April 16, 2024 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2024-04-16
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 16:51 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
April 16, 2024
⚠️ 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.
Board Members Present
- Scott Henry Hubert (President)
- Stacy Chase
- Theresa Dungan (referred to as "Dungan" in transcript)
- Datren Williams
- Melissa Nelson (referred to as "Miss Nelson")
- Misty Odenweller (referred to as "Miss Odw")
- Linda Leal (referred to as "Mrs. Leal")
Absent: Mrs. Wagman (left during the meeting)
1. Opening — Invocation & Pledges
- Invocation led by Trustee Melissa Dungan
- Pledge of Allegiance led by Trustee Stacy Chase
2. Special Recognition: 2024 NAMM Foundation Best Communities for Music Education Award
Presenter: Dr. Bob Horton, Director of Fine Arts
- Conroe ISD received its 12th consecutive "Best Communities for Music Education" designation from the NAMM Foundation.
- Of the 15,000 potential applicants nationally and over 1,100 school districts in Texas, CISD is one of 112 Texas districts (top 10%) to earn the designation.
- The survey measured budgetary commitment, student access, teacher qualifications, adherence to standards, and performance opportunities.
- District music educators were recognized and came to the front of the room.
- Dr. Horton led the room in singing "Happy Birthday" to Trustee Stacy Chase, whose children were present.
3. Citizen Participation (Public Comments)
Note: Due to the large number of speakers, comment time was reduced to 2 minutes per speaker.
Comments Related to a Sexual Harassment Incident at The Woodlands 9th Grade Campus:
- Danielle Carmichael reported that her 15-year-old son was threatened with rape at school in January and the administration failed to notify her or take appropriate action. She said the harassing student has received no school punishment and continues to harass her child, including watching pornography openly on campus.
- Christie McKinnon supported Carmichael's account, stating parents are concerned that serious incidents are not addressed under district rules and that trust is broken.
Comments Related to Lily and Duncan Book Reconsideration (Item 9B):
In favor of removing the book:
- Jessica Figueroa — Argued the book condones/promotes gender transition in minors, which is illegal in Texas; contains grooming language; and teaches children to keep secrets from parents.
- William Tyler — Spoke from faith perspective; urged removal of all books promoting content contrary to God's design.
- Therese Richards — Called for removal; cited Dutch study showing most adolescents outgrow gender confusion.
- Nelson Rez — Read passage from book; advocated for Dr. Seuss-type books instead; called for Bible in schools.
- Kent Frappier — Said books should educate, not indoctrinate; urged elimination.
- Gabrielle Clark — Identifies as an advocate who finds lawyers for detransitioners; called the book "a road map to a nightmare"; described her own daughter's recovery from social transitioning.
- Emily Schmidt — Identified as a 25-year-old detransitioner who was groomed into gender dysphoria at 14; said media like this book contributed to her suffering.
- Tina Orbal — Retired CISD math teacher; said children's minds aren't ready for this content.
- Lindsay Dawson — Referenced a fight at Conroe 9th Grade Campus; urged the board to enact a comprehensive gender identity policy like Katy ISD.
- Tony Labell — Criticized the board's morals; called the situation "insanity."
- Lorraine Rice — Retired 23-year CISD teacher; urged trustees to be trusted guardians of children.
- Susan Scruggs — Read excerpts from the book; noted hormone blockers are not FDA-approved for gender transition in children.
- Carolyn Nene — Read passage depicting the character's distress about puberty changes.
- Steve Toth — Referenced testimony from detransitioners at the Texas Capitol for SB 14; urged the board to remove the book.
- Stacy Kazai — Former California school board trustee; said the book promotes a "woke agenda" inappropriate for junior high.
- Mary Burks — Read passage about a child wanting to cut off his penis; cited Scripture.
- Audrey Warner — Referenced HB 900 (the READER Act) and mandated state library standards effective January 2024; urged compliance.
- Christian Collins — Founded the Texas Youth Summit; called transgender ideology targeting children "the biggest scam of our generation."
- Alex Harris — Spoke about removal of evolution from curriculum and intelligent design; also raised concerns about district interference with SHAC.
- Evan Kendrick — Urged the board to be a "firewall" for children.
- Trent Smith — Pastor in Conroe; asked whether CISD educates or indoctrinates.
- Abel Garcia — Identified as a detransitioner; described personal harm from gender-affirming care; read excerpts about puberty blockers from the book.
In favor of retaining the book:
- Brenda Cooper — Served on the reconsideration committee (unanimous vote to keep); said the book explores friendship, family, and adolescence; addressed trans community directly with support.
- Teresa Nean — Cited statistics on child sexual abuse; argued vulnerable students need to see themselves in books.
- Emily Hoppel — Advocated for all kids finding relatable library books; noted Montgomery County's high suicide rate; urged respect for diverse views.
- Kristen Brown — Parent; said "all means all" should apply to library representation; supported the reconsideration committee's unanimous decision.
- Rachel Walker — Graduate student in clinical psychology; said statistics cited by opponents were "wildly inaccurate"; mentioned Woodlands Pride book drive.
Other Public Comments:
- Aggie Gambino — Criticized the district's special education/dyslexia services; said her daughter was denied appropriate intervention for 1.5 years; noted additional families have filed due process complaints; questioned district spending on legal defense vs. student services.
- Henry Bole — Suggested the district standardize school building designs to reduce construction costs.
- Steve Dixon — Said his question was already answered in the hallway; yielded time.
4. Consent Agenda
Item E (SHAC co-chair appointment) was removed for separate discussion.
Vote on consent agenda (without Item E): Approved unanimously.
Item 4E: Approve Appointment of Employee Co-Chair to the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)
- Presenter: Dr. Medford
- Dr. Upshaw stepped down as SHAC co-chair due to workload; district recommended Dr. Mark Murrell as new co-chair.
- Trustee Odenweller raised concerns that SHAC bylaws state members should choose their own chairs; expressed concern that the board appointing a co-chair oversteps bylaws.
- Vote: Approved 4-3 (Odenweller and at least two others opposed).
5. Special Recognitions — Principal Appointments
5A: Hoover Elementary Principal — April Thomann
- Served at Hoover for 7 years as teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
5B: Kaufman Elementary Principal — Kelly Corcus
- Spent 14 years at Kaufman; 10 years as an administrator.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
5C: Lamar Elementary Principal — Allison Brown
- Has been asked to take on difficult assignments across the district; described as high-performing.
- Dr. Null noted the campus has a beloved "Granddad" figure.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
5D: Sally K. Ride Elementary Principal — Laura Collins
- Served as assistant principal at Ride for 14 years; Conroe alumni and member of first graduating class of Oak Ridge High School.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
5E: Wilkinson Elementary Principal — Laura Bringman
- Previously served as assistant principal; Dr. Null noted the legacy of the late Bonnie Wilkinson.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
5F: Executive Director for Operations — Dr. Mark Murrell
- This is a new position created by consolidating two existing positions (staff accountant and assistant director of transportation), resulting in no net budget increase.
- Dr. Murrell has been principal of College Park High School for 21 years (since it opened) — the school has never had another principal.
- The position will oversee Transportation, Child Nutrition, Network Services, Health Services, and Campus Safety, freeing Assistant Superintendent McCord to focus on bond oversight and rezoning.
- Trustee Odenweller asked about the budget impact given the district's financial challenges; Dr. Null explained the position is budget-neutral or budget-negative.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
6. Campus Naming Process for New Facilities
Presenter: Miss Blaylock
- Three new campuses entering naming process:
- Flex 24: New elementary in The Woodlands feeder, opening August 2025 (14000 Old Conroe Road)
- Flex 25: New elementary in Evergreen subdivision on 242, opening August 2025 (relief for Snyder Elementary, Oak Ridge/Caney Creek feeders)
- New High School: Opening August 2027, located next to Stockton Junior High on Loop 336 (creates new feeder from Conroe and Caney Creek zones)
- Public name submissions accepted April 17 – May 10
- Names presented to board in May; selection in June
- High schools must be named after geographical areas; other schools can be named after people, geographic areas, or heroes
- Five additional bond schools will enter naming process next year
No vote required — informational item.
7. Construction Manager at Risk Selections
7A: Flex 26 — New Intermediate School (Conroe Feeder)
- 12 firms responded to RFQ; 5 invited to Step 2
- Committee recommended Durotech as best value
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
7B: Flex 27 — New Elementary School (Grand Oaks Feeder)
- 13 firms responded; 5 invited to Step 2
- Committee recommended Marshall Construction Company as best value
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
7C: Photographic Documentation Services (Multivista)
- Contract for 3D/360° photographic documentation of all existing district facilities
- Purpose: Create current-condition baseline for bond project planning, safety/security planning, and space utilization analysis
- Not-to-exceed price: $825,000 through Choice Partners Cooperative
- Budgeted in the 2023 Bond project plan
- Data is district-only accessible via secure web portal
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
7D: Capital Improvement Updates (Informational)
Mr. Foster presented updates on multiple projects:
- Safety & Security 2023-24: Final project of 2019 bond; installation nearly complete; functional testing with first responders to continue through end of calendar year 2024
- Bartlett Elementary (new): Interior finishing underway (ceilings, casework, carpet); furniture arriving May; opening August 2024
- Flex 24 (new elementary): Site cleared, building pad work beginning; on schedule for August 2025
- Flex 25 (new elementary): Building pad nearly complete despite rain; on schedule for August 2025
- Conroe High School renovation: Fine Arts wing to be turned over for summer practices in July; new dining commons to be ready for students in August; overall project completion December 2025
- Campus Renovations 2024: David Elementary roof replacement underway; summer HVAC work planned at four campuses
8. Financial Items
8A: Return $18.8 Million from Capital Improvement Contingency Fund to General Fund
- Fund was created November 2022 to protect construction projects from inflation/market disruption
- Market stability has returned; funds no longer needed in contingency
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
8B: Approve 2024-2025 Employee Group Health Plan
- Self-funded plan administered by BlueCross BlueShield
- 2.5% projected cost savings for 2024-25; savings used to enhance benefits with no premium increase
- Three network options: Blue Premier, Blue Essentials, Blue Choice
- Total projected cost: $55 million (60% district-funded, 40% employee premiums)
- Unanimously recommended by Employee Benefits Committee
- A trustee raised the possibility of including weight management medications in future plans
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
8C: Financial Report — March 2024 (Informational)
- General Fund: Revenue YTD $488.3M; Expenditures $352.3M
- Bond Projects: $74.3M encumbered/expended; $1.7B remaining
- Self-Funded Insurance: Near break-even for March (Revenue $4.5M, Expenses $4.6M); YTD surplus of $2.3M; April claims increasing significantly
- Investment Portfolio: Total par value $1.1B; combined portfolio yield 5.39%
9. Board Action Items
9A: Item Deferred
- President Hubert requested this item be moved to the June agenda due to timing concerns with principal appointments and Level 3 activities.
9B: Level Three Appeal — Lily and Duncan by Donna Gart
⚠️ This was the most extensively debated item of the meeting.
Background:
- On November 17, 2023, Mr. Garrett Costello requested removal of the novel from all CISD libraries
- The district owns 9 copies in various junior high and high school libraries
- A 7-member reconsideration committee (4 parents, 3 educators) unanimously voted to retain the book in junior high and high school collections
- Mr. Costello appealed to the board
Presentations:
Miss Michelle Knuckles (representing Mr. Costello):
- Argued the book promotes medical interventions (puberty blockers, hormone therapy) that are illegal for minors in Texas under SB 14
- Referenced AG Ken Paxton's opinion classifying such medical interventions as potential child abuse
- Read multiple excerpts including references to hormone blockers, Tanner Stage 2, and a character wanting to remove body parts
- Cited the NHS UK ban on puberty blockers and the Cass Review
- Referenced the WPATH Files and concerns about informed consent
- Argued the book encourages parental alienation ("don't tell your parents")
- Noted the book includes resource websites in the back
- Referenced a University of Toronto study showing 63.6% of boys with early-onset gender dysphoria desisted with watchful waiting
- Compared to historical medical scandals (lobotomies)
Dr. Lambert (representing the district):
- Stated the reconsideration committee unanimously found the book appropriate for junior high and high school
- Argued the book is a complex, rich work about friendship, family, and daily life
- Noted themes include bipolar disorder, parental suicide, bullying, and interpersonal relationships
- Stated the book does not meet legal standards for "harmful material"
- Emphasized that no child is forced to read library books; parents receive email notifications of checkouts
- Referenced Texas Administrative Code standards for school libraries
- Pushed back on the characterization that the book "encourages" illegal activities
Board Discussion:
- Trustee Williams: Argued the criticism is subjective; compared concerns to fairy tales involving kidnapping and theft; said the book poses no harm; characterized the opposition as personal agendas; challenged the definition of "community values"
- Trustee Chase: Called for a vote; noted it's a fictional book with only 9 copies; said no one person should decide what's right for every family
- Trustee Odenweller: Argued the book affirms gender transition and is harmful; cited board policy on protection from inappropriate material; stated the concern is about harm, not discomfort
- Trustee Dungan: Said both sides involve feelings; noted illegal information in the book; suggested policy may need strengthening
- Trustee Nelson: Acknowledged the book has concerning content but felt the reconsideration committee followed proper procedure; noted the overwhelming theme of friendship
- President Hubert: Noted he's read more 7th/8th grade books than when he was that age; referenced an email from the author; focused on whether the book meets selection criteria
Votes:
1. Motion to remove the book from ALL school libraries (reject committee decision):
- Failed 3-3 (Wagman absent)
2. Motion to uphold the reconsideration committee's decision (keep in junior high and high school):
- Failed 3-3
3. Motion to remove from junior high libraries only, keep in high school libraries:
- Failed (vote count not entirely clear from transcript, but motion did not pass)
4. No further motions were made.
⚠️ OUTCOME: Because the board took no action, the reconsideration committee's decision STANDS — Lily and Duncan remains in junior high and high school library collections. Mr. Costello will receive written notice.
10. Executive Session
- Board entered closed session at 9:49 PM under Texas Government Code §551.072 (real property) and §551.074
- Returned to open session at 9:58 PM
11. Land Purchase
12A: Purchase of ~48-Acre School Site in Caney Creek Feeder Zone
- Located approximately 3 miles north of FM 105 on FM 1484
- Terms previously discussed in executive session
- Superintendent authorized to finalize negotiations and execute contract documents
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
12. Future Agenda Item Requests
1. Trustee Odenweller: Requested discussion and possible action on a gender fluidity policy and parental rights notifications (similar to Katy ISD's policy)
2. Trustee Williams: Requested review of the district's mission statement with possible updates
13. Adjournment
- Meeting adjourned shortly after 10:00 PM.
Key Takeaways:
- Six new principals and one executive director were unanimously appointed
- The NAMM music education award marked CISD's 12th consecutive year of recognition
- The Lily and Duncan book remains in junior high and high school libraries after the board deadlocked on all motions (3-3 with one member absent)
- $18.8 million returned from capital contingency fund to general fund
- Employee health plan approved with 2.5% cost savings and no premium increase
- Land purchase (~48 acres) approved for future school in Caney Creek feeder zone
- Campus naming process launched for three new schools (two elementaries and one high school)
- Future agenda items will include gender fluidity policy discussion and mission statement review