October 15, 2024 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2024-10-15
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 17:29 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting — October 15, 2024
Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript and may contain errors or omissions. They are not a substitute for official board minutes.
Board Members Present
- Scott Henry Hubert (President)
- Stacy Chase
- Datyon Williams
- Melissa Dungan
- Theresa Wagman
- Scott Nelson
- (Trustee Odenweller was absent/excused due to a family issue)
Opening
- Invocation: Led by Trustee Datyon Williams
- Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Trustee Melissa Dungan
Special Recognitions (Item 2)
2A — Niche "Best Of" Awards
Dr. Sarah Blake-Loock announced that Conroe ISD was recognized by Niche for the fourth consecutive year as:
- Best School District in Montgomery County
- Most Diverse School District in Montgomery County
And for the third consecutive year additionally as:
- Best District for Student Athletes
- Best Place to Teach
The district also retained its "A" rating through Niche. Trustee Chase offered congratulatory remarks on behalf of the board.
2B — Patrons Influencing Education Award
The Rotary Club of The Woodlands was presented the Patrons Influencing Education Award. Dr. Blake-Loock highlighted the club's contributions, including:
- $1.2 million in scholarships funded over the years
- Sponsoring the largest Interact Club in North America and second largest in the world at The Woodlands High School, plus clubs at College Park, Oak Ridge, and Grand Oaks
- Honoring over 600 "Student of the Year" recipients
- Donating books to elementary school libraries
- Hosting the annual fall football preview
Rotary Club President Denton Florian accepted the award. President Hubert noted his personal involvement with the club and recognized its 50-year history of service to the district.
Citizen Participation (Item 3)
Eight speakers addressed the board (three additional signed-up speakers — Christa Patton, Cedric Braggs, Scott Nelson — did not appear when called):
1. Courtney Egan — Urged the board to remain nonpartisan, expressed disappointment with argumentative behavior at the previous meeting, and asked that children not be used as political pawns.
2. Cedric [last name not captured] — Encouraged the board on revisions to the educational resources policy; emphasized independent, thoughtful leadership free from external influences and partisan agendas.
3. Nicole May — Thanked the board for recognizing Dyslexia Awareness Month and expressed excitement about special education funding becoming a legislative priority. Noted the Texas Dyslexia Coalition's plans to be involved in intensity-based funding discussions.
4. Teresa Kenny — Spoke against proposed changes to library materials policies, urging the board not to "silence diverse voices." Shared a personal story about the impact of books.
5. Susan Scruggs — Stated community members are well-informed about district issues including book policies and budget deficit. Read from 1 Samuel 17:45.
6. Audrey Warner — Urged the board to continue removing sexually explicit or harmful materials from schools and make it harder for such content to reach children.
7. Rachel Walker — Expressed disappointment that some trustees questioned the Suicide Prevention month resolution at a previous meeting. Criticized board members for focusing on issues she characterized as "manufactured problems" while not fully supporting mental health efforts. (President Hubert clarified afterward that the Suicide Prevention resolution passed unanimously.)
8. Linda Long — Offered humorous remarks and shared observations about audience reactions at previous meetings; spoke about faith and the importance of God's word.
9. Carrie Freemer — Encouraged the board to prioritize mental health for staff and students and to focus on funding and legislative priorities.
10. Teresa Nean — Cited a PhD study suggesting book bans are used as a political tactic to galvanize conservative voters. Urged the board to vote for the amended book policy as Trustee Chase offered it. Commented on outside PAC funding of local school board races.
President Hubert clarified that the board holds nonpartisan positions and that the Suicide Prevention resolution did pass unanimously.
Consent Agenda (Item 4)
Item C was removed from the consent agenda at the request of Trustee Odenweller (who was absent). All remaining consent items were approved.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (by show of hands)
Item 4C — Human Resources Report (Considered Separately)
Dr. Null explained that all personnel being hired are replacements only — no new positions are being added. The district is not filling every vacancy, only critical positions, in anticipation of the budget deficit. All positions that directly impact students are being filled.
- Vote: Approved unanimously (by show of hands)
Planning & Construction (Item 5)
5A — Ford and Craton Elementary Additions/Renovations
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP): $43,819,041
- Contractor: Telcon Builders (selected February 20, 2024)
- Architect: Stantec
- Work includes gym additions, safety/security improvements, classroom additions (Ford at 127% capacity), driveway expansion at Ford, electrical work, and renovations at both campuses.
Vote: Approved unanimously
5B — Haley and Buckalew Elementary Additions/Renovations
GMP: $39,727,600
- Contractor: Telcon Builders
- Architect: Stantec
- Work includes gym additions, safety/security, classrooms (Haley), roof sections, generator, electrical, and renovations. Construction expected to begin within a month.
Vote: Approved unanimously
5C — Knox Junior High School Renovations
GMP: $23,814,145
- Contractor: Satterfield & Pontikes Construction
- Architect: HKS
- Interior renovations including floors, paint, remodeling, infrastructure, freezer/cooler, and a generator. Work expected to begin November/December.
- Special recognition given to Dr. Stacy Mosley for her leadership at Knox.
- Mr. McCord noted that upon completion of bond work, every campus is expected to have a generator.
Vote: Approved unanimously
Capital Improvement Updates (Presented by Mr. McCord)
- Safety & Security (2023-24): On track to be completed by end of calendar year 2024. Includes fire alarm upgrades, security cameras, access control, and radio systems.
- Rob Ischer Elementary (Flex 24): On schedule to open August 2025; construction going vertical.
- Mitzi J. Campbell Elementary (Flex 25): On schedule to open August 2025; going vertical.
- Grand Oaks Junior High (7-8) and 9th Grade Campus: 9th grade portion scheduled to open January 2027.
- Conroe High School: Retaining wall work underway for future parking and front circle area.
- Conroe High School Tennis Courts (at 9th Grade Campus): Expected completion January 2025 — expedited project.
- Timber Mill High School: Clearing has started; construction permitted and underway.
- Multiple renovation projects: In contracting process; boots on the ground expected soon. All 2023 bond safety/security and renovation projects slated for completion by August 2025.
Business Items (Item 6)
6A — Toner and Inkjet Cartridges (RFP 24-804)
Awarded to Treehouse (OEM cartridges) and Enhanced Laser Products (remanufactured). Annual estimated expenditure: $600,000. Contract firm through October 2025 with two one-year renewal options.
Discussion: Trustee asked about prior ink supply issues; Mr. Bussard clarified those involved copy machine vendor transition (not desktop printers) and have been addressed.
Vote: Approved unanimously
6B — Grounds Equipment, Supplies and Service (RFP 24-805)
Awarded to multiple vendors per attached tabulation. Annual estimated expenditure: $245,000. Eleven vendors responded.
Vote: Approved unanimously
6C — Kitchen Large Equipment (RFP 24-810)
Awarded to A Restaurant Supply Company, Commercial Kitchens, and Oswalt Restaurant Supply. Annual estimated expenditure: $2.5 million. Funded through Child Nutrition funds.
Vote: Approved unanimously
Public Hearing — FIRST Rating (Item 7)
Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST)
Mrs. Garza presented the district's FIRST rating results (based on 2022-23 data):
- Conroe ISD received an "A" (Superior Achievement) for the 22nd consecutive year — every year since the FIRST system was established.
- Score: 96 out of 100 points
- All four critical indicators passed
- Points lost on Indicator 8 (current assets to current liabilities) — typical as the district nears end of the 2019 bond cycle; ratio still strong at 2.28; expected to return to full score next year
- Administrative cost ratio: 4% — less than half of the 8.55% threshold for a perfect score
- District received unmodified (clean) audit opinion
- All required financial information posted on website (4 Texas Comptroller transparency stars)
No public comments were received. Board members congratulated Mrs. Garza and her team.
Legal Items (Item 9/10)
9A — Resolution: Dyslexia Awareness Month
Trustee Datyon Williams read the resolution recognizing October as Dyslexia Awareness Month. Williams shared personal experience with his son navigating dyslexia services in CISD and praised Dr. Harry, Dr. Wiggins, and staff.
Additional recognition given to:
- Nicole May and her group for legislative work on dyslexia
- Stacy Evans and the BED organization for helping parents
Vote: Approved unanimously
9B — Resolution: National Dropout Prevention Month
Mr. Glattus read the resolution (prepared in coordination with absent Trustee Odenweller) recognizing October as National Dropout Prevention Month.
Dr. Null highlighted the district's 0.2% dropout rate — significantly below peer districts. Recognition given to:
- Dr. Paula Gorman and her team
- Rod Chavez (predecessor) for establishing the foundation
President Hubert shared personal history volunteering with Education for Tomorrow Alliance (EFTA), noting the district's dropout rate was 4-5% when he began involvement around 2007-2008.
Vote: Approved unanimously
9C — Legislative Priorities for 89th Texas Legislative Session
Two versions were presented — the original and "Version B" with a minor wording change requested by Trustee Nelson regarding opposition to defunding public education (specifically around the word "vouchers").
Discussion:
- Trustee Nelson preferred language saying "opposing defunding public education" and suggested the item was premature given two new board members arriving in November.
- Another trustee (unnamed in transcript) echoed Nelson's concern about timing, stating the legislative session doesn't begin until January.
- President Hubert noted that Trustee Odenweller first requested this item in June and that it had been delayed, not rushed. He stated his intent to work until his term ends.
- Trustee Chase expressed support for approving the original version.
Motion: To approve the original version of legislative priorities.
Vote: 4-2 (Motion carries)
9D — Revision of Board Policies EFA and EFB (Instructional Resources / Library Materials)
Ms. Glattus summarized the revisions:
- Incorporated requirements from House Bill 900 and T-SLAC's updated collection development standards into local policy
- Clarified that EFA doesn't apply to classroom collections (now under EFB per T-SLAC standards)
- Ensured students in college-level courses can access needed materials
- Clarified that the reconsideration process applies equally to books removed AND books in collections
- General housekeeping and legal language alignment
Trustee Chase confirmed she was satisfied that language allowing challenged removed books to go through a formal review process for potential reinstatement was included.
Vote: Approved unanimously
9E — Board Continuing Education Announcement
President Hubert announced that all board members have completed required continuing education hours for the period November 1, 2023 through October 15, 2024. The board is in full compliance.
9F — Level Three Grievance Appeal (Michael Graft)
A Level 3 complaint appeal was heard from Transportation employee Michael Graft pursuant to board policy DGBA. Because the complaint involved district employees, the hearing was conducted in closed/executive session (approximately 7:41 PM to 8:33 PM) under Texas Government Code sections 551.071, 551.074, and 551.082.
Action in Open Session:
- Motion: To uphold the Level 2 decision
- Vote: 4-2 (Motion carries)
- The district will send written notice to Mr. Graft confirming the board's action.
President Hubert thanked Mr. Graft for his time and dedication to the district.
Future Agenda Requests (Item 12)
No requests were made.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:34 PM.
These notes are unofficial and based on an auto-generated transcript. For official minutes, please refer to the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees' approved minutes.