September 17, 2024 — Regular Meeting

Name: September 17, 2024 — Regular Meeting
Start: 2024-09-17

Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting

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Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2024-09-17

Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes

Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.

Generated 2026-03-28 17:24 UTC

Unofficial Meeting Notes

Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees

Regular Meeting — September 17, 2024

These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript and may contain errors or omissions.

Opening

Meeting called to order at approximately 6:02 PM by President Hubert; quorum confirmed.
Invocation: Trustee Tiffany Nelson
Pledges: Trustee Teresa Wagman

Trustee Dayron Williams highlighted the Watch Dogs (Dads of Great Students) program at Clark Intermediate and Bradley Intermediate, encouraging male figures to get involved. He announced he is officially a member of "Watch Dogs Nation."

Special Recognitions (Item 2)

2A — Read for a Better Life Initiative

Dr. Upshaw and Dr. Lambert introduced the annual "Read for a Better Life" initiative, kicking off district-wide reading in schools.
A video of Melody Heiser, Coordinator of Library Services, reading My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World by Malcolm Mitchell was shown.
A resolution supporting the initiative was included in the consent agenda.

2B — Patrons Influencing Education (PIE) Awards

Three community partners were recognized for back-to-school support:

1. Bailey Coward and "Be Blessed" — Bailey started her organization at age 8 at Bradley Elementary (now a 9th grader at the Academy at Oak Ridge). Nominated by over a dozen elementary campuses for providing backpacks, school supplies, shoes, and hygiene products.

2. The Ark Church (Outreach Pastor Anthony Rios and team) — Recognized for their annual "Served Saturday" volunteer event the Saturday before school starts, helping teachers with classroom setup. This year they added four additional campuses affected by construction delays, re-shelved library books, and provided 288 backpacks. They also host Washington High School graduation annually at no charge.

3. The Buckaloo Family and Buckaloo Chevrolet — A longtime Conroe staple. The late Don Buckaloo was a former CISD Board President. The family provides shirts for 20+ schools in the Conroe feeder zone, staff breakfasts, student incentives, and participates in the Watchdog program. Dr. Null spoke personally about Mr. Buckaloo's impact on him and the community.

2C — Forbes Awards

Dr. Blake Lock announced:

Forbes Best In-State Employers 2024: CISD ranked #13 (up from #64 the previous year)
Forbes 2024 America's Best Employers for Women: CISD ranked #62 out of top 600 nationally

2E — Houston Business Journal Most Admired CEO Award

Dr. Curtis Null, Superintendent, was recognized as one of Houston Business Journal's Most Admired CEOs. District leadership presented remarks honoring his dedication and compassion.

President Hubert also listed additional accolades under Dr. Null's leadership:

2024 Niche Best Schools in Montgomery County (multiple categories)
Texas Association of School Business Officials Awards of Excellence
Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas: Superior Achievement
Fourth Transparency Star — the only district in Texas to receive a fourth star

Citizen Participation (Item 3)

10 speakers addressed the board. Key themes included:

| Speaker | Topic Summary |

|---|---|

| Charles Venia | Advocated teaching good morals and love in schools; suggested homework assignments on character |

| Maryann Horton | Requested board make state discipline code reform (Chapter 37) a legislative priority; referenced prior discipline presentation; mentioned coalition of districts advocating reform |

| Daniel Risio | Spoke against banning books, citing literary figures on freedom and censorship |

| Alex Hunt | Emotional testimony about friend Abril who died by suicide after the second day of senior year; criticized lack of mental health support and urged proactive measures; referenced CDC recommendations for restorative practices |

| Michelle Knuckles | Argued conservative Black authors are underrepresented in libraries; offered to donate Blackout by Candace Owens; mentioned gender-fluid books available for children under 12 |

| Sophia [last name unclear] | Shared personal experience of being institutionalized and returning to school with inadequate support; criticized 504 process as unhelpful; called for hiring dedicated mental health professionals |

| Lorraine Rice | Supported current board direction on progressive agenda concerns; cited scripture |

| Marie Binch | Identified specific books in intermediate school catalogs as politically left-leaning; donated Tuttle Twins book set for library review |

| Brenda Cooper | Criticized book challenge policy; said volunteer committee work on book reviews was disregarded; urged trust in teachers and librarians |

| Carolyn Nene | Criticized gender-related books in libraries; called for electing new trustees |

| Tony Lael | Criticized gender-related books; donated Revere and the First Patriots; called for removal of such material |

| Tina Orbal | Called for putting God back in schools; said no to CRT books; cited rising violence |

| Keith Olivier | Ordained minister and longtime law enforcement chaplain; advocated for SB 763 (school chaplains); explained chaplaincy is non-proselytizing |

Several speakers donated books for library review. Melody Heiser (Library Coordinator) was identified as the contact for book donations.

Consent Agenda (Item 4)

Vote: Approved unanimously (by show of hands, no items pulled)

Included the Read for a Better Life resolution

Administration (Item 5)

5A — Receive 2023-2024 SHAC Annual Report

Report received as included in board book. Thanks given to co-chairs Dr. Upshaw, Dr. Merrill, and Dr. Spear.
SHAC members present were asked to stand and recognized.

5B — SHAC 2024-2025 Membership

This item was initially tabled to allow verification of a late applicant (Ashley Heinen) submitted by Trustee Dungan.

Upon returning to the item, significant debate ensued:

Trustee Nelson's appointee, Dr. Royally Chala, was flagged as having exceeded the three-term limit per board-approved SHAC bylaws.
Trustee Nelson argued the board is not bound by SHAC bylaws (citing prior statements by legal counsel). She stated Dr. Chala was highly qualified (double board-certified in pediatrics).
President Hubert and Trustee Williams argued the bylaws were board-approved and should be followed.
Amendment to remove Dr. Chala: Passed 4-3 (Hubert, Williams, Chase, Wagman in favor; Nelson, Odenweller, Dungan opposed)
Trustee Odenweller then withdrew her two appointees (Becky Flarex and Carrie Welch), making a statement that the bylaws written and voted on by President Hubert, Trustees Wagman, Williams, and Chase limited her authority and gave authority to the superintendent in violation of statute. She stated she would "not participate in this usurping of power."
Trustee Williams called her statement a "political speech."
Amendment to remove Odenweller's two names: Passed 4-3
Trustee Dungan moved to approve all returning members and all eligible applicants (similar to what Trustee Chase did the prior year). Failed 3-4.
Final SHAC membership approved as amended (adding Ashley Heinen, removing Dr. Chala, removing Odenweller's two appointees, removing Nelson's one exceeded-term appointee): Passed 4-3

5C — Set SHAC Priorities for 2024-2025

Staff recommended Suicide Prevention Awareness and Education as the priority.
Discussion about depth vs. breadth; staff wants to go deeper and broader beyond the existing toolkit.
Trustee Odenweller objected to the board setting SHAC priorities, arguing this was dictating to the committee.
President Hubert and Trustee Williams pushed back, noting this was simply a recommendation.
Motion to adopt Suicide Prevention Awareness and Education as the sole SHAC priority: Passed 4-0 with 3 abstentions (Nelson, Odenweller, Dungan abstained)

5D — Attendance Boundary Committee Updates

Mr. McCord presented on zoning for two new elementary schools opening August 2025:

Iser Elementary (Woodlands HS feeder):

Located at 14,000 Old Conroe Road; 950-seat, two-story campus
Objectives: Develop initial boundary and provide overcrowding relief to multiple elementary/intermediate campuses in the Woodlands HS feeder (all Woodlands campuses are over capacity)
Discussion of Old Conroe Road expansion (years away; would create a third north-south corridor in Montgomery County; potential road bond in May)

Campbell Elementary (Oak Ridge/Caney Creek HS feeders):

Located at 15,890 Stone Crest Drive in Evergreen subdivision; 950 seats
Primary relief for Suchma Elementary (currently ~1,400 students, 24 portables, 147% capacity)
Also potential relief for Oak Ridge Elementary (overcrowded, landlocked) and proactive relief for San Jacinto Elementary

12 randomly selected parent representatives on the committee; 11 administrative representatives
Committee has eight community sessions over four dates; recommendation to board expected January 2025
Trustee Chase expressed concern on behalf of Buckaloo-area parents about potential rezoning impacts; McCord assured transparency

5E — Districtwide Intruder Detection Audits

As of September 17, 2024: 7 random/unannounced external audits this school year
6 achieved full desired outcome (no findings)
1 campus had one finding in one area — currently under appeal with TEA
Prior year: 98% success rate vs. 87% statewide
Details of any findings shared with board in closed session

Planning & Construction (Item 6)

6A–6D: Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Amendments

All four passed unanimously:

|---|---|---|---|

| 6A | Snyder, Tough, Collins Renovation | $17,451,825 | Unanimous |

| 6B | Armstrong, Austin, Burnham Woods, Broadway Elementary | $10,171,901 | Unanimous |

| 6C | Deretchin, Kaufman, Oak Ridge Elementary | $9,236,960 | Unanimous |

| 6D | Milam, Houston, Runion Elementary | $8,400,690 | Unanimous |

6E–6H: Construction Manager at Risk Selections

All four passed unanimously:

|---|---|---|---|

6I — Capital Improvement Update (Mr. Foster)

Key construction updates:

2019 Bond Safety/Security: Final installment; working with fire marshal on commissioning through end of calendar year
Iser Elementary: On schedule for August 2025 opening; structural steel arriving soon
Campbell Elementary: Slightly ahead of Iser; structural steel being erected; on schedule for August 2025
Grand Oaks 7-8 and 9th Grade Campus: Building foundation work (960+ piers, 38-40 ft deep); on schedule for January 2027
Conroe High School Major Renovation: Final phase; demolition of oldest remaining portions; scheduled spring 2026
Conroe HS Tennis Courts at 9th Grade Campus: City permits received; contractor mobilizing next week; tight fit on site (150-ft setback from road per original deed)
Timber Mill High School: Clearing/grading permits being processed with city; opening target August 2027

Trustee Williams asked about the stair railing incident at Hines (student got stuck) and whether retrofitting the 6 affected campuses was being considered. Mr. Foster confirmed the detail is being changed for new campuses and they will explore retrofit costs for the existing six.

Business & Finance (Item 7)

7A — Investment Policy Review

No changes recommended to CDA legal and local policy
Confirmed compliant with SB 13 (anti-ESG) and SB 19 (Second Amendment)
Vote: Approved unanimously

7B — Sources of Instruction for Investment Officers

Vote: Approved unanimously

7C — Designation of Investment Officers

Five positions designated by title (CFO, Director of Finance, two Assistant Directors of Budget/Treasury, Assistant Director of Accounting)
Vote: Approved unanimously

7D — List of Qualified Investment Brokers

Trustee Wagman moved to amend to remove JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley, citing Texas Comptroller's SB 19 list (companies that don't support Second Amendment rights)
Staff confirmed these companies are not currently being used for investments
Amendment to remove JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley: Approved (President Hubert and one other abstained)
Full list as amended: Approved (Hubert abstained due to conflict with Raymond James/Woodforest)

7E — Refunding Bonds Series 2024

Approximately $139.6 million in refunding bonds
Estimated savings: ~$7.9 million (5.4% on projected debt service)
~$6 million in savings structured for 2025 to help with debt service fund balance
District has saved over $74 million since 2012 through refunding programs
Bonds will not extend past original maturity dates
Sale tentatively scheduled October 24; closing November 21
Vote: Approved unanimously

7F — New Money Bonds Series 2025

Approximately $600 million — second sale from November 2023 bond election
Funds construction of 8 new schools, additions at 3, major renovations at 5, critical infrastructure, CTE, safety/security, technology, land, and buses
Sale expected January 2025; closing February 4, 2025
Discussion about whether the deficit budget adoption would affect bond ratings — financial advisor said no significant concern for a one-time deficit
Vote: Approved unanimously

7G — Financial Report (August 31, 2024 — Preliminary Year-End)

General Fund: Total revenue $620.7M; total expenditures $625M (preliminary deficit better than projected $2.8M)
Self-Funded Insurance: Cash-basis loss of ~$6.1M, but accrual reversal expected to improve; potentially ending with surplus
Investments: Par value $839M; combined portfolio yield 5.37% (above 90-day T-bill benchmark of 4.97%)

Legal Items (Item 8)

8A — Resolution for Suicide Prevention Month

Trustee Chase presented the resolution with remarks about the significance of Suicide Prevention Month, referencing student testimony from earlier in the meeting.

Trustee Wagman requested inclusion of staff/administrators in the resolution's scope
Trustee Nelson asked about references to "Strategic Goal #4" and whether approving the resolution would approve associated funding from the District Improvement Plan
Staff and legal counsel clarified: the resolution does not authorize any spending; the referenced District Improvement Plan was already board-approved; this resolution simply reinforces existing priorities
Debate became heated, with Trustee Williams accusing Trustees Nelson and Odenweller of not acting in good faith; Trustee Nelson responded she was simply asking for clarification
Amendment to specify "2023-2024" before "Strategic Goal #4": Passed (appears unanimous or near-unanimous)
Resolution as amended: Approved (passed with support; Trustee Odenweller noted she "always prioritizes mental health" after the vote)

8B — Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) — Information Item

Terrell Jackson, TIA Coordinator, presented:

TIA began under HB 3 (2019); designed to recruit, retain, and reward highest-performing teachers at highest-need campuses
26 TIA campuses currently (Phase 1: >70% economically disadvantaged; Phase 2: >60%)
Three designation levels: Recognized ($3K-$9K), Exemplary ($6K+), Master (up to $32K)
Designations stay on teacher certificate for 5 years regardless of placement
Allotment amounts vary by campus economic disadvantage percentage
Current designated teachers: 55 Master, 103 Exemplary, 109 Recognized (including 4 national board certified)
93% retention rate for designated teachers
Data validation is "all or nothing" — district failed initial validation (2022-23) but received provisional approval after Dr. Null worked with commissioner; successfully validated in Spring 2024
Future expansion requires additional assessment instruments (piloting MAP testing); must be methodical to avoid validation failure
District receives 10% of allotment for administrative costs (delayed)
Discussion about expanding to Fine Arts/CTE teachers; committee is working on this

8C — Legislative Priorities for 89th Texas Legislative Session

Board discussed and negotiated priorities. Final agreement (to be brought back in October with final language):

Agreed Priorities:

1. School Finance: Increase basic allotment (currently $6,160; inflation-adjusted would be ~$7,500); enrollment-based funding (vs. average daily attendance); sustainable funding

- Removed: Golden penny local discretion language

- Removed: Universal Pre-K (both due to space concerns and mixed research on long-term benefits)

2. Increased State Funding for Special Education

3. Teacher Recruitment & Retention: State funding targeted at improving teacher benefits

4. Opposition to Defunding Public Education: Extended debate over whether to specifically name "school vouchers"

- Compromise language agreed upon: "Against school vouchers that defund public education"

- Trustee Wagman emphasized that funding should not be attached to voucher passage

5. Accountability & Assessment Reform: Including alternatives to STAAR testing

6. Technology Infrastructure and Digital Learning Resources

7. Safety & Security: Adequate and sustainable funding (not just grants) for school safety measures, including maintenance of existing systems

8. Mental Health Services: Expanded funding

9. Discipline Reform (to be added): Specific language to be drafted by Trustee Odenweller

Action: Item tabled to October meeting for final language review and approval.

8D — Revision of Board Policy EFA/EFB (Instructional Resources/Library Materials)

First reading only — no vote taken (correctly identified during discussion)

Trustee Chase framed the discussion as closing gaps in the November 2023 policy that led to unintended consequences (mass book removals, impact on AP course materials, negative publicity)
Yellow-highlighted changes reflect new T-SLAC (Texas State Library and Archives Commission) standards required by HB 900
Key proposed changes discussed:

- Formal reconsideration process for both book removals AND requests to return removed books

- Parents of students in college-level courses may give written permission to access books not available in school library/classroom collection

- Removal of "sexually explicit" and "sexually relevant" language from local policy (remains in legal policy and state law; vendor rating litigation ongoing)

- T-SLAC standards explicitly prohibit obscene material

Trustee Odenweller argued the current policy needed no changes and that the policy revisions were motivated by progressive goals, not educational outcomes. She cited data showing only 8 of 151 AP English exam books were removed, and only 2 were unavailable in school libraries.
Trustee Nelson agreed current policy was fine but supported adding the AP/college course parental permission provision
Heated exchange between Trustee Williams and others about trust in librarians and the nature of removed books
No vote taken — first reading only; will return for second reading and possible action at a future meeting

Closed (Executive) Session

Board entered closed session at approximately 11:30 PM pursuant to Texas Government Code sections 551.074, 551.071, 551.076, and 551.089
Board returned to open session at 11:52 PM
No action taken on executive session items

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn: Approved
Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:52 PM

Summary of All Votes

| Item | Description | Result |

|---|---|---|

| Consent Agenda | All items including Read for a Better Life resolution | Approved unanimously |

| Table SHAC Membership | To verify late applicant | Approved unanimously |

| SHAC Priority | Suicide Prevention Awareness & Education | Approved 4-0 (3 abstentions) |

| SHAC Membership — Remove Dr. Chala | Term limit exceeded | Approved 4-3 |

| SHAC Membership — Remove Flarex & Welch | Trustee Odenweller withdrawal | Approved 4-3 |

| SHAC Membership — Add all eligible applicants | Trustee Dungan motion | Failed 3-4 |

| SHAC Membership — Final approval as amended | With Heinen added, Chala/Flarex/Welch/Nelson appointee removed | Approved 4-3 |

| GMP — Snyder/Tough/Collins | $17,451,825 | Approved unanimously |

| GMP — Armstrong/Austin/Burnham Woods/Broadway | $10,171,901 | Approved unanimously |

| GMP — Deretchin/Kaufman/Oak Ridge | $9,236,960 | Approved unanimously |

| GMP — Milam/Houston/Runion | $8,400,690 | Approved unanimously |

| CMAR — Wilkerson/Patterson/Bozman/Stewart/Cryar/Grangerland | Nash Industries | Approved unanimously |

| CMAR — Mitchell/Cox/Travis | Teal Construction | Approved unanimously |

| CMAR — Vogel/Wilkerson/Veterans Memorial | Baer Williams | Approved unanimously |

| CMAR — East County Transportation | Brookstone | Approved unanimously |

| Investment Policy | No changes | Approved unanimously |

| Sources of Instruction (Investments) | Training requirements | Approved unanimously |

| Investment Officers | By title designation | Approved unanimously |

| Investment Brokers — Remove JP Morgan/Morgan Stanley | SB 19 compliance | Approved (2 abstentions) |

| Investment Brokers — Full list as amended | | Approved (1 abstention) |

| Refunding Bonds Series 2024 | ~$139.6M; ~$7.9M savings | Approved unanimously |

| New Money Bonds Series 2025 | ~$600M from 2023 bond | Approved unanimously |

| Suicide Prevention Resolution — Amendment | Add "2023-2024" specification | Approved |

| Suicide Prevention Resolution — Final | As amended | Approved |

| EFA/EFB Policy Revision | First reading | No vote (first reading only) |

| Legislative Priorities | Discussion only | Tabled to October |

Notable Items Tabled or Deferred

SHAC Membership: Initially tabled for applicant verification; ultimately approved with contentious amendments
Legislative Priorities: Deferred to October meeting for final language
EFA/EFB Policy Revision: First reading only; no vote; will return for second reading

These unofficial notes were generated from an auto-generated transcript. For official minutes, please refer to the board-approved minutes when available on the CISD website.