November 14, 2023 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2023-11-14
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 16:15 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes — Conroe ISD Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
Date: November 14, 2023
Called to Order: 6:01 PM | Adjourned: 12:53 AM (November 15)
Board Members Present: President Hubert, Trustee Williams, Trustee Dungan, Trustee Wagerman, Trustee Nelson, Trustee Odenweller, Trustee Chase (remote)
Quorum confirmed.
Special Recognition: National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
Dr. Chris Povich introduced approximately 25+ Conroe ISD seniors named as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists (top 1% in Texas). Students were called individually, received certificates, and were photographed with board members. Parents were also recognized. Dr. Povich noted that 300 additional College Board recognitions were earned across all six high school campuses.
Citizen Participation (Public Comments)
24 speakers addressed the board. Key themes included:
Bond Passage / Congratulations
- Evan Berlin thanked the bond committee and district volunteers at polling locations; also urged attention to mental health during the holidays.
- Ryan Soris congratulated bond passage and expressed support for the upcoming cell phone guidelines.
- Anthony Shelton praised Dr. Null and district staff; noted community support validated by bond passage.
Library Books / Book Policy
- Dee Fox (retired CISD educator) urged the board to stop discussing library books until the state develops standards under HB 900 (expected January 2024); criticized outside political influence.
- Rachel Walker asked the board to keep the book Drama in libraries; cited suicide risk statistics for LGBTQ+ youth and urged the board not to placate extremists.
- Brent V. quoted Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton on free speech and book banning; cited the Pico Supreme Court case and Judge Albright's ruling on HB 900.
- Steve Foley said "enough is enough" on book reviews; urged focus on violence, mental health, staffing, and transportation.
- Deborah Ferris argued for removing books she considers "sexual interference" for young children; shared a personal family story about a teenager's gender identity journey.
- Lana Burkhart shared her personal story of porn addiction beginning with a "single kiss" in a Scholastic book at age 11; urged the board to remove sexually explicit material.
- Riley Lee (President of Sky Tree Book Fairs) encouraged the district to drop Scholastic Book Fairs in favor of alternatives like Sky Tree; argued Scholastic distributes inappropriate content.
- Trent Tallet (CEO of Brave Books, headquartered in Conroe) argued stories powerfully shape children's identity; linked books with LGBTQ characters to rising mental health issues in children.
- Olympia Rodriguez (Defense of Democracy chapter chair) argued removing books is censorship; said libraries are the only place students can freely explore ideas; cited the Pico ruling.
- Tina Orbal argued against specific books (Deep in Dark Blue, Woke, Lily and Duncan, The Other Boy); said schools should guide, not program children.
- Susan Scruggs questioned the board's legacy; described side effects of gender modification surgery; asked if the library contained books about those risks.
- Juliet Loftis (8th grader, Knox Junior High) argued students should be trusted to choose their own books; noted existing parental notification systems.
- Amelia Loftus (15-year-old sophomore) shared her personal mental health struggles and argued that LGBTQ+ representation in books helps kids feel less alone; noted less than 3% of CISD books represent LGBTQ+ students.
School Safety / Violence
- Noah Brown (Oakridge High School junior) described a surge of fights and two stabbings in late October; urged the district to focus on building community rather than arguing over "menial matters."
- Leanne Alexander (parent at Oakridge and Vogel) described receiving three safety-related emails in one week, including a stabbing notification; urged the board to review security policies.
- Carolyn Nene described the Oakridge stabbings and ongoing violence; called for placing multiple security officers in schools; criticized "woke agenda" in curriculum.
Scholastic Alternatives
- Riley Lee and Trent Tallet (see above) both promoted alternatives to Scholastic Book Fairs.
Homeless Students
- Scott Kidd (former board member) promoted HOME, a 501(c)(3) booster club supporting ~715 homeless and foster students in CISD; asked for continued support of the Community Outreach Department.
Other Topics
- Robert Holden criticized public education broadly; raised concerns about atheism, DEI/CRT, and national security.
- Paul Laskoski questioned whether "mama bears" board members supported the bond; criticized the board for voting against adding parents to SHAC membership.
- Alex Harris criticized the teaching of Big Bang theory and evolution; argued for biblical principles in education.
- Linda Long quoted Martin Luther on the importance of scripture in education.
Item 4: Canvass of November 7, 2023 Bond Election Results
Dr. Null thanked the community and the bond planning committee (members present were recognized with applause). He noted three of four propositions passed, representing 98.85% of the requested bond funds.
Miss Gaddis explained the canvassing process as required by law. Reports from Elections Administrator Susie Harvey were reviewed, including cumulative, canvas, and precinct-by-precinct results. Of 30 provisional ballots cast, 10 were counted.
VOTE — Motion to declare bond election results final and approve canvassing order:
- Moved by: Trustee Wagerman
- Seconded
- Result: PASSED (6-0-1) — Trustee Chase abstained (did not have documents available due to remote attendance)
Item 5: Consent Agenda
Item I (RFP 23-08-04 Instructional Supplies) was removed from consent and moved to Item 9 (Purchasing).
VOTE — Motion to approve consent agenda minus Item I:
- Result: PASSED unanimously
Item 6A: 7th–8th Grade Cell Phone and Smartwatch Guidelines
Presented by: Dr. Medford and York Junior High Principal Lindsay Ardan
The cell phone committee (formed from SHAC recommendations) met weekly for months, visited campuses, surveyed parents/staff, and developed guidelines.
Recommended guidelines for junior high (7th–8th grade):
1. Cell phones/smartwatches may be used respectfully before and after school
2. During class: silent mode, stored in designated area, not visible; not used for reward/free time
3. Not used anywhere in the building during class time (hallways, restrooms, locker rooms); phones stay in classroom when students leave
4. Use during common times (lunch, transitions) determined by campus administration and foundations team
5. Cell phones/smartwatches shall not be used to capture video, audio, or images at school or on the bus
Committee vote: 87.5% in favor (28 of 32 members)
Board Discussion Highlights:
- Trustee Nelson asked about parent access during emergencies; Ardan explained campus-specific protocols and that foundations teams would develop procedures.
- Trustee Williams questioned whether guidelines were an additional burden; was told staff generally supports them as providing clarity.
- Trustee Nelson asked about enforcement; Ardan acknowledged it would be challenging but described a conversational approach.
- Trustee Odenweller questioned the word "should" versus "shall" in the guidelines.
- Dr. Null clarified the purpose evolved from mental health concerns to also encompass student outcomes and classroom disruption.
VOTE — Motion to accept 7th–8th grade cell phone/smartwatch guidelines:
- Result: PASSED unanimously (Trustee Chase voted yes remotely)
Item 6B: 9th–12th Grade Cell Phone and Smartwatch Guidelines
Presented by: Oakridge High School Principal Dr. Murl
Guidelines are identical to junior high with one exception: teachers may permit cell phone use for instructional purposes at the high school level (e.g., calculator apps, research, photographing board work).
Committee vote: 93% in favor (27 of 29 members)
Board Discussion:
- Trustee Nelson asked about the difference from junior high regarding instructional use.
- Trustee Chase asked how students manage club/extracurricular communication; Dr. Murl said most campuses would allow lunchtime access.
- Trustee Nelson asked about apps being downloaded on student phones; Dr. Medford noted parent education efforts are ongoing.
- Special needs students' accommodations (504/IEP) override all guidelines.
VOTE — Motion to accept 9th–12th grade cell phone/smartwatch guidelines:
- Result: PASSED unanimously
Item 6C: 2024–2025 School Calendar Development Update
Presented by: Dr. Upshaw
- 17,500+ survey responses received (highest response rate for any district survey).
- Respondents: majority were community/parents; employees second; 251 students.
- 75% said they liked the current calendar (combining "yes" and "indifferent").
- Start date preferences: August 7th (mirrors current) and August 14th were top choices (87% combined). Starting August 21st would push the end date into June.
- 87% prefer ending first semester before winter break.
- 75% favor adding 5 minutes to the school day (yields 2 extra staff development days; reduces student days from 174 to 172).
- Dr. Null cautioned about ramifications (bus schedules, ensuring the 5 minutes are truly instructional).
- Break preferences: 50% prefer multiple 4-day weekends; 40% prefer one full week off (gap narrowing from prior year).
- New feature: community members can submit their own calendar scenarios using a provided template and checklist. Six submissions received so far.
- Survey closes the next day.
Informational item — no vote required.
Item 6D: Attendance Zone Update (Bartlett Elementary)
Presented by: District staff
- Bartlett Elementary (950-seat, two-story) opening August 2024 on Cello Drive near the airport; construction progressing on schedule.
- 45-member zoning committee has met every Thursday for 3 months; vetted 27 scenarios, narrowed to 2 (Scenarios 7.1.1 and 9.1.2).
- Growth challenges are significant: e.g., one small area currently has ~50 students but projects 700+ in five years. Craton Elementary is at 152% capacity with 16 portables.
- Both remaining scenarios provide relief to overcrowded schools (Anderson, Austin, Craton, Patterson, Reeves, Runion, Wilkinson) while preserving capacity at Bartlett for future growth.
- The two scenarios are identical on the east side; differences exist on the west side involving Wilkinson, Patterson, Houston, and Anderson boundaries.
- Silverthorn development (2,100 projected homes) is a major factor.
- Transfer policy: Incoming 4th graders zoned to a new school may request a transfer back for their final year; siblings may also transfer for one year if they provide transportation.
- All scenarios and information available on the district's attendance boundary website.
Informational item — no vote required.
Item 6E: District of Innovation Renewal
Presented by: Dr. Medford
The district's current District of Innovation (DOI) plan expires in 2025. The DOI allows exemptions from certain Education Code provisions, providing local control similar to charter schools.
Current exemptions: Flexible school start date (before 4th Monday of August) and CTE teacher certification flexibility.
Potential future exemptions being explored (based on peer districts like Keller and KISD): teacher appraisal requirements, student learning objectives, campus behavior coordinator designation, length of school day, depository contracts, expanded certification exemptions for hard-to-fill positions, attendance rules, and teacher contract days.
VOTE — Motion to adopt resolution beginning the DOI renewal process:
- Result: PASSED unanimously
Public Hearing: A public hearing was held immediately after. No members of the public came forward to comment. The hearing was concluded.
Note: 973 of ~1,100-1,200 Texas school districts (~90%) are Districts of Innovation.
Item 8A: Designate District Level Planning Committee as DOI Committee
The existing District Level Planning and Decision-Making Committee (12 teachers, 6 administrators, 6 parents, 6 business/community members — one from each feeder zone) was designated to serve as the Local Innovation Plan Committee.
VOTE — Motion to approve designation:
- Result: PASSED unanimously
Timeline: Committee convenes December 6; plan posted December 7; public feedback period; public meeting January 10; board approval targeted for January board meeting.
Item 9A: Intruder Detection Audit Update
Presented by: Mr. McCord
- 27 random, unannounced intruder detection audits conducted year-to-date.
- 26 with no findings; 1 with a finding (to be discussed at the November 30 Safety & Security meeting).
- 6 additional audits scheduled for December (all at campuses not yet evaluated).
- ~32 campuses remain to be audited.
Informational item — no vote required.
Item 10A: Change Order for Conroe High School Master Plan Project
Presented by: Mr. Foster (Facilities)
The board was asked to approve a $10 million increase to the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the Conroe High School renovation project (2019 bond), using savings identified within the 2019 bond fund.
Key Points:
- Construction costs have risen ~25-27% industrywide since bidding in January 2021 (Winter Storm Uri, Ukraine war, Middle East unrest, supply chain issues).
- Elsur Constructors (CM at Risk) has managed to keep the project's increase to approximately 11% — well below the market average.
- Two subcontractors have gone out of business during the project.
- The project is ~65% complete with an anticipated completion of December 2025.
- The $10 million comes from 2019 bond fund savings, not from the general fund.
- The $18.8 million previously transferred from the general fund to the capital projects fund (November 2022) as a contingency has not been touched and remains set aside per board resolution until the board determines it's no longer needed (resolution expires 2025).
- Mr. Foster noted that ~$6 million of the increase is attributable to scope creep; the remainder to market conditions.
Significant Board Discussion:
- Trustee Chase requested detailed line-item documentation of what the $10 million covers; expressed concern about approving without sufficient specificity. Suggested potentially tabling the item.
- Trustee Williams argued the board should trust staff expertise and their track record; noted this is the first time in 11 years Mr. Foster has requested additional funds.
- Trustee Nelson questioned the relationship between the $18.8M contingency fund and teacher pay raises, noting the money sat unused while teachers were told raises weren't affordable. Dr. Null and Mr. Rice explained that fund balance money cannot be used for recurring operational expenses like pay raises without creating a deficit budget.
- Mr. Hubert directed Mr. Foster to make detailed documentation available for board review, potentially in a shared drive, with follow-up at the December 5 workshop.
VOTE — Motion to approve $10 million GMP increase using 2019 bond fund savings:
- Result: PASSED unanimously
Item 10B: Capital Improvement Updates
Presented by: Mr. Foster
- Safety & Security (2019 bond): Final project progressing; will have visited every campus when complete.
- Bartlett Elementary: On schedule to open August 2024; exterior masonry ~95% complete; expects dry condition by end of January.
- Conroe High School: Structural steel erection on Fine Arts wing; Fine Arts and dining commons anticipated to open for next school year; overall completion December 2025; portable classrooms being added due to continued enrollment growth.
- Oakridge High School: Only remaining work is road construction; power line relocation by Entergy promised by December 11; road to be turned over for use when students return from winter break in January.
- East County Transportation Center: Nearing completion; operations to begin over winter break.
- North County Transportation Center: Admin building move-in over winter break; expanded shop available mid-January.
- One final 2019 bond project (campus renovations) to be brought for approval in December.
Informational item — no vote required.
Item 11A: Award RFP 23-08-05 Auto Fleet Parts
Annual expenditure of ~$2.4 million to 16 responding vendors for auto fleet parts and fluids.
VOTE: PASSED unanimously
Item 11B: Award RFQ 23-10-01 Portable Buildings
$1.6 million to Palomar Modular Buildings LLC for 12 double-classroom portables for Conroe High School construction project.
VOTE: PASSED unanimously
Item 11C (moved from Consent): Award RFP 23-08-04 Instructional Supplies and Materials
115 vendors submitted responses; ~39% were not previously awarded by the district or on a purchasing cooperative.
Board Discussion:
- Trustee Nelson asked why evaluation criteria items 6 and 8 (historically underutilized businesses and Texas-based businesses) received zero points. Mr. Reeves explained federal purchasing rules prevent those points from being used for vendors who may fill federal fund orders.
- Trustee Nelson asked whether alternative book fair vendors (Sky Tree Book Fairs, Brave Books — both mentioned in public comments) had applied. Neither had, but could register and submit for the next semiannual bid cycle (December, with board approval in June).
- Trustee Nelson asked about alternatives to Scholastic; was told Literati is also used for book fairs. She expressed desire to see more options.
VOTE: PASSED unanimously
Item 12A: Employee Compensation — Consider Increasing Employee Pay
Presented by: Mr. Rice (CFO) and Dr. Null
Background: The $30 million previously transferred from the general fund for land purchases can now be returned due to successful 2023 bond passage. The 88th Texas Legislature (regular session and three special sessions) failed to provide additional school funding; a 4th special session began November 7.
Options Presented:
| Option | Description | Estimated Annual Cost |
|--------|------------|----------------------|
| Retention Stipend | $1,500 one-time per employee | ~$3.25M/year |
| Scenario 1 | 2% raise on midpoint, all employees | ~$12.2M/year |
| Scenario 2 | 2.5% raise on midpoint, all employees | ~$14.65M/year |
Key Details:
- Employees already received two $600 retention stipends this fall ($1,200 total).
- Retention stipends are NOT TRS-eligible. Raises are.
- Starting teacher salary under Scenario 2 would increase to $61,600 (from ~$60,000). Multiple peer districts (Spring Branch, Cy-Fair, Katy, New Caney, Humble) would still be higher.
- The $30 million can fund Scenario 2 for approximately two years (this biennium). If no state funding materializes, the district would face ~$15 million in cuts in the following biennium — and 90% of the budget is salary.
- Raises would be retroactive to contract start date and in paychecks by Christmas break.
- No money would be available for a raise in 2024-2025 — employees would keep the raised salary but receive no additional increase.
- Two peer districts (Clear Creek, Fort Bend) successfully passed VADERs (voter-approved tax rate elections) the previous week.
Significant Board Discussion:
- Trustee Chase spoke passionately in favor of the raise, calling it the "last resort" she had advocated for during the August budget process. Acknowledged it is "scary to use [fund balance] for recurring costs" but said it's what the district is left with.
- Trustee Williams strongly advocated for immediate action: "Give them the money now and whatever falls out we make up the difference."
- Trustee Nelson expressed concern about long-term risk — potential position eliminations in 3 years if the legislature doesn't act. Noted the district would still be below peer groups even with the raise.
- Dr. Null stated: "This is a risk that we feel like we must take. We need to take care of our people." He expressed confidence the district could "figure it out" if needed in 18 months.
- Mr. Rice confirmed that if the legislature eventually funds raises, the outcome depends on how the bill is written — it could bridge the gap or be additive.
VOTE — Motion to approve Scenario 2 (2.5% raise on midpoint for all employees):
- Result: PASSED unanimously
Dr. Null stated: "I can speak on behalf of the staff and say thank you. I know it means a lot to all our employees."
Item 12B: Financial Report (October 2023)
Presented by: Miss Garza
- General Fund: Total assets $593.8M; YTD revenue $91M; expenses $53M
- 2019 Bond: $64.8M expended/encumbered; ~$40M estimated to complete
- Self-Funded Insurance: Positive month; YTD revenue $10.0M vs. expenses $7.8M = $1.3M positive
- Investments: Par value $412.8M; pools yielding 5.6%; combined portfolio 5.17%
Informational item — no vote required.
Item 13A: Adopt Local Board Policies EFA and EFB (Library/Instructional Materials)
Motion to adopt policies EFA (Instructional Resources/Instructional Materials) and EFB (Instructional Resources/Library Materials) as presented.
This was the most contentious item of the evening, generating extensive debate.
Key Changes in Policy:
1. Added definitions of "sexually explicit material" from the Texas Education Code (HB 900) and Penal Code definitions of "harmful" and "obscene" material
2. Added a provision allowing a single board member to bring a book to the full board for review if they disagree with a reconsideration committee decision — even if the original challenger does not appeal
3. Eliminated the previous "Level 2" review (superintendent designee) — books now go from reconsideration committee directly to board on appeal
Significant Board Discussion:
Trustee Williams delivered an extended, impassioned objection:
- Called the policy "a vote of non-confidence in our Librarians"
- Argued the board lacks expertise to judge library materials
- Called the single board member provision "a power grab" and "blatant arrogance"
- Warned it would open "Pandora's Box" for politically motivated challenges
- Noted that out of ~1.2 million books, only ~125 have been removed and only 3 formal challenges filed this year
- Stated he would "always support" committee decisions and would not "be puppeted"
- Said he is "against hypocrisy" and Christians "infringing on everyone else's right to read"
Trustee Chase argued the policy doesn't address the real problem:
- Said less than 1% of books are at issue yet "hundreds of hours" are spent discussing them
- Argued what parents really need are better tools to manage their own children's reading
- Called the board member provision pointless and asked "what is the point?"
- Stated she hasn't heard "a valid argument" for the additional board authority
Trustee Odenweller read aloud the specific statutory definitions being added (from Penal Code/Education Code) and argued clarification was needed.
Trustee Nelson acknowledged the sexually explicit language merely codifies existing Texas Education Code requirements but opposed the board member override provision.
President Hubert stated he doesn't see a material change from the sexually explicit language (already required by law) and argued the reconsideration process should work effectively with the three safeguards in place. He stated he would expect board members to respect committee decisions.
Dr. Null stated the staff's preference would be to not have a Level 2 review (superintendent designee) as it uses significant resources for what is unlikely to change a professional committee's decision. He expressed no objection to appeals going from reconsideration committee directly to the board.
Miss Gaddis noted that HB 900 standards are expected from the state in January 2024 and could supersede local policy.
VOTE — Motion to adopt EFA and EFB local policies as presented:
- Result: PASSED 5-2 (Trustees Williams and Chase opposed)
Item 13B: Local Policy Manual Update 122
Informational presentation on Update 122, primarily legal policy changes from the 88th legislative session. Most substantive local change relates to Narcan (naloxone) availability at all campuses per new state law.
Board to vote on local policy adoptions at December meeting.
Item 13C: Montgomery Central Appraisal District Board of Directors Election
The board has 1,696 votes to cast for CAD board candidates.
Motion by Trustee Wagerman to allocate votes:
- 550 votes each for Bruce Tough and Bonner Luey
- 298 votes each for Arthur Breedenhoff and Frank Smith
Board Discussion: Trustee Nelson asked for rationale; Wagerman stated all four have prior service. Trustee Williams abstained, stating he opposes taxing districts having a say on appraisal district advisory boards.
VOTE: FAILED 3-3-1 (3 in favor, 3 opposed, Williams abstained)
No alternative motion was made. Item deferred to December meeting (deadline: December 15).
Item 13D: Level Three Appeal — Drama by Raina Telgemeier
Hearing conducted regarding appeal of the reconsideration committee's decision to keep the graphic novel Drama in intermediate (5th-6th grade), junior high, and high school library collections. The book had already been removed from K-4 libraries.
Background:
- Original complaint by "Mrs. L" (parent) requested removal from grades 5-12
- Reconsideration committee voted 4-1 to keep the book at intermediate level and up
- The dissenting member agreed it was appropriate for junior high and up
- Mrs. Costello appealed on behalf of Mrs. L; Mr. Costello presented at the hearing
Appellant's Argument (Mr. Costello — 10 minutes):
- Book contains images of boys/girls kissing, a boy "coming out," cross-dressing, and making out in a closet
- Inappropriate for 10-year-olds; normalizes sexualization of children at young ages
- Positive reviews from publishers don't make content appropriate for the community
- Committee's reasoning that "kids have access to devices" is not an acceptable excuse
- Urged alignment with community values
District's Argument (Dr. Lambert — 10 minutes):
- Book is about middle school theater production; interactions include navigating friendships and crushes
- Committee properly applied selection criteria; book does not meet definitions of harmful, obscene, or sexually explicit under Penal Code or Education Code
- Texas Education Code §33.021(g) (HB 900) prohibits removing material based solely on ideas in the material or background of characters
- Removing Drama for kissing would logically implicate Romeo and Juliet and other classic works
- Urged the board to consider what message removal sends to families with two mothers/fathers or LGBTQ+ students
Board Discussion:
- Trustee Williams delivered an extended statement comparing Drama to fairy tales and classic children's books (Goldilocks, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Tom Sawyer, Hansel and Gretel, Harry Potter) that contain criminal activity, violence, kidnapping, and other potentially objectionable content. Called the challenge "ridiculous" and told Mr. Costello that bringing complaints like this "delegitimizes actual true complaints."
- Trustee Chase confirmed the book is not required reading and parents can block checkout; stated "that's it" — no further concerns.
- Trustee Wagerman favored removing from intermediate based on the committee's own discussion noting appropriateness for "early teens."
- Trustee Odenweller cited the committee report language and the newly adopted policy age guidelines, arguing the book should be junior high and up.
Series of Votes:
| Motion | Result |
|--------|--------|
| Move to junior high and high school only (7-12) | FAILED 2-5 |
| Uphold reconsideration committee decision (keep at intermediate+) | FAILED (not enough votes) |
| Move to junior high and high school only (7-12) — restated | FAILED |
| Remove the book entirely from all collections | FAILED |
| Keep the book in high school collections only (9-12) | PASSED 5-2 |
Final Decision: Drama by Raina Telgemeier will be kept only in high school (9th-12th grade) library collections. Removed from elementary, intermediate, and junior high collections.
Executive Session
The board entered closed session at 12:39 AM under Texas Government Code sections 551.071, 551.074, 551.076, and 551.0821.
Returned to open session at 12:52 AM. No action taken.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn: PASSED
Meeting adjourned at 12:53 AM
These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript of the November 14, 2023 Conroe ISD Board of Trustees meeting. They are not official minutes and may contain errors due to transcription limitations. Official minutes are approved by the Board of Trustees and available through the district.