September 19, 2023 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2023-09-19
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 16:05 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
September 19, 2023
Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript. They may contain errors or omissions. Please consult official board minutes for the authoritative record.
Opening
- Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM by President Hubert; quorum confirmed.
- Invocation led by President Hubert; pledges led by Stacy Chase.
Special Recognitions (Item 2)
2A — Read for a Better Life Initiative
- Dr. Upshaw and Dr. Winkler presented the annual "Read for a Better Life" day (September 20).
- The board was requested to adopt a resolution (via consent agenda) proclaiming staff support and encouraging parents/community to read aloud to students daily for 30 minutes.
- Special Guest: Mrs. Caroline deMerit, mother of David Vetter ("the boy in the bubble"), read the book Maybe by Kobi Yamada. Mrs. deMerit shared remarks about David's legacy, the naming of David Elementary, her advocacy for SCID research, and the David Dream Run (approaching 30th year, raising over $600,000 for Texas Children's Hospital).
- President Hubert shared a personal connection to David's story from his childhood in San Antonio.
2B — District of Distinction Award (Texas Art Education Association)
- Dr. Bob Hort (Director of Fine Arts) announced CISD received the 2023 "District of Distinction" designation from TAEA for the second consecutive year.
- Only 69 of over 1,200 eligible districts earned this honor (top 5% in art education in Texas).
- Several art teachers and Fine Arts Specialist Dr. Lisa Davis were recognized. The district has over 130 visual arts teachers.
2C — The Woodlands High School UIL Class 6A Lone Star Cup Winner
- Dr. Ted Landry (Principal, The Woodlands High School) presented the 9th Lone Star Cup win for TWHS — the most of any school at the 6A level.
- TWHS amassed 117 points (only 6A school to break 100; second place was 19 points behind at 98).
- Key achievements included: state championship (girls swimming/diving), state runner-up (boys swimming/diving, robotics), top finishes in team tennis, volleyball, girls golf, cross country, track & field, marching band, soccer, baseball, and more, plus district championships in 14 sports/academics.
- In 24 years: 9 first-place finishes, 7 second-place finishes; lowest finish was 6th (2015).
- Laura Lansbomb (UIL Academic Coordinator) and Coach Jim Rapp (Athletic Director) were recognized.
- Board member Wagman noted the feeder pattern contribution from elementary through middle school.
2D — Forbes America's Best In-State Employers 2023
- Blake Clot (Director of Communications) announced CISD was named a Best-in-State Employer by Forbes for the second consecutive year — one of only six school districts on the list.
- Rankings based on over 70,000 anonymous employee surveys.
- Paula Green (Executive Director of HR) introduced HR staff members and highlighted that the department hired over 1,600 employees and processed over 1,500 transfers over the summer.
- Board member Williams congratulated the team, noting the award reflects a positive work culture.
Citizen Participation (Item 3)
17 speakers signed up; 14 spoke. Key themes included:
Bond Support
- Teresa Neeman urged passage of all four CISD bond propositions to meet district needs.
- Paul Laskoski thanked the board for unanimously placing the bond on the ballot; noted the average homeowner cost would be about $4/month ("more than a cup of coffee").
- Brent V (Bond Committee member) said community members are excited about the bond but need more outreach and face-to-face engagement to drive voter turnout.
- Louis Pedraza expressed concern about the bond's true cost, citing total indebtedness of ~$5.786 billion and questioning the advertised impact, stating "the bond is not free."
Chaplains in Schools
- Douglas Laws (retired chaplain) strongly urged the board to reject the new Texas law allowing unlicensed chaplains to serve as school counselors, arguing they lack adequate training and qualifications.
Bullying Incident
- Sing Gan described an assault on his son (a published author before age 14) at school by a group of students. He said the school did not contact him; he only learned about the incident himself. He expressed frustration at the lack of action.
LGBTQ+ Books, Posters, and Curriculum Concerns
- Monica Laura praised SB14 (banning transgender surgeries for minors) and called for removal of LGBTQ+-inclusive books from school libraries, characterizing them as "pornography" and "indoctrination."
- Alexander Harris criticized LGBTQ+ content in school libraries and warned board members up for re-election about political consequences.
- Michelle Knuckles read explicit passages from the book George (available in 11 CISD libraries, including intermediate schools), highlighting content about transitioning and hormone blockers for minors.
- Tina Orbal argued library books are "indoctrinating" children and called LGBTQ+ content in schools "evil."
- Audrey Warner argued children should not be asked about gender/pronouns and asserted parents have a right to be informed about gender confusion concerns.
Defense of Inclusivity/Posters/Teachers
- Nicole Gillery (English teacher) expressed concern about a board member's social media post criticizing a poster saying "Everyone is Welcome Here," urging the board to affirm that all students are welcome.
- Teresa Kenny defended diversity posters and reading, quoting James Baldwin, and suggested that hate and racism "don't belong in a school or on a school board."
- Melissa Rout (23-year veteran teacher, parent of adopted children of different ethnicities) expressed concern about the "slippery slope" of removing diversity posters, asking if photos of her multiracial family could someday be deemed offensive.
- Paul Laskoski also encouraged embracing a "growth mindset" and supporting marginalized communities.
- Kristen Johnson (CISD parent) defended inclusive classroom posters, noting first graders are "politically ambiguous" and love colorful, inclusive imagery; emphasized the meaning of "public school" and "all means all."
- Amber Sullivan called out "hypocrisy" — parents cyberbullying teachers/librarians, the quiet removal of 75+ books (many by/about people of color or LGBTQ+ community) without formal challenge, and a board member's social media post about spending on "children here illegally."
Armed Teachers/School Safety
- Robert Holden referenced an English teacher's prior comments about being forced to carry a gun, calling her remarks "dangerous" and requesting the board take action.
- Rachel Walker questioned the inconsistency of banning "personal ideologies" (inclusive posters) while allowing a local politician to discuss religious beliefs and gender expression at a school-sponsored event.
Student Speaker
- Shayla Davidson (Grand Oaks High School junior, lifelong CISD student) said the removal of books featuring LGBTQ+ characters has diminished her love of reading and argued that limiting diverse perspectives harms students' ability to work with people of different backgrounds.
Other
- Maddox urged the district to actively seek feedback from new parents rather than waiting for complaints, warning against "that's just policy" responses.
- April Perry (SHAC Membership Chair) raised concerns about the district modifying the SHAC membership recommendation without SHAC consent and adding 12 additional district resources outside the application window; asked the board to consider these facts. (See detailed SHAC discussion below.)
- Bryce Spear (SHAC Chair) provided background on SHAC bylaws, membership processes, and compliance with Texas DSHS guidelines.
Consent Agenda (Item 4)
Item H pulled for separate discussion. All remaining consent items approved.
Vote: Approved unanimously (all items except H)
Item 4H — Contract with Communities in Schools (CIS)
Dr. Taylor presented background on the CIS program:
- CIS has partnered with CISD for approximately 15+ years (records back to 2006).
- 16 CIS site coordinators work on campuses with at-risk students (with parental consent for case load).
- Services include: backpack buddy program, attendance assistance, behavior support, academic tracking, food pantries, clothing closets, mobile markets, parent engagement, and more.
- CISD pays ~$424,000 (shared cost); if the district hired equivalent positions independently, cost would exceed $1 million.
- CIS coordinators have their own consent forms for students on their case load; broader access to student information is covered under FERPA exceptions noted in school handbooks.
Discussion: Trustee Odin-Willer asked about liability/indemnification in the contract. District counsel (Miss Gadus) stated the provision is sufficient and the district would provide its own defense under Texas law immunities and insurance. Trustee Odin-Willer also asked about parental consent processes; Dr. Taylor confirmed CIS coordinators obtain specific consent before adding students to their case load.
Vote: Approved unanimously
Item 5A — Attendance Zone Update for Bartlet Elementary (Receive Only)
Chris McCord presented:
- Bartlet Elementary opens August 2024 (950-seat, two-story, PK–4, located on C Drive in Conroe near Pineacre Trails subdivision).
- A 44-member zoning committee held its kickoff meeting; will meet over 4–5 months.
- Primary objectives: Create attendance boundary for Bartlet while preserving capacity for growth; provide overcrowding relief to Caney Creek and Conroe feeder elementary campuses.
- Multiple campuses are significantly over capacity (e.g., Crockett at 152% with 16 portables; Anderson, Patterson, Austin, Milam, San Jacinto all facing major growth).
- This is the last elementary school in the northern Caney Creek/Conroe feeder area to be built in the near future, though data indicates additional schools will eventually be needed.
- Community presentations scheduled (first: October 10 at Austin Elementary); boundary website launching September 20 with FAQs, scenarios, and feedback tools.
- Recommendation expected in January.
No vote required — informational item.
Item 5B — Interlocal Agreement with The Woodlands Township (Decommissioned School Buses)
McCord presented a request to allow The Woodlands Township fire department to use four decommissioned/unusable buses for safety training:
- Buses are fully cannibalized of usable parts.
- Benefits: local agency training on real buses, recouping 4 parking slots at Conroe Transportation Center, Township handles disposal at their expense, CISD still receives scrap value.
- Discussion touched on bus fleet age (over 1/3 past recommended age), bus costs (~$149,500 each), and limited parking at transportation centers.
- Other fire departments have used buses in the past; availability for future requests depends on fleet status.
Vote: Approved unanimously
Item 6A — SHAC Annual Report & 2023-2024 Membership Appointment
Annual Report (Receive Only)
- Dr. Upshaw presented the annual report as required by Texas Education Code §28.004; Dr. Bryce Spear (SHAC Chair) was available for questions.
- No questions from the board; report received.
SHAC Membership Appointment — Extended Discussion
This was the most contentious agenda item, generating significant debate.
Background:
- SHAC submitted a 31-member recommended list through a formal application process (May 1–June 30 window) established in revised bylaws.
- District administration separately recommended 12 additional district employees (principals, police chief, health specialists, etc.) who did not apply during the application window.
- 5 parents who applied were turned away due to the 31-member cap and feeder zone balancing.
- SHAC bylaws were revised this year with input from Dr. Upshaw and reviewed by district legal.
Key Points of Discussion:
- Trustee Williams expressed concern about "disenfranchising" district employees from having a vote on an advisory council that advises the board. He characterized the situation as a "power struggle" and called for a "culture committee" within SHAC.
- Dr. Spear (SHAC Chair) explained the membership subcommittee could only consider applicants who applied during the window; suggested district employees could serve as non-voting subject matter experts (similar to Houston ISD's model). She emphasized this was not adversarial toward district employees.
- Dr. Upshaw (District SHAC Coordinator) noted that requiring district employees to apply was an "outlier" process compared to other district committees where members are typically appointed. She said she personally applied through the process but acknowledged it created challenges.
- Trustee Nelson asked about the co-chair structure. Texas DSHS guidance states "a parent member shall serve as the chair or co-chair." Discussion ensued about whether a district employee could serve as co-chair alongside a parent.
- President Hubert questioned why district personnel weren't told about the application requirement, expressed concern about the five rejected parents, and noted the recommended list included the chief of police, nurses, mental health specialists, and principals. He objected to the term "district resources" for named individuals.
- Trustee Odin-Willer argued the statutory purpose of SHAC was to give parents a seat at the table and questioned why the board was overriding the parent-led process. She rescinded her nomination of Steven Stanifer (an assistant principal) because she was unaware of the application window when she nominated him.
- Trustee Wagman suggested adding all five rejected parents plus the 12 district employees, noting that even with additions, parent representation would exceed 60%.
- Miss Gadus (District Counsel) confirmed the board has ultimate authority to appoint SHAC members regardless of SHAC bylaws.
Motions and Votes:
1. Original Motion (Wagman): Approve the recommended membership list as presented by both administration and SHAC; all members have equal voting rights; Dr. Upshaw serves as equal co-chair alongside a parent co-chair selected by the full SHAC.
- Seconded.
2. Amendment #1 (Nelson): Add the five parents who were rejected back to the membership list.
- Vote: Passed 5-2
3. Amendment #2 (Dungan): Remove Steven Stanifer from the list (rescinding her nomination).
- Vote: Passed (majority; 2 opposed)
4. Final Motion (as amended): Approve the full membership list including the 31 SHAC-recommended members + 14 district-recommended employees + 5 previously rejected parents, minus Steven Stanifer (total: 49 members). All members have equal voting rights. Dr. Upshaw serves as co-chair with a parent co-chair selected by the full SHAC.
- Vote: Passed (noted as carrying, approximately 7-2 based on context)
Item 7A — Capital Improvements Update (Receive Only)
Mr. Foster provided updates:
- Safety & Security Program (2023-24): Final project of 2019 bond; touching all remaining campuses; on schedule (working evenings/weekends during school year).
- Bartlet Elementary: On schedule for August 2024 opening; exterior masonry and roof structure progressing; building steel nearly complete.
- Conroe High School Renovations: Completion through December 2025; moving into fine arts portion; opening more rooms/labs weekly; new roadway 99% concrete complete, awaiting Entergy utility relocation in October.
- East County Transportation Center: ~100 additional bus parking spaces; building essentially complete; anticipated fleet use in December 2023.
- North County/Conroe Center: New administration building nearly complete; expanded mechanic shops under construction; on schedule for December 2023.
Item 8A — Award RFP 23604 (HVAC Refrigerant)
Mr. Rees requested approval to award HVAC refrigerant contracts to Summit Refrigerants, Home Depot Pro, and United Refrigeration Inc. for approximately $150,000 annually (one-year term with two automatic renewals through September 2026).
Vote: Approved unanimously
Item 9 — Finance (Items A–E)
9A — Investment Program Resolution
Miss Garza presented the annual investment policy review required by the Public Funds Investment Act. No changes recommended.
Vote: Approved unanimously
9B — Sources of Instruction for Investment Responsibilities
Annual designation of approved training sources for investment officers (8 hours required every 2 years). No changes recommended.
Vote: Approved unanimously
9C — Designation of Investment Officers
Current officers: CFO, Director of Finance, and Business/Accounting Managers. No changes.
Vote: Approved unanimously
9D — List of Qualified Investment Brokers
No changes to the approved broker list. President Hubert recused himself due to his employer's relationship with a sister company of one of the brokers (Woodforest). Vice President Wagman presided.
Vote: Approved (with President Hubert abstaining)
9E — Financial Report (Receive Only)
Miss Garza presented preliminary August 31, 2023 financials (fiscal year-end; closing entries still in progress):
- General Fund: Total assets $216M; liabilities $29M; revenue $578M; expenditures $554M.
- Debt Service: Second debt payment processed in August; total expenses $133.5M for the year.
- Child Nutrition: $28.7M in expenditures; $12.8M in assets.
- Self-Funded Insurance: Ended year with ~$1.08M surplus; entering 2023-24 in good position.
- 2019 Bond: ~$46.5M estimated to complete.
- Investments: Par value $433.3M; portfolio yielding 5.11% vs. benchmark 5.29%.
Item 10A — House Bill 3 Armed Security Guard Good Cause Exception
Initially tabled to allow executive session discussion first.
After executive session (board returned to open session at 10:30 PM):
Miss Gadus explained that HB 3 requires at least one commissioned peace officer at each campus during school hours, unless a "good cause exception" is claimed for lack of funds or qualified personnel.
Resolution (based on Chief Blake Loock's recommendation and August 1 special meeting):
Under good cause exception for lack of qualified personnel, the alternative standard sets:
- One commissioned peace officer at each secondary school
- One commissioned peace officer assigned where campuses are within 1–2 mile radius of each other
- Unassigned officers remain on patrol within district boundaries
- Command staff assigned to each feeder zone for additional campus presence
- CISD PD continues training with local law enforcement and recruiting qualified officers
Vote: Approved unanimously
Item 10B — Montgomery Central Appraisal District Board of Directors Nominations
Board members were asked to nominate candidates for the 2024-2025 MCAD Board:
- President Hubert nominated: Bruce Tubonér, Lucy II, and Arthur Bredhoff (all confirmed willingness to serve).
- No other board members offered additional nominations.
- Final ballot will include nominees from all taxing jurisdictions; CISD will cast votes at the November meeting.
Executive Session (Item 11)
Board entered closed session under Texas Government Code sections 551.071, 551.074, 551.0821, 551.076, and 551.089. Topics not disclosed per open meetings requirements. Board returned to open session at 10:30 PM. No action was taken on executive session items beyond the HB 3 resolution noted above.
Future Agenda Requests (Item 12)
- President Hubert requested adding a board policy on personal cell phone use during meetings, citing concerns about board members using phones during agenda discussions.
- Trustee Dungan requested revising local board policy EFB (related to library books). She will provide clarification before the next meeting.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn: Approved unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30+ PM.
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Description | Result |
|------|-------------|--------|
| Consent Agenda (minus Item H) | Various routine items including Read for a Better Life resolution | Unanimous approval |
| 4H — CIS Contract | Communities in Schools contract renewal | Unanimous approval |
| 5B — Woodlands Township Bus Agreement | Interlocal agreement for decommissioned buses | Unanimous approval |
| 6A — SHAC Membership (Amendment 1) | Add 5 rejected parents | Passed 5-2 |
| 6A — SHAC Membership (Amendment 2) | Remove Steven Stanifer | Passed (majority; 2 opposed) |
| 6A — SHAC Membership (Final) | Approve full amended membership list (~49 members) with co-chair structure | Passed (~7-2) |
| 8A — HVAC Refrigerant RFP | Award to three vendors (~$150K) | Unanimous approval |
| 9A — Investment Program | Annual policy review, no changes | Unanimous approval |
| 9B — Investment Training Sources | Annual designation, no changes | Unanimous approval |
| 9C — Investment Officers | Annual designation, no changes | Unanimous approval |
| 9D — Qualified Brokers | Annual list, no changes (Hubert abstained) | Approved with 1 abstention |
| 10A — HB 3 Good Cause Exception | Armed security alternative standard resolution | Unanimous approval |
| Adjournment | — | Unanimous |
Notable Items
- SHAC membership generated the longest and most contentious discussion of the evening, raising questions about parent authority vs. district participation, bylaw processes, and advisory committee governance.
- 75+ library books were mentioned by a public commenter as having been "quietly removed" without going through the formal challenge process — this was not addressed by the board during the meeting but a future agenda item on library book policy (EFB) was requested.
- Bartlet Elementary zoning is a significant ongoing process with a recommendation expected in January 2024.
- HB 3 security resolution was approved after executive session; the district claimed a good cause exception for lack of qualified personnel.
- The board's bus fleet has significant aging concerns — over 1/3 past recommended service life, with costs of ~$149,500 per new bus.