November 19, 2024 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2024-11-19
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 17:39 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
November 19, 2024
Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript. They may contain errors or omissions. Official minutes should be consulted for the authoritative record.
Meeting Called to Order
- Time: 6:01 PM
- A quorum was confirmed and proper notice was verified under the Texas Open Meetings Act.
- Board President Odenweiler noted this was the first official board meeting following the swearing-in of new trustees.
- Opening remarks: Trustee Nelson delivered the prayer; Trustee Dungan led the pledges.
Opening Statement from Board President
President Odenweiler made a statement on behalf of the board:
- Thanked former trustees Hubert, Chase, Williams, and Wagman for their service.
- Expressed hope that the district can come together in unity to support students, staff, and parents.
- Stated the board hopes to earn the community's trust and views the election results as "a mandate by our voters."
- Acknowledged Dr. Null's leadership and expressed honor in working alongside him.
Student Recognition: National Merit Semifinalists
Presented by: Dr. Povich and Tiffany Rodriguez (Coordinator of Guidance and Counseling)
- Over 1.3 million juniors took the PSAT in October 2023.
- Conroe ISD qualified:
- 51 National Merit Semifinalists (top 1-2% in Texas)
- 94 National Merit Commended Students
- Over 400 high-achieving students across all high schools
- Only 7 states had a higher qualifying cut point than Texas.
- Nationally, ~15,000 of ~16,000 semifinalists will become finalists, eligible for 7,580 scholarships worth over $33 million.
- 51 students were recognized by name and photographed.
- President Odenweiler congratulated students, noting the increase from 38 semifinalists last year to 51 this year.
- Two semifinalists were absent — they were playing on the College Park volleyball team in the state semifinals.
Citizen Participation (Public Comments)
Format: Each speaker given 2 minutes. Speakers addressed a range of topics:
Opposition to New Board / Concerns About Election Tactics
- Courtney Egan: Expressed "urgency and disgust" over the recent election. Criticized claims about boys in girls' sports and pornographic material in libraries as "blatant lies." Objected to outside funding of campaigns and board members who pulled their own children from public schools.
Book Policies
- James Greaves (student): Argued that the Bible contains graphic content (sex, slavery, violence) comparable to books being removed, questioning the consistency of book removal criteria.
- Logan Hos: Read from a Kurt Vonnegut speech defending Slaughterhouse-Five and the Bill of Rights, cautioning against censorship based on divine or natural law.
- Alexander Harris (student, CISD since kindergarten): Acknowledged parents' concerns but argued books enrich values. Suggested focusing on parenting and technology rather than book banning. Stated "if a simple book can make your student completely go 180... then you clearly as a parent did not do what you were supposed to do."
- Robert Ledel: Argued "banned books" is misleading terminology — books moved to higher grade levels or removed from required reading but still available in libraries are being mislabeled as "banned." Noted Handmaid's Tale and Slaughterhouse-Five are still in CISD libraries. Pledged to continue supporting the new board and contributing to conroisdfacts.com.
Support for New Board
- Lorraine Rice: Noted this is the "first all-white middle-aged upper middle income suburban female school board in Texas." Challenged the board to represent all students, maintain transparency awards, and not become beholden to outside donors. Used colorful language urging independence from political interests.
- Tina Orbal: Expressed hope that "woke ideology" would end and CISD would become known for academic excellence. Cited a Pew poll showing over half of Americans believe public education is heading in the wrong direction.
- Second speaker (unnamed, after Orbal): Expressed excitement about the new board. Argued books are being removed from young children's libraries, not "banned." Referenced KDISD as a model for teacher protection and discipline.
- Mark Fusa: Thanked the board; said the district had "a majority board that was apathetic" for too long. Urged the board to prioritize accountability, transparency, and student safety regardless of disability, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Referenced his son's negative experiences.
- Audrey Warner: Emotionally praised the new board as representing change families have fought for. Said she looks forward to "what our district can be unburdened by what has been."
- Dominic Beck: Quoted Romans 8 ("more than conquerors") in support of the new board.
Discipline & Teacher Support
- Lorraine Rice (also): As a retired teacher and substitute, expressed concern about classroom discipline taking time from academics. Hoped the new board would address behavior issues to support teachers.
Bond & Funding
- Brent V: As a 2023 Bond Committee member, reported Dr. Null provided an update on the $2 billion bond. Urged the board to ensure local jurisdictions meet obligations, advocate with state legislators (Rep. Metcalf, Sen. Creighton) for increased funding, and address the $12 million deficit and teacher shortage.
Intelligent Design in Curriculum
- Michelle Knuckles: Argued that atheism's beliefs are being taught as science. Advocated for introducing Intelligent Design theory in science classes, while cautioning that identifying the "intelligent designer" would violate the Establishment Clause.
SHAC (Student Health Advisory Council)
- Ryan Sores: Provided recommendations on SHAC bylaws — suggested bylaws be reviewed by attorney and approved by the board; recommended the board retain sole authority to remove SHAC members; suggested new applicants go through the SHAC membership process.
School Start Times & Phone Policies
- Dominic Beck (second speaker, College Park 2019 graduate/substitute): Advocated for later school start times (8:30 AM minimum per American Pediatric Association) and banning phones in schools, citing evidence for improved mental health and academic performance.
Religion in Schools
- Truly High School: Read a Martin Luther quote about universities and the importance of Holy Scriptures in education. Left scripture cards for the board.
Other
- Brent Maddox: Shared a personal story about hubris in the district — described a Level 3 complaint hearing where a trustee disclosed a 32-year friendship with the opposing party. Noted the DA's office charged five affiliated members with felonies, but the district took no action. Called for an end to institutional hubris.
Consent Agenda
Items A & B: Approved
- Vote: Unanimous (all 7)
Item C: Human Resources Report / Employment of Professional Personnel
- Pulled for discussion by President Odenweiler.
- Questions asked about two positions:
- Teen Leadership: Dr. Metford clarified this is a teaching position for an elective course with ~3,400 enrolled students.
- Family Engagement Liaison: Explained as a campus-chosen position (often Title I funded) that helps families navigate the school system — attendance, behavior, free/reduced lunch applications, etc. Six campuses have these positions.
- Vote: Approved unanimously.
Administration: Attendance Boundary Committee Updates (Information Only — No Vote)
Presented by: Mr. McCord
Eiser Elementary (The Woodlands High School Feeder)
- Opening: August 2025, 950-student capacity, located on Old Conroe Road
- Objective: Establish initial attendance boundary while preserving growth capacity and providing overcrowding relief to 6+ elementary/intermediate campuses
- Overcrowded campuses discussed: Bush (110% capacity, landlocked, no room for portables), Buckalew (growing rapidly, +80 students year-over-year, adding portable classrooms), Galatas (very small footprint, minimal room), Pohl Intermediate (near capacity), Mitchell Intermediate (109% capacity, +50 students year-over-year), Coulson Tough and Deretchin
- Two scenarios under consideration:
- Scenario 2.2.1: River's Edge, Eastern & Western Fosters Ridge all go to Eiser — but would open ~100 students over capacity
- Scenario 4.1: River's Edge + Eastern Fosters Ridge only go to Eiser; Western Fosters Ridge stays at Deretchin; does NOT require any family moved in the last 15 years to move again; nearly every school would be under capacity
- Committee is still vetting scenarios
Campbell Elementary (Oak Ridge / Caney Creek Feeders)
- Opening: August 2025, 950-student capacity, located in Evergreen subdivision
- Objective: Primarily relieve Suchma Elementary (~150% capacity with 24 portable classrooms) and potentially Oakridge Elementary and San Jacinto Elementary
- Scenario 3 is being vetted: Would open Campbell with ~704-750 students
- Rezoning would NOT impact Oak Ridge or Caney Creek junior high or high school attendance patterns
Transfer Policy Explained
- Students entering their last year at a school may request a transfer to remain (parent provides transportation)
- Younger siblings can transfer with older students
- Special provisions for students moving from K-4 to K-6 schools (one year of district transportation provided)
Timeline
- Committee will bring a recommendation to the board in January for approval
- Parents would be notified within days of board approval
- All 21 scenario maps, 8 community meetings, FAQs, and recordings available on the district website
Board Questions
- Trustee asked about prioritizing geographic proximity vs. not moving students frequently — McCord said both are prioritized and interrelated.
- Question about bus driver shortage impact — McCord said most families choose to attend their newly zoned school; relatively few opt for transfers.
Break
- 7:36 PM – 7:49 PM
Volleyball Update (Dr. Null)
- College Park Cavaliers fell in the volleyball semifinals.
- Grand Oaks Grizzlies will defend their state title on Saturday night.
Planning & Construction
6A: Change Order — Knox Junior High School Renovation
- Presented by: Mr. Foster
- A $1,487,000 change order was needed because an alternate (AC equipment, electrical lighting, digital controls) was inadvertently omitted from last month's board item.
- Brings total contract to $24,901,146 — same amount as originally intended.
- Motion: Approved
- Vote: Unanimous
6B: GMP Amendment — Agriculture Facilities
- Two AG center locations: one serving Conroe HS/Caney Creek HS/Timber Mill HS, and renovations to the existing center serving The Woodlands HS/College Park.
- Total: $11,545,611
- A third site (Oak Ridge/Grand Oaks feeder) planned for the future.
- Vote: Unanimous
6C: Change Order — Timber Mill High School Construction
- Second phase: building, fields, parking lots (first phase was clearing/grading, approved in summer).
- 499 subcontractor bids received — strong market response.
- Phase 2: $302,878,916; Total contract: $307,345,100 — meets the 2023 bond budget target.
- Discussion: President Odenweiler noted this is roughly double the cost of Grand Oaks HS (bid in 2015). Mr. Foster explained: Timber Mill is 41% larger; construction costs averaged ~6.5% annual inflation (with some years at 20-30%); adjusted for size and inflation, projected cost would have been ~$337M, so $307M actually beats the trend. HISD's failed bond referendum helps CISD's market position by reducing competition for subcontractors.
- Vote: Unanimous
6D: Corrected GMP — Deretchin, Kaufman, and Oakridge Elementary Renovations
- Contract amounts were inadvertently swapped between two projects (same contractor).
- Correct amount: $8,400,690
- No change to actual contract amounts — paperwork correction only.
- President Odenweiler noted the importance of accuracy for public trust.
- Vote: Unanimous
6E: Corrected GMP — Milam, Houston, and Runyan Elementary Renovations
- Reciprocal correction to 6D.
- Correct amount: $9,236,960
- Vote: Unanimous
6F: Accept as Complete — Morehead Junior High, Transportation Centers, Caney Creek HS 6A Upgrades
- Mr. Foster confirmed every dollar spent was verified as beneficial to CISD; GMPs were maximized with no returned savings.
- Discussion: Mr. Foster explained CM-at-Risk (construction manager at risk) vs. Competitive Sealed Proposals for new board members — CM-at-Risk pairs a construction manager with the design team throughout the process to manage costs, allowing the district to review every line item. CSP would be a lump-sum take-it-or-leave-it price with less transparency.
- Addressed why projects typically use the full GMP — savings are reinvested into the campus (generators, painting, playground improvements, etc.). Some 2019 bond projects had budgets cut in half before voter approval, leaving no savings margin.
- Vote: Unanimous
Capital Improvements Update (Information Only)
Key projects and status:
| Project | Status |
|---------|--------|
| Safety & Security (2019 Bond) | Winding down; Fire Marshal verification; wrapping up during Christmas break |
| Conroe High School Major Renovation | Foundation/retaining wall work underway; completion expected 2026 |
| Eiser Elementary | Roof and masonry started; on schedule for August 2025 |
| Campbell Elementary | Slightly ahead of schedule; August 2025 opening |
| Grand Oaks 7th-9th Grade Campus | Steel going up; on schedule for January 2027 |
| Timber Mill High School | Site mostly cleared; building phase approved tonight; August 2027 opening |
| Conroe HS Tennis Courts | On target for January completion |
| Critical Infrastructure (multiple campuses) | Various stages of ordering, wiring, roof work; work happening evenings/weekends |
| Knox Junior High Renovation | First wing demolition underway; completion August 2026 |
| Gym Additions (Buckalew, Haley, Creighton, Ford) | Portables moving over Thanksgiving; construction mobilizing December; completion December 2025 |
Business & Purchasing
7A: RFP 24-08-06 — Catering Services
- Presented by: Karen Garza (background on purchasing process) and Mr. Barnard
- Annual estimated expenditure: $760,000
- Pool of vendors including meal providers and supplies (e.g., Sam's Club)
- Contracts firm through November 2025 with four one-year renewal options
- Vote: Unanimous
7B: RFP 24-08-07 — Instructional Supplies and Materials for the Classroom ⚠️ TABLED
- Annual estimated expenditure: $18.5 million
- Motion by a trustee to move this item to the December workshop for additional review time.
- Vote to table: Unanimous
- Will be posted as an action item for the December 3 workshop/special meeting.
7C: RFP 24-08-08 — CTE Instructional Supplies and Equipment ⚠️ TABLED
- Annual estimated expenditure: $990,000
- Tabled along with Item 7D to December workshop/special meeting.
- Mr. Barnard confirmed a December vote would not cause significant issues, though some contracted services (licensed speech pathologists, RN/LVN care, consulting) are time-sensitive.
- Vote to table 7C and 7D: Unanimous
7D: Contracted Services ⚠️ TABLED
- Tabled along with 7C to December workshop/special meeting.
Financial Reports (Information Only)
Presented by: Karen Garza
| Fund | Total Assets | YTD Revenue (through Oct 31) |
|------|-------------|------------------------------|
| General Fund | $586.6M | $101M |
| Debt Service | $18.9M | $1.8M |
| Child Nutrition | $11.7M | $3.6M |
| Self-Funded Insurance | $9.9M | $9.3M |
- 2023 Bond Update: $1.972 billion authorized; $595M issued to date; next sale planned January (~$600M); $322.9M encumbered; ~$1.6B estimated to complete.
- Self-Funded Insurance: Ran a $669K deficit in October due to high utilization; YTD deficit is $51K.
- Investments: Total cash across all funds: $831.7M; combined portfolio yield: 5.08% (vs. 4.45% 90-day T-bill benchmark).
Legal Items
9A: Amend Board Policy FFH (Student Welfare — Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation) ⚠️ POSTPONED
- Trustee Nelson raised concerns about policy language referencing the Biden administration's interpretation of Title IX (discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity).
- Noted the Fifth Circuit Court and Supreme Court have ruled the Biden interpretation of Title IX is illegal.
- Informed that TASB (Texas Association of School Boards) will release a policy update (Update 124) in January addressing this.
- Motion: Postpone until the TASB update is released in January.
- Vote: Unanimous
9B: SHAC (Student Health Advisory Council) Bylaws and Membership
President Odenweiler provided context:
- Stated the intent of TEC 28.004 was for parents and community to communicate directly with the board on physical and mental health topics — not through a chain of employees.
- Argued previous board changes created "barriers, roadblocks, and dictated to the SHAC how they would operate," violating statutory intent.
Four motions were made and approved:
1. Reinstate June 2023 SHAC bylaws
- Vote: Unanimous
2. Reappoint all members who followed procedures to return for 2024-25
- Vote: Unanimous
3. Appoint all new applicants who followed application procedures and are eligible
- Discussion: Dr. Metford provided numbers: 40 parent applicants, 19 employee applicants, 8 community members (non-parents), 4 Dr. Null appointees who did not formally apply, 3 current board-appointed members who did not apply.
- Vote: Unanimous
4. SHAC to reconvene at next meeting using June 2023 bylaws with all appointed members
- Vote: Unanimous
Follow-up clarifications from Dr. Metford:
- The all-applicants approach is for this year only, not a permanent change.
- SHAC coordinator appointment (required by bylaws to be CISD administrator appointed by the board) will be brought back as a December agenda item.
- Current membership is slightly under the 60% parent requirement in the bylaws.
- Dr. Metford will reach out to all 74 individuals to confirm interest and bring a finalized membership roster to the December meeting.
- Board acknowledged that some members (employees or community members without children in the district) may need to be adjusted to maintain the 60% parent threshold.
Executive Session
- Entered: 8:52 PM
- Returned to Open Session: 9:43 PM
- Conducted under Texas Government Code sections 551.071, 551.072, and 551.074 (legal consultation, real property, personnel matters).
- No action was taken upon return to open session.
Future Agenda Items
- Board members reminded they can submit agenda items between meetings.
- Items already identified for future meetings:
- December Workshop/Special Meeting (Dec. 3): RFPs 7B, 7C, 7D (instructional supplies, CTE supplies, contracted services); SHAC coordinator appointment; SHAC membership roster
- January: Policy FFH update (pending TASB Update 124); Attendance boundary committee recommendations for Eiser and Campbell Elementary
Adjournment
- Time: 9:44 PM
- Motion to adjourn: Approved unanimously
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Description | Outcome |
|------|-------------|---------|
| Consent Agenda A & B | Minutes and routine items | Unanimous approval |
| Consent Agenda C | HR Report / Professional Personnel Employment | Unanimous approval |
| 6A | Knox JH Change Order ($1,487,000) | Unanimous approval |
| 6B | AG Facilities GMP ($11,545,611) | Unanimous approval |
| 6C | Timber Mill HS Change Order ($302,878,916) | Unanimous approval |
| 6D | Corrected GMP — Deretchin/Kaufman/Oakridge ($8,400,690) | Unanimous approval |
| 6E | Corrected GMP — Milam/Houston/Runyan ($9,236,960) | Unanimous approval |
| 6F | Accept as Complete — Morehead JH, Transportation Centers, CCHS | Unanimous approval |
| 7A | Catering Services RFP | Unanimous approval |
| 7B | Instructional Supplies RFP ($18.5M) | Tabled to December — Unanimous |
| 7C | CTE Supplies RFP ($990K) | Tabled to December — Unanimous |
| 7D | Contracted Services RFP | Tabled to December — Unanimous |
| 9A | Policy FFH Amendment | Postponed to January — Unanimous |
| 9B-1 | Reinstate June 2023 SHAC Bylaws | Unanimous approval |
| 9B-2 | Reappoint returning SHAC members | Unanimous approval |
| 9B-3 | Appoint new SHAC applicants | Unanimous approval |
| 9B-4 | SHAC reconvene under restored bylaws | Unanimous approval |