December 12, 2023 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2023-12-12
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 16:27 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
December 12, 2023
Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript of the meeting. They may contain errors or omissions. Please refer to official board minutes for the authoritative record.
Members Present
A quorum was confirmed. Members identified during the meeting: President Hubert, Stacy Chase, Dungan, Wagman, Nelson, Datron Williams, and Odenweller.
Opening
- Invocation: Trustee Datron Williams
- Pledges: Trustee Stacy Chase
Special Recognition: Grand Oaks High School Volleyball — 2023 UIL Class 6A State Champions
Principal James Bush and Head Coach Morgan Rogers presented the Grand Oaks Grizzlies volleyball team. Key highlights:
- Finished the season 50-1, ranked #1 in Texas and #2 nationally
- First CISD school outside of The Woodlands to win a team sport state championship since 1986
- First team sport state championship in Grand Oaks history
- State MVP: sophomore Hailey Thompson
- Coach Rogers described a dramatic comeback in the semifinal — down 0-2 and 10-4 in the fifth set before rallying to win
- Dr. Chris Povich, inaugural Grand Oaks principal, was acknowledged for laying the school's foundation
- Dr. Null shared that the Cy-Fair ISD superintendent texted him during the Bridgeland game complimenting the team's dominance
Citizen Participation (Public Comments)
Lorraine Rice — Retired CISD teacher/current substitute. Expressed concern about decreased instructional time for social studies due to emphasis on reading and math remediation. Stressed the importance of teaching history, citizenship, government, and patriotism. Urged educators to integrate social studies with language arts and utilize resources like iCivics.
Alex Harris — Advocated for intelligent design in science curriculum, distinguishing it from creationism. Referenced recent SBOE actions. Cautioned the district to study the Kitzmiller v. Dover court case to avoid legal and financial consequences. Stated he would visit schools to ensure the Big Bang Theory is not taught as established science.
Olympia Rodriguez — Identified herself as a CISD parent and chair of Montgomery County's Moms for Defense of Democracy chapter. Criticized the board's recent book removal decisions. Alleged conflicts of interest involving Trustees Nelson and Dungan related to Brave Books and Sky Tree Book Fairs. Argued the board is not valuing students' First Amendment rights to diverse library materials.
Linda Long — Expressed concern about gender identity options on a school-related medical form for athletics. Requested the district remove options beyond male/female, arguing additional options cause confusion for children.
Susan Scrubs — Referenced testimony from a previous meeting about a student's pornography addiction allegedly sparked by Scholastic materials. Urged the board to remove all sexually explicit materials from schools. Directed comments at a board member running for state office, suggesting the issue could affect voters.
Consent Agenda (Item 4)
- Motion: Approved as presented
- Vote: Unanimous (by show of hands)
Item 5A: 2024-2025 School Calendar Development (Information/Discussion)
Presented by: Dr. Upshaw
The district conducted extensive community engagement including surveys (20,000+ responses on the first survey, ~1,000+ on the most recent) and received 37 community-submitted calendar scenarios.
Three calendar groupings were developed:
- Group 1: Early August start, students end before Memorial Day (similar to current year)
- Group 2: Mid-August start, students end before Memorial Day
- Group 3: Mid-August start, students end after Memorial Day
Survey results (as of 4:00 PM meeting day): 86% favored Group 2 as their first or second choice.
Two draft calendars presented:
| Feature | Calendar A | Calendar B |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Mid-August (Aug 14-16) | Mid-August (Aug 14-16) |
| End | Before Memorial Day | Before Memorial Day |
| Key Feature | Four 4-day weekends throughout the year | Full week off in October (fall break, Oct 14-18) |
| Exchange Days | 5 teacher exchange days spread throughout | Exchange days concentrated in October |
| Work Days | 2 teacher work days before school starts | 2 teacher work days before school starts |
| Nov 4 (Election) | Monday off (not an exchange day) | N/A |
Key board discussion points:
- Trustee Chase: Concerns about Calendar B's fall break — UIL sports, band, and activities would continue during that week, meaning many secondary students and staff wouldn't benefit. Band directors have expressed concerns as October is peak season.
- Trustee Chase: Parents most vocal about only one day off before Christmas; requested exploring an early release option before the holiday break.
- Trustee Dungan: Asked about later start dates; staff confirmed starting later would push the end date past Memorial Day (78.7% of respondents opposed this).
- Trustee Williams: Raised concern about Calendar B's impact on socioeconomically disadvantaged families (~40% of district population) regarding childcare costs for a full week off vs. scattered long weekends.
- Board members requested disaggregated survey data (staff vs. parents, K-6 vs. secondary, employees who are also parents).
- Dr. Null noted this population segment doesn't always participate in surveys; district is exploring new engagement tools.
No motion required — information item. Survey may close soon; staff will bring refined options back.
Item 6: Board Member Request — Discussion with SBOE Audrey Young
- Deferred — Audrey Young was not present.
Item 7: TEA Safety and Facilities Enhancement Grant Award (Information)
Presented by: Mr. McCord
- School Safety and Standards Grant (awarded January 2023): Nearly $3 million — funded anti-scaling fencing at 27 campuses
- SAFE Grant Cycle 1 (just awarded): Over $10.15 million — will fund:
- Impact-resistant film installation at every campus (beginning December 14)
- Additional anti-scaling fencing at more campuses (beginning later in December)
- These efforts will make the district fully compliant with Chapter 61 (Commissioner's rules requiring secured campuses with anti-scaling fencing or impact-resistant film by August 2024)
- Acknowledged the work of Dana Boer, Ethan Barton, Easy F., and Marshall Sher
Item 8A: Architect Assignments for Preconstruction and Design Services
Presented by: Mr. Foster
- Assignment of architects from the previously approved (December 2022) pool of design firms to multiple bond and maintenance projects
- Authorization for superintendent to negotiate and execute owner-architect agreements
Vote: Approved unanimously (by show of hands)
Item 8B: Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for Campus Renovations 2024
Presented by: Mr. Foster
- This is the final project from the 2019 Bond program
- GMP: $34,719,850.37 (contractor: GTT, architect: DLR Group)
- Scope includes:
- Houser Elementary: Fire sprinkler system (last elementary without one) + HVAC overhaul
- David Elementary: New roof + HVAC overhaul
- Rice Elementary: HVAC overhaul
- Lamar Elementary: New roof, HVAC overhaul, kitchen remodel (some overlap with 2023 bond)
- Districtwide Safety & Security upgrades (completing 2019 bond plan)
- Athletic improvements: track resurfacing, Knox Junior High gym floors, tennis courts, scoreboard repairs
- Confirmed: Track work does not include synthetic turf
- GMP is firm barring force majeure events (acts of God, terrorism)
Vote: Approved unanimously (by show of hands)
Item 8C: Capital Improvement Update (Information)
Presented by: Mr. Foster
| Project | Status |
|---|---|
| Safety & Security 2023-24 | On schedule; work continuing through December 2024 |
| Bartlett Elementary (new) | On schedule for August 2024 opening; exterior brick and interior taking shape |
| Conroe High School (Fine Arts Wing/Cafeteria) | Steel deliveries completing this month; scheduled for August 2024 turnover; full project through December 2025 |
| Oak Ridge High School (road project) | Waiting on utility provider to relocate poles; near completion |
| East County Transportation Center | Staff moving in over winter break; operational spring semester |
| North County/Conroe Transportation Center | New admin building being occupied; expanded shop completion in January |
Item 9A: Employee Benefit Consulting Services (RFP 23-901)
Presented by: Mr. Rick Reed
- 10 vendors submitted responses; 6-member subcommittee (Finance, HR, District Admin, Benefits Committee) evaluated
- 4 finalists interviewed
- Recommendation: Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc.
- Contract term: 2 years through January 2026, with annual renewal option
- Funded through self-funded Insurance Fund
- Trustee Chase questioned the selection process and noted there have been "some issues" with this provider (Gallagher has been the provider since 2020)
Vote: Approved with one abstention (remaining members in favor by show of hands)
Item 9B: Priority Chiller Replacement via Job Order Contract Program
Presented by: Mr. Rick Reed and Marshall Sher
- 31 chillers identified for replacement at 15 campuses — these have exceeded life expectancy
- Funded by 2023 Bond Proposition A (critical infrastructure)
- Not-to-exceed cost: approximately $10.4 million
- Vendors selected (best value): TR Mechanical and Envirotech
- Delivery timeline: 38-40 weeks for chiller delivery
- Installation will occur during off-hours, weekends, and school breaks
- Payment only upon completion and inspection
- These are the highest priority units; additional replacements will come later
- Mr. McCord noted a current situation where a failed chiller at Conroe High School Ninth Grade Campus requires an expensive rental chiller — this program aims to prevent such scenarios
Vote: Approved unanimously (by show of hands)
Item 10A: Bond Issuance Authorization — Series 2024
Presented by: Mr. Rice (CISD) and Mr. John Robu (Financial Adviser)
- First bond sale from the 2023 Bond referendum
- Approximate new issue: $595 million over 25 years
- Current municipal bond market rate: 3.49% (down recently due to Fed holding rates steady and low market volume)
- Schedule: Board approval of parameter order tonight → Bond pricing January 10, 2024 → Closing February 6, 2024
- Funds will support: new schools, additions at 3 schools, major renovations at 5 campuses, 2 master plan renovations, critical infrastructure (mechanical & technology), East County Transportation addition, CTE facilities, Safety & Security, technology devices, land, and buses
Vote: Approved unanimously (by show of hands)
Item 10B: Financial Report (Information)
Presented by: Miss Garza
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| General Fund Total Assets | $572.2 million |
| Investments (TCG ladder) | $54.2 million |
| Total Investments & Cash (General Fund) | $198.5 million |
| Year-to-Date Revenue | $142.2 million |
| Year-to-Date Expenditures | $106.9 million |
| 2019 Bond — Estimated to Complete | ~$40 million |
| Self-Funded Insurance — November Surplus | $1.5 million |
| Self-Funded Insurance — YTD Surplus | $2.3 million |
| Investment Portfolio Par Value | $399.4 million |
| Combined Portfolio Yield | 5.21% (vs. T-bill at 5.23%) |
- 2023 Bond financial schedule will be provided after the bond sale closes in February
Item 11A: Montgomery County Appraisal District Board of Directors Election
The board cast its 1,696 votes for the MCAD Board of Directors. This is the last year the board will cast these votes, as new legislation moves these positions to public elections.
Motion by Trustee (unnamed): Cast votes for:
- Arthur Bredhoff — 350 votes
- Bonard Luzzy — 673 votes
- Bruce Tuff — 673 votes
Rationale: These three incumbents oversaw the hiring of a new chief appraiser and installation of new technology; continuity desired for oversight.
Discussion:
- Trustee Williams explained he had previously abstained from these votes due to philosophical objections about taxing entities selecting advisory board members, but was advised by counsel that this was not valid grounds for abstention.
- A trustee asked about geographic diversity of candidates.
- Some confusion during the vote process.
Vote: 4 in favor, 3 against — Motion carries
Item 11B: Local Board Policy Adoptions
Presented by: Miss Gadis
First batch of local policy updates following the 88th Texas Legislative Session. Policies adopted/updated:
- CQB — Technology Resources/Cyber Security
- CSA — Facility Standards/Safety and Security
- DC — Employment Practices
- EHB — Curriculum Design/Special Programs
- EHBC — Special Programs/Compensatory Services (deleted)
- EHBCA — Compensatory Services/Accelerated Instruction
- FEA — Attendance/Compulsory Attendance
- FFAC — Wellness and Health Services/Medical Treatment (includes allowing administration of opioid-counteracting drugs on all campuses)
- FFB — Student Welfare/Crisis Intervention
- FL — Student Records
- GKG — Community Relations/School Volunteer Program (new policy)
Notable changes:
- Authorization for opioid-reversal drug (e.g., Narcan) administration on all campuses
- Two days of excused absences for career exploration
- Dyslexia program compliance updates
Vote: Approved unanimously (by show of hands)
Item 11C: Level Three Complaint Appeal Hearing (Closed Session)
- Complaint by parent (Mrs. TG) against district employees under policy FNG
- Hearing conducted in closed session (personnel matters and student privacy)
- Board also consulted with attorney under §551.071
Vote upon return to open session: Motion to uphold the Level 2 hearing officer's decision
- Passed 6-1
- Written notice to be sent to the complainant
Executive Session
- Board entered executive session at 8:58 PM under §551.071 (legal consultation) and §551.074 (personnel)
- Returned to open session at 9:03 PM
- No action taken from executive session
Future Agenda Item Requests
- None raised
Adjournment
- Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:03 PM