January 16, 2024 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2024-01-16
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 16:31 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees – Regular Meeting
January 16, 2024
Note: 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 by Board President Hubert
- Invocation led by President Hubert; Pledge of Allegiance led by Trustee Teresa Wagman
Item 2A: School Board Recognition Month
- January is School Board Recognition Month
- Mr. Lee Allen, Principal of David Elementary, spoke on behalf of all CISD administrators, educators, staff, and students to thank the board
- Cards, posters, banners, and gifts from schools were presented to board members
- Dr. Null noted CISD is ranked as the second most efficient school district in the state of Texas
Item 3: Citizen Participation
Girl Scouts (Troop representatives): Thanked the board for supporting Girl Scouts in CISD; presented Girl Scout cookies as a token of appreciation.
Teresa Nean: Congratulated the Oak Ridge High School robotics team for finishing third in the best large school competition at the state competition in Dallas. The team also placed first in the nation in the Siemens National Robotic Modeling Competition and first in technical drawing. She expressed excitement about future equipment from the bond.
Christopher Vernon: Spoke about the Smartwatch/cell phone policy. His son's watch (designed for schools, with limited functions and emergency contacts only) was blocked because it has "Smartwatch" in the name. Asked the board to re-examine the policy to allow school-appropriate devices with parental controls.
Ryan Brown (Senior, Conroe High School): Spoke against the cell phone policy on behalf of students. Key points:
- 95% of students he surveyed opposed the policy
- Only 2 out of 60,000+ students had input on the policy
- Argued students in college-level/dual credit classes should be treated as college students
- Called the policy a punishment for many due to the actions of a few
- Recommended leaving phone decisions to individual teachers
Deborah Leber: Strongly opposed the volunteer chaplain resolution. Key arguments:
- Chaplains are not required to be state-certified or undergo comprehensive background checks
- School counselors require master's degrees, teaching experience, certification exams, and state preparation programs
- Chaplains lack professional training for mental health, suicide prevention, and behavioral issues
- Urged the board to vote against the chaplain program
Harry (clergy member): Opposed chaplains replacing/supplementing school counselors. As an ordained minister, he stated clergy are "nowhere close to being qualified" to replace school counselors, noting:
- His own training included only 3 hours of counseling vs. 48 hours required for school counselors
- No requirements for child development or mental health training
- In Texas, becoming a pastor can be completed in a day
- Wished the state had asked boards to support existing school counselors instead
Amber Fusa: Criticized the board's lack of responsiveness to concerns about the special education department. Urged the board to add citizen participation topics to future agendas as a demonstration of transparency and accountability.
Mark Fusa: Described his son's IEP not being followed, resulting in a failing grade. Alleged:
- Teachers refused to allow his son (a special needs student) to come before school for extra help while other students could
- Teachers refused test/quiz makeups for his son while allowing other students
- No one at the school communicated about his son's failing status
- Called for accountability for employees who violate district/state ethics codes
Linda Long: Corrected a previous statement she made about a medical form at a clinic, clarifying it was not a CISD form. The form she found contained gender identity options. Confirmed CISD does not use such forms.
Russell Purely: Parent opposed to volunteer chaplain resolution. Concerned that:
- A chaplain might not reflect their family's religious values
- Parents wouldn't have the option to opt children out of chaplain counseling/programming
- Selecting volunteers based on religion could invite lawsuits and waste taxpayer funds
Carrie Freeman: Thanked the board for their work and for setting personal agendas aside to serve all students and staff. Reminded board of the Salute to Education Ceremony on Tuesday, May 7th. Thanked the board for stipends, bonuses, and salary increases.
Item 4: Consent Agenda
- Motion: Approved as presented
- Vote: Unanimous (by show of hands)
Item 5A: Consider and Adopt 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 School Calendars
Presented by: Dr. Upshaw
Background:
- 39 calendar versions were developed; 3 surveys conducted with over 15,700 total responses (at least double previous years)
- Survey showed Draft A (multiple 3-day weekends, teacher exchange days) was preferred across all groups (parents, employees, parents who are employees)
Key features of approved 2024-2025 calendar:
- Teacher exchange days: Teachers bank professional learning hours outside contract time to earn days off
- Additional work day in August (moved from exchange day)
- November 4th changed to an exchange day
- Spring break aligned with Lone Star College's schedule (critical for dual credit students)
- Two additional early release days (before winter break and last day of school)
2025-2026 calendar: Very similar footprint to 2024-2025; also presented for consideration.
Discussion:
- Trustee Chase expressed concern about adopting a second-year calendar that wasn't clearly marketed to constituents as a two-year proposal, and noted a new board would take office next year
- Trustee Odin Weller also had concerns about adopting 25-26 without broader public input
- Trustee Wagman, Trustee Nelson, and President Hubert expressed support for the two-year approach for family planning purposes
- A motion to amend to only approve 2024-2025 was made by Trustee Chase and seconded, but Trustee Williams (original motion maker) did not accept the amendment
Vote on original motion (both calendars):
- Motion: Approve both 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 calendars as presented
- Made by: Trustee Williams; Seconded by: Trustee Wagman
- Vote: Passed 4-3
Item 5B: Attendance Zone for Bartlet Elementary and Additional Campuses
Presented by: Mr. McCord
Background:
- 45-member committee met over 6 months, created 27 different scenarios
- Janet K. Bartlet Elementary: 950-seat, two-story, PreK-4 school opening August 2024 on Cello Drive (northeast of Conroe fairgrounds)
- Addresses overcrowding in Caney Creek and Conroe High feeder zones
Scenario 9.1.2 highlights:
- Gets 6 campuses currently over capacity to under capacity
- Reduces Creighton Elementary (at 152% capacity with 16 portables) by 250 students
- 44% of total student impact involves students moving specifically to Bartlet Elementary
- Described as a medium-term solution (a few years) due to massive ongoing residential development
- Grandparenting provision: Current students can finish their final year at their current campus with a transfer request (parent provides transportation); siblings may also transfer for one year
Community feedback: Minimal — only one parent attended in-person meetings; two inquiries through the online portal.
Mr. McCord and Dr. Null noted: This is the last planned elementary in this area for the near future. Another elementary in this area was the "first one out" of the last bond. The next bond cycle will likely prioritize this area again.
Vote: Unanimously approved (by show of hands)
Item 6A: SHAC Recommendation – Opt-In for Human Sexuality Instruction
Presented by: Dr. Upshaw (representing the Student Health Advisory Council/SHAC)
Background:
- Current Texas statute requires parents to opt IN (not opt out) for human sexuality instruction
- This statute expires August 1, 2024
- SHAC recommends the board make the opt-in practice permanent in board policy
- Four letters currently go to parents covering: human growth & development (grades 5-6), prevention of child abuse/family violence/dating violence/human trafficking (grade 6 and 8-12), and human sexuality/reproduction/health instruction (grades 8-12)
- 98% return rate on opt-in forms; 97% of parents opt their children IN
- Full curriculum/presentation materials are available on the district website for parent review
Discussion:
- Board discussed whether to memorialize the practice in board policy vs. administrative procedure
- Dr. Null recommended administrative procedure for flexibility; SHAC recommended policy
- Board members praised the transparency of making curriculum materials available to parents
Vote: Motion to put the opt-in requirement into board policy
- Passed unanimously (by show of hands)
- Miss Gattis will draft the policy language; it will return for a first reading next month and approval the following month
Item 7A: Construction Manager at Risk – New Junior High School (Conroe Feeder Zone)
Presented by: Mr. McCord (filling in for Mr. Foster)
- Project: New junior high on FM 1314, south of Loop 336, east of Wilson Elementary
- Capacity: 1,600 students
- 8 companies responded to RFQ (Step 1); 5 advanced to Step 2 (pricing)
- Durch selected as best value
Discussion: Trustee Odin Weller expressed ongoing concern about the CM-at-risk process where the district discloses maximum pricing, questioning why they don't let contractors bid independently first. Dr. Null and Mr. Rice clarified the collaborative GMP development process.
Vote: Unanimously approved (by show of hands)
Item 7B: Construction Manager at Risk – Caney Creek High School 9th Grade Campus
- Project: Located on FM 1485, north of SH 242
- Capacity: 1,600 students
- Same RFQ process; 8 responded, 5 advanced
- Durch again selected as best value
Vote: Unanimously approved (by show of hands)
Item 7C: Capital Improvement Updates
Presented by: Mr. McCord
- Safety & Security (2019 Bond, final installment): Cameras, access controls, impact-resistant film, first responder radio infrastructure, emergency generators. On track to complete by December 2024.
- Bartlet Elementary: Exterior masonry ~90% complete, roofing ~90%, on schedule for August 2024 opening. Electrical activation and HVAC startup imminent.
- Conroe High School Renovation: Steel going vertical, on schedule for December 2025 completion. Fine Arts, dining commons, and kitchen will be ready for August 2024.
- Oak Ridge High School: Road work nearly complete; waiting on Entergy to relocate electrical poles from the road.
- Conroe Transportation Center: New administrative offices replacing portables; expanded shop bay. Major upgrade for staff.
- East County Transportation Center: Staff have moved into new facility, out of portable buildings.
Item 8A: Award CSP 23-104 – Job Order Contract Program
- 12 vendors recommended for award; estimated expenditure of $1 million
- Conducted in conjunction with Gordian Group (approved by board in April 2016)
- Adjustment factor pricing firm through January 2025 with four optional one-year renewal terms through 2029
Vote: Unanimously approved (by show of hands)
Item 8B: Award RFP 23-201 – School Buses
- Vendors: Longhorn Bus Sales, Thomas Bus GF Coast, Rush Bus Centers
- Estimated expenditure: $12 million (full bond allocation for buses being used now)
- Approximately 72 seventy-seven-passenger buses (~$148,000 each) and 10 fifty-three-passenger buses (~$137,000 each)
- Delivery: 9-12 months estimated
- ~40 buses from prior bond order still incoming (6-8 months, delayed due to COVID-era orders)
- Mix of fleet additions and replacements (~30 aging/non-AC buses to be retired)
- District applied for competitive DERA grant (potential $750,000 match)
Significant discussion:
- Dr. Null noted that even with these purchases, the district will still be at 50% of fleet over age in four years
- Recommended using bond fund interest earnings to purchase additional buses
- Board discussed moving general fund surplus into capital maintenance fund for fleet catch-up
Vote: Unanimously approved (by show of hands)
Item 9A: 2022-2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
Presented by: Sarah Roberts, Partner, Weaver (external auditor); introduced by Miss Garza
Audit committee reviewed the report the prior week and voted unanimously to recommend approval.
Key findings:
- Unmodified (clean) opinion on financial statements
- No reportable findings on internal controls or compliance
- Unmodified (clean) opinion on federal award compliance
- Two major programs audited: Title I and ESSER (COVID-19) — comprising 50% of federal expenditures
- General fund balance: ~$164 million (down from $182M prior year)
- Decrease attributed to $18 million transfer from general fund to capital projects fund
- Unassigned fund balance ratio: 94% (vs. 95.2% prior year)
- ACFR to be submitted to ASBO and GFOA for certificates of excellence (voluntary programs; district has received these awards for many consecutive years)
Discussion:
- Trustee Nelson asked about tracking/reporting for Department of Education grants (homeless children/youth, migrant programs); district committed to providing more information
- Trustee Odin Weller noted President Hubert should be listed as "appointed" rather than "elected" in the document; auditor confirmed this would not be a material change
- Trustee Dungan commended the extensive audit process and the district finance team's effort
Vote: Unanimously approved (by show of hands)
Item 10A: Consider and Approve Resolution to Accept Volunteer Chaplains
Vice President Wagman presided over this item as President Hubert wished to make a motion.
Background (per Miss Gattis, General Counsel):
- SB 763 requires the board to take a recorded vote by March 1, 2024 on whether to adopt a policy allowing volunteer and/or employed chaplains in schools
- Resolution as written addressed only volunteer chaplains
Motion to amend resolution (Trustee Nelson): Add "or hire" wherever "volunteer" appeared, to address both volunteer and employed chaplains as referenced in the legislation.
- Seconded by Trustee Odin Weller
- Vote on amendment: Failed (not enough votes to pass)
Motion to remove from agenda and defer to future meeting (President Hubert):
- Hubert expressed concern the resolution was not specific enough about what programs/duties the board would assign to chaplains
- Wanted time for Miss Gattis to develop a more comprehensive resolution
- Seconded
- Vote: Failed (motion did not pass)
Extensive discussion included:
- Multiple board members and public commenters expressed concern about chaplains lacking counselor qualifications
- Dr. Null described existing volunteer practices (Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, team chaplains) noting all are voluntary with parental involvement
- Trustee Williams raised strong concerns about separation of church and state, religious diversity implications, and parental rights
- Trustee Odin Weller argued chaplains are regulated to represent God/spirit secularly without specific religious affiliation
- Trustee Chase stated the idea of unlicensed/uncertified chaplains counseling children on mental health is "absolutely terrifying"
- Trustee Dungan noted current volunteers who happen to be chaplains would be affected if the resolution failed
- Heated exchanges occurred between Trustee Williams and Trustee Odin Weller regarding religious freedom, parental rights, and respect
Final Recorded Vote on Original Resolution (volunteer chaplains only):
| Trustee | Vote |
|---------|------|
| Miss Chase | Nay |
| Miss Dungan | Yay |
| Mr. Hubert | Nay |
| Miss Nelson | Yay |
| Mr. Williams | No ("Absolutely no") |
| Miss Odin Weller | Yay |
| Miss Wagman | Nay |
Result: Resolution FAILS (4 Nay – 3 Yay)
The board did NOT adopt a policy to accept volunteer chaplains.
Item 11: Requests from Trustees for Future Board Agenda Items
- The SHAC opt-in policy (approved earlier) will return as a drafted policy for first reading next month and approval the following month. Already confirmed as in process.
- No other agenda requests noted.
Adjournment
- Motion to adjourn approved unanimously
- Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30+ PM (estimated)
These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript. For official minutes, please refer to the CISD Board of Trustees approved minutes when available.