board Member Request — Discussion Regarding Personal Ideology in Schools
Trustee Dungan introduced the topic, citing parent concerns about personal ideologies being posted on walls, hallways, and sometimes verbalized in classrooms. Referenced Texas Education Code §25.082 requiring that only US and Texas flags be prominently displayed.
Board Discussion
- Dungan gave example: "All Belong Here" poster with multicolored hands that had an unintended negative effect on a first grader
- Dr. Null confirmed existing policies prohibit political/ideological displays unrelated to curriculum and stated every reported instance in his 5 years has been promptly addressed
- Trustee Williams expressed concern this was a "slippery slope" — questioned how to differentiate between acceptable displays and ideology; noted biblical quotes are also commonly displayed in classrooms
- Trustee Wagman raised concern about being overly broad ("might as well make the walls blank")
- Trustee Oldenweller noted the law already addresses this issue
- Dr. Null acknowledged the challenge: ~5,000 classrooms, with perhaps 2 incidents per year requiring correction — "pretty good" but always striving for zero
- Board directed to review existing local and legal board policies (CK local referenced)
- Miss Glattus (legal counsel) offered to follow up with any trustee on policy language
No formal action taken — discussion item only.
Item 9B: Board Member Request — Discussion Regarding HB 3 (Armed Security)
Chief Blake Glock, CISD Police Chief, presented a comprehensive overview:
Current CISD Standard
- Commissioned CISD peace officers assigned to campuses
- Officers receive: 720 hours academy training, 80 hours classroom/tactical training (including active shooter), 40 hours defensive tactics, 40+ hours crisis intervention/de-escalation, 14 weeks field training, 100+ hours annual ongoing training
- Equipped with body armor, firearms, rifles, shields, breaching tools, medical supplies
HB 3 Requirements
- Board must ensure at least one armed security officer present during regular school hours at each campus
- "Good cause exception" available if non-compliance is due to lack of funding or personnel
- Alternative standards may include School Marshals or Guardians
Options Reviewed
1. Outside law enforcement (SROs/contract) — Availability issues; higher pay than CISD officers; extra jobs = second priority
2. Private security companies — Supervision, training, and control concerns
3. School Marshal Program — 80 hours training; firearm must be locked in safe if in regular contact with students; identity confidential; closest approved training is College Station
4. Guardian Program — 15-20 hours training; no psychological exam required; board authorizes
5. Security Services Contractor — District applies to DPS, hires own commissioned security officers under police department supervision
Chief Glock's Concerns with Marshals/Guardians
- Limited ongoing training
- Firearm storage challenges (safes can be compromised; accessing firearm during emergency adds delay)
- No body armor, radio, or advanced equipment
- Risk of accidents (cited incident of superintendent/guardian leaving firearm in bathroom, found by 3rd grader)
- Weapon retention concerns during student altercations
- Puts educators in impossible position: stay with students or retrieve firearm
- Teachers "didn't sign on for that"
Chief Glock's Recommendation
- Best option: CISD police officers on every campus
- Second option: District becomes Security Services contractor, hiring commissioned security officers under police department supervision
- Strongly advised against Marshals/Guardians
Compliance Discussion
- Chief stated CISD is currently complying — officers assigned to every campus (some clustered for adjacent campuses)
- Trustee Oldenweller questioned compliance, reading directly from HB 3 requiring armed officer "during regular school hours at each district campus"
- President Hubert noted TEA has provided virtually no guidance; urged reliance on district legal counsel for interpretation
- TEA expected to release guidance video around August 26
- Chief announced he had offered employment to 3 officers this week and expects to offer 4 more in the next two weeks
- Dr. Null confirmed Chief has standing authorization to hire officers beyond assigned numbers; district will find funding
Trustee Williams' Statement
- Strongly opposed arming teachers/non-officers
- Cited risks: misplaced firearms, use-of-force incidents with students, blue-on-blue confusion during active shooter events
- "The more guns you add to the fight, especially untrained guns... causes more chaos"
- Fully supports Chief's professional judgment
- Noted: additional security questions deferred to closed session for sensitivity reasons
No formal action taken — discussion item only.
Closed Session
- Board entered closed session at 10:27 PM pursuant to Texas Government Code §§551.071, 551.076, and 551.089.
- Board returned to open session at 11:04 PM.
Items Following Closed Session
Item 13A: Consider and Adopt 2023-24 Student Code of Conduct
Miss Glattus presented changes driven by the legislative session:
- Marijuana/THC/alcohol possession changed from mandatory expulsion to mandatory DAEP placement
- E-cigarette possession now mandatory DAEP placement
- Relief provision for DAEP overcrowding (allowing some students to return early for certain offenses)
- Modified definition of harassment
- Added provision requiring notice about full individual evaluation for special education when student is assigned to DAEP
- Reviewed by District-Level Planning and Decision-Making Committee (no comments)
- Motion to adopt. Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 13B: Consider and Repeal/Adopt Board Policies
- Repeal: Local policy CKE (Safety Program/Risk Management) — content being moved to CKEA
- Adopt: Updated CKEA (includes body-worn camera provisions for officers); minor changes to policies on midyear pay raises, admissions (homeless/foster care student credit), and freedom from bullying compliance
- Motion to adopt. Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 13C: Consider and Approve Purchase of ~18 Acres (Caney Creek HS Feeder Zone)
- Purchase of school site land; superintendent delegated authority to finalize and execute.
- Motion to approve. Vote: Approved unanimously.
Item 13D: Consider and Approve Sale of 1.38-Acre Parcel to Cooper Rose LLC
- Superintendent delegated authority to finalize and execute.
- Motion to approve. Vote: Approved unanimously.
Future Agenda Item Requests
- No requests made during the meeting.
Adjournment
- Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:10 PM.
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Description | Result |
|------|-------------|--------|
| Consent Agenda | Minutes/routine items | Unanimous |
| Director of Transportation | Juan Melendez appointment | Unanimous |
| Bond Committee Recommendation | Accept Props A-D ($1.996B) | Unanimous (7-0) |
| Bond Election Order | Call election for Nov. 7, 2023 | Unanimous |
| Election Services Agreement | Montgomery County | Unanimous |
| Joint Election Agreement | Montgomery County & subdivisions | Unanimous |
| Retention Stipend | $1,200 stipend from ESSER funds | Unanimous |
| Student Code of Conduct | 2023-24 adoption | Unanimous |
| Board Policy Changes | CKE repeal; CKEA & others adopted | Unanimous |
| Land Purchase (~18 acres) | Caney Creek feeder zone | Unanimous |
| Land Sale (1.38 acres) | To Cooper Rose LLC | Unanimous |
Key Items for Future Meetings
- August 15: Second public hearing on budget; board to adopt budget and tax rate
- Cell phone policy: Dr. Null to form larger committee; educational campaign to begin immediately; recommendations expected in ~2-3 months
- HB 3 compliance: Awaiting TEA guidance (expected ~Aug 26); continued officer hiring
- Teacher raises: Pending special legislative session (possibly Sept/Oct); board resolution ensures retroactive implementation
- October (approx.): SHAC membership roster for board approval