October 17, 2023 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2023-10-17
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 16:11 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees – Regular Meeting
October 17, 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 authoritative record.
Meeting Called to Order
- Time: 6:02 PM
- Quorum: Present
- Invocation: Dayron Williams
- Pledge of Allegiance: Teresa Wagman
Special Recognitions
2A – Energy Star 100 Certification for Stockton Junior High
- Presenter: Chris McCord (Assistant Superintendent for Operations) and Mark Delan (Entergy Texas)
- Stockton Junior High received an Energy Star score of 100 out of 100, placing it in the top percentile of energy-efficient buildings nationally
- Key facts shared:
- Highest certified building in Entergy Texas's service territory
- Since 1999, only 76 other Texas schools have earned a score of 100
- In 2023, only four other schools nationally received a 100
- Highest rated energy-efficient building in Texas for the year
- The school features energy-efficient lighting, HVAC, kitchen equipment, and a 1-megawatt solar facility
- Entergy provided a professional engineer at no cost to assist with the application
- Award presented to Dr. Carlton Todd, Principal of Stockton Junior High
2B – Niche.com Best Of Awards
- Presenter: Sarah Blakelock (Communications)
- For the third consecutive year, Conroe ISD received the following Niche.com awards for Montgomery County:
- Best School District
- Most Diverse School District
- Best Place to Teach
- Best District for Athletes
- Awards are based on community reviews, family feedback, and accountability scores
- Full board participated in a group photo
Citizen Participation (Public Comments)
15 speakers addressed the board. Key themes included:
Library Books / Sexually Explicit Content
- Michelle Knuckles, Alexander Harris, Katherine Parker, Marie Binch, Cindy Phillips, Jennifer Ehart, Carolyn Nene – Members/representatives of Citizens Defending Freedom read passages from books found in CISD libraries (including Lily and Duncan, Too Bright to See, The Other Boy, The Pants Project) that they characterized as containing transgender ideology and content inappropriate for children. They urged the board to adopt a robust policy to remove books promoting gender dysphoria, sexual content, and self-harm from school libraries.
- Deborah Liber – Spoke against replacing the recently adopted book review policy with one modeled after Katy ISD's, arguing it would make book banning easier. Urged the board to trust librarians and teachers and respect parental rights without imposing one family's values on all students.
Dyslexia Awareness
- Nicole May – Thanked the board for recognizing Dyslexia Awareness Month. Corrected a statement made by a trustee at a prior workshop that "we are not an institution designed to catch every kid," noting federal IDEA law requires schools to find and evaluate children needing special education. Thanked Trustee Odin Weller and Rep. Steve Toth for their work on HB 3928.
- Aggie Gambino – Shared that her family won a due process case against the district for failing to provide FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) to her dyslexic daughter at Broadway Elementary. Called for an investigation and accountability. Thanked Rep. Toth and Trustee Odin Weller.
SHAC (School Health Advisory Council)
- Laura Prosi, April Kiley – Expressed concern about the board's treatment of SHAC parent chair Dr. Spear at the September 19th meeting, calling it disrespectful. Criticized board members for making disparaging remarks about SHAC without attending meetings. Called for the board to follow SHAC bylaws and partner respectfully with parents.
Cell Phones
- Melissa Simler – Raised concerns about CISD's transparency regarding cell phone policy development, questioned the validity of surveys sent to parents, and reported incidents of child pornography being shared via cell phones at CISD schools.
- Ryan Sorris – Cell phone committee parent member; praised Dr. Medford's team for transparency. Voiced support for K-6 guidelines and encouraged the board to think carefully about implementation at secondary levels.
Bond Support
- Harry Bay – Thanked the board and administration for their work promoting the 2023 bond, praising openness and transparency throughout the process.
Positive School Experience
- Holly Moore – Shared a heartwarming story about her children's connection with a beloved second-grade teacher, highlighting the "magic happening in our schools every day."
Other
- Robert Holden – Made allegations connecting library book content to grooming and trafficking.
- Lorraine Rice – Spoke as a retired teacher and community member; announced a new prayer group for CISD schools at Grace Woodlands church.
- High School (speaker name unclear), Linda Long, Tina Orbal – Shared scripture readings, concerns about declining ACT scores, and opposition to books with transgender content in school libraries.
Consent Agenda (Item 4)
- Vote: Approved unanimously (no items pulled)
Item 5A – PreK-6 Cell Phone and Smartwatch Guidelines
Presenter: Dr. Medford
Committee Composition & Process
- Over 200 parents expressed interest; committee of 53 members formed
- Included 25 parents, 7 SHAC mental health subcommittee members, 13 teachers, 10 administrators, 3 counselors, 2 students
- Balanced across feeder zones and grade levels
- Three meetings held (Sept. 7, Sept. 18, Oct. 2)
- All materials posted on district website
Approved Guidelines (PreK-6):
1. Cell phones and smartwatches may be used respectfully and responsibly before and after school
2. Cell phones and smartwatches cannot be used to capture video, audio, or images at school or on the bus
3. Cell phones and smartwatches should be set on silent mode and kept in backpacks, lockers, or designated storage areas – not visible during school hours including instructional time, reward time, free time, lunch, and hallways
4. Use may be permitted in extenuating circumstances with staff permission (e.g., notifying parent of late bus)
Board Discussion:
- Trustee Williams asked about enforcement feasibility; Dr. Medford expressed confidence for PreK-6
- Trustee Chase asked about students with special needs – confirmed IEP/504 accommodations always honored
- Trustee Wagman asked about monitoring "respectful and responsible" use and suggested surveying parents about turning off data during school hours
- Trustee Wagman noted these are "guidelines" not "policy" – administration confirmed they will update the student handbook and enforce them
- Discussion about smartwatches – they must be put away and silenced during the day
- Implementation to begin immediately after principal meeting the next day
Vote: Approved unanimously
Item 5B – Board Member Use of Cell Phones During Board Meetings
Presenter: Board President Hubert
- President Hubert raised concerns about board members being distracted by cell phones during meetings
- Referenced a Freedom of Information request that revealed text messages being sent during discussion of agenda items, including counsel from outside the board about how to vote
- Significant exchange between board members:
- Trustee Wagman stated she is an adult and doesn't see a problem with constituents communicating with trustees
- Trustee Odin Weller stated she did not see the text in question during the meeting and it did not affect her vote; took exception to the implication
- Trustee Williams moved to move on from the topic
- Trustee Odin Weller called the discussion "a waste of board time" and accused President Hubert of grandstanding
- President Hubert described seeing Trustee Odin Weller's hand go up and down during a vote, and seeing cell phone screens light up with questions that were then asked at the podium
- Exchange became heated, with Trustee Odin Weller requesting video proof of the hand-raising allegation
- No formal action taken – discussion item only
Item 5C – 2024-2025 School Calendar Information
Presenters: Dr. Upshaw, Dr. Null
Key Information:
- District Level Planning & Decision-Making Committee developing calendar recommendations
- Target: Recommendation to board by January 16, 2024
- 75,600 instructional minutes required
- Current calendar: 174 school days (state standard is 180; met through extended daily minutes)
- Teacher contract: 187 days
- District has a 2,100-minute staff development waiver
Trends from 16 Comparison Districts:
- Average instructional days: 171.5
- Average teacher days: 186
- Fall/winter breaks combined with exchange dates becoming common
- Other districts offering more flexibility in staff development/planning days
Committee Requests for Board Consideration:
- Later start date (August 14 or later; this year's August 9 was considered too early)
- Flexibility in staff development vs. work days vs. planning days
- A break each month
- If extending the school day, limit to 5 additional minutes
- Consider moving spring break
- Community survey on calendar preferences
Board Feedback:
- Multiple trustees confirmed hearing from constituents about wanting a later start date
- Trustee Chase emphasized giving teachers more dedicated planning and work time rather than just days off
- Discussion about converting some staff development days to planning/work days and allowing exchange days
- Dr. Null explained the District of Innovation (DOI) plan allows starting before the state-mandated fourth Monday of August; the current DOI plan is expiring and will be renewed
No vote taken – information/input session
Announcement
- Board President Hubert announced that all six 6A CISD high school marching bands advanced to area competition at district competition held that day
Item 4D – Resolution Recognizing Dyslexia Awareness Month
Presenter: Dr. Sharon Henry (Dyslexia Department)
Key Information:
- Over 4,400 students served in CISD dyslexia programs
- Approximately 80-100 students identified with dyslexia monthly
- 80+ students with dyslexia transferred into CISD since August
- New Dyslexia Specialist Blanca Questus introduced (Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, Certified Academic Language Therapist, Diagnostician, bilingual)
- $5.7 million dedicated to dyslexia this year ($2.9M from state funding)
- 59 elementary/intermediate interventionists plus secondary campus support
- Double-digit increases in 1st and 2nd grade reading levels noted
- New systematic phonics resource being implemented
Resolution Read by Trustee Williams
- Formal resolution recognizing October as Dyslexia Awareness Month
Board Discussion:
- Trustee Chase thanked specific staff members who worked with his dyslexic son
- President Hubert acknowledged families and advocates including Stacy Evans and Ashley Fairley
- Dr. Null noted dyslexia staff dockets are now full with growing demand
- Trustee Odin Weller gave extended remarks honoring families who advocated for HB 3928 (Beckley-Wilson Dyslexia Act):
- Recognized the Gambino, May, Tasson, Franklin, and Gesco families
- Detailed the legislative process and Rep. Steve Toth's role in getting the bill to committee
- Bill received unanimous votes in both House and Senate chambers
- Highlighted Nicole May and Kristen Gesco's founding of MoCo Dyslexia Partnership
Vote: Approved unanimously
Item 10B – Review and Consider Revision of Local Board Policy EFA (Library Materials)
Presenter: Trustee Nelson, with General Counsel Gladis
Background:
- Trustee Nelson worked with district counsel to draft revisions based on Katy ISD's policy, tailored to CISD
- Two color-coded versions provided: green (latest CISD revision based on Katy policy) and yellow (current Katy policy for comparison)
Significant Board Discussion:
Trustee Williams:
- Made a motion to table the discussion – failed for lack of a second
- Made a motion to make no changes to the current policy – failed for lack of a second
- Argued extensively that library books are not a pressing district issue, calculating that complaints represent less than 0.01% of the parent population
- Called the effort a "power grab" and "slippery slope" toward censorship
- Argued teachers and librarians are professionals who should be trusted
- Listed other priorities: homeless kids, special education, overcrowding, drug abuse, teacher retention, academic performance
Trustee Nelson:
- Advocated for adding Texas Education Code 33.021 (definition of sexually explicit materials) to strengthen the policy
- Expressed concern about the provision allowing board members to bypass the reconsideration committee process
President Hubert:
- Clarified the difference between books removed for not meeting selection criteria (~100+ books) versus challenged books
- Stated he supports strengthening policy but opposed allowing board members a "fast lane" to bypass the parent committee reconsideration process
- Proposed that if a board member wants a book reviewed, it should go through the reconsideration committee first, and then a board member could appeal the committee's decision to the full board
Trustee Odin Weller:
- Emphasized the importance of adding Texas Education Code 33.027386 (sexually explicit materials definition from HB 900)
- Noted that only the vendor rating portion of HB 900 is in litigation; other definitions are in effect
- Raised concern about ensuring the board has the ability to review books after reconsideration committee decisions, including when a complainant doesn't appeal
- Pointed out changes from "shall" to "may" in the latest revision that significantly alter meaning
Trustee Chase:
- Expressed appreciation for the library notification emails going to parents
- Agreed with President Hubert that the committee process should not be bypassed
Outcome:
- No vote taken – Board directed General Counsel Gladis to revise the policy incorporating:
- Adding Texas Education Code 33.021/33.027386 definitions
- Requiring board member-initiated book concerns to go through the reconsideration committee first
- Allowing board members to appeal reconsideration committee decisions directly to the board
- Correcting "shall" vs. "may" language
- Aligning elementary designation to include PreK through intermediate
- Revised policy to be brought back in November
Item 5E – Intruder Detection Audit Update
Presenter: Chris McCord
- 20 campuses audited so far (10 in September, 10 in October)
- All 20 received zero findings (desired result)
- New this year: all campuses will be audited statewide (previously 75%)
- Internal audits conducted by CISD security team in August/early September before state audits
- State auditor called to specifically praise CISD campuses
- Dr. Null noted the auditor went out of his way to compliment campus performance
Item 5F – Counseling and Mental Health Services Update
Presenter: Dr. Taylor
Services Available:
- Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare – 4 campuses with on-site services; additional campuses receive services including case management, counseling, skills training
- YES to Youth – Group counseling; waitlist reduced from 4-6 weeks to 2-4 weeks
- TCHAT – Telemental health support accessible from home or campus
- Lone Star Family Health Clinic – Medical and mental health support
- Mosaics of Mercy – Substance abuse and mental health referrals; connected with Lone Star clinic for after-school services in East County (Kaleidoscope proposal)
Future Goals:
- Exploring hiring Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) employed by the district
- Visiting other Texas districts to learn models
- Participating in Childhood Trauma Impact Conference that Friday
Item 6A – Instructional Material Selection Process
Presenter: Dr. Upshaw
- Proclamation 2024 kickoff for new instructional materials in:
- Science (K-12)
- Technology Applications (K-12)
- Personal Financial Literacy & Economics (K-8)
- Social Studies
- 17 Career & Technical Education courses
- Funded through Instructional Materials and Technology Allotment (IMTA)
- Community feedback period open through October 30 via TEA public comment form
- Teacher committees will review only State Board of Education-approved materials
- Community review period through January 12
- Board recommendation targeted for March 19, 2024
- Implementation for Fall 2024
Item 7A – Capital Improvements Update
Presenter: Mr. Foster
Projects:
1. Safety & Security Program (2019 Bond) – Final phase; 20+ campuses visited; major equipment installed; programming and fine-tuning through 2024
2. Bartlett Elementary – On schedule for August 2024 opening; approaching "dry-in" milestone; interior finishes beginning January
3. Conroe High School Renovation – Fine arts building slab progressing; structural steel delivery expected this month; project through December 2025
4. Oak Ridge High School CTE Wing – Building in use; punch list underway; Entergy easement documents exchanged for power pole relocation; roadway completion expected in 3-4 weeks
5. East County Transportation Center – On schedule; move-in over winter break
6. North County Transportation Center – Admin building move-in over winter break; mechanic shop extension closing up
Additional Items:
- Trustee Chase thanked Foster for addressing safety railing concerns at Conroe High School
- Elevator repair at Morehead – piston installed; awaiting state inspection
Public Hearing – Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST)
Presenter: Rick Reeves
- Conroe ISD received an "A" – Superior Achievement rating with 98 out of 100 points
- Passed all critical indicators (timely report submission, unmodified audit opinion, timely debt/tax payments)
- Fund balance: 101 days of operating expenditures (healthy)
- Lost 2 points on Indicator 12 (debt-to-assessed value ratio) – explained as intentional: bonds were sold 8 months early to save $8.8 million in interest
- Administrative cost ratio: 3.99% (state threshold: 8.55%)
- District received clean audit
- If 2023 bond passes, full 10 points expected on Indicator 12 going forward
- No public comments received during hearing
Item 8 – Financial Report (September)
Presenter: Ms. Garza
- First month of fiscal year
- Tax statements going out this week with historic tax relief from SB 2
- Major tax collections expected November-January
- 2019 Bond: ~$46.3 million estimated to complete
- Self-Funded Insurance: Good first month – $4.4M revenue, $3.4M expenses, ~$1M surplus
- Investments: Par value at $434.2 million; pools yielding 5.55%; combined portfolio at 5.17%
Item 10A – Board Continuing Education Announcement
- All board members have exceeded required continuing education hours for the period November 1, 2022 – October 17, 2023
Item 10C – Level Three Complaint Hearing (Closed Session)
- Board convened closed session at 10:02 PM under Texas Government Code §551.071, §551.074, and §551.0821
- Complaint by a parent against two transportation department employees
- Reconvened in open session at 10:35 PM
- Vote: Motion to uphold Level 1 and Level 2 hearing officer decisions – Passed 5-1
- District to send written notice to complainant
Future Agenda Items
- Trustee Odin Weller had an item but deferred it, potentially to December
- One trustee withdrew a request
Adjournment
- Time: Approximately 10:41 PM
These notes are unofficial and based on an automated transcript. They are intended to help the public understand what occurred during the meeting but should not be considered an official record.