February 18, 2025 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2025-02-18
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 18:05 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
February 18, 2025
These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript of the board meeting. They may contain errors or omissions. Please consult official board minutes for the authoritative record.
Meeting Called to Order
- Time: 6:01 PM
- Quorum confirmed; all seven board members present
- Meeting opened with prayer and pledges led by Oakridge High School Junior Air Force ROTC color guard and Dr. Jared Hostess (associate principal, Stockton Junior High; U.S. Air Force veteran)
Special Recognitions
1. District of Distinction — Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT)
- CTE Director T. Joe Stout announced that Conroe ISD was named a CTE District of Distinction for the second consecutive year by the Career and Technical Association of Texas.
- Recognition based on innovative programming, industry-based certifications, workforce alignment, and student outcomes.
2. TMEA All-State Musicians
- 35 Conroe ISD students were named 2024–25 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Musicians.
- Students came from Oakridge HS, College Park HS, The Woodlands HS, and Grand Oaks HS (band, choir, and orchestra).
- Dr. Bob Horton, Fine Arts Director, was named Texas Fine Arts Administrator of the Year at the TMEA convention.
- All 35 students were individually recognized.
Public Participation (~75 speakers, ~2.5 hours)
Dual Language Immersion Program (Majority of Speakers)
An overwhelming majority of speakers — parents, students, teachers, and community members — spoke in opposition to the agenda item proposing discontinuation of the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. Key themes included:
- Lack of transparency: Parents reported learning about the proposed discontinuation only when the agenda was posted on Friday, February 14 (a student holiday, before a school break), with no prior communication.
- Contractual commitment: Parents were asked to sign 5-year commitments to keep their children in the program; they expect the district to honor its side.
- Research-backed benefits: Speakers cited cognitive, academic, social, career, and cultural benefits of dual language education.
- Student speakers: Multiple students (elementary and intermediate level) spoke passionately about how the program changed their lives, helped them make friends across language barriers, and gave them confidence.
- Teacher speakers: Dual language teachers from Lamar Elementary and other campuses testified to the program's success and expressed frustration over lack of communication.
- Community impact: Families shared that they moved into specific school zones, purchased homes, and made major life decisions based on the program's availability.
- Comparison to other districts: Several speakers noted that neighboring districts (Tomball, Klein, Katy Creek) are expanding their dual language programs.
- Suggestions: Speakers asked the board to form a parent-educator committee, improve marketing, consider open enrollment, and find creative solutions rather than eliminating the program.
Blue Bonnet Curriculum (ELA K–5)
Speakers were divided on adoption of the Blue Bonnet curriculum:
- In favor: Supporters praised its alignment with the science of reading, structured literacy, TEKS alignment, American exceptionalism content, and cost savings. One speaker noted it supports students with dyslexia. Another emphasized it is teacher-created by 500+ Texas educators.
- Opposed: Critics raised concerns about age-inappropriate vocabulary for kindergartners, religious content (Bible references), lack of teacher input before adoption, and violation of First Amendment principles. Some argued it had not yet been reviewed by the district's newly formed ELA HQM committee. One teacher asked for the item to be tabled to allow teacher review. One speaker cited specific Bible passages as sexually explicit content that would violate library standards.
Virtual School
- Two speakers supported continuation of the Conroe Virtual Academy, noting its importance for students with medical conditions.
Other Topics
- One speaker opposed authorizing the board president to hire separate legal representation, calling it a power grab and citing past vendor selection concerns (James Dunn incident).
- One speaker urged the board to name schools after African American men who served in CISD.
- One speaker supported the Blue Bonnet curriculum and opposed the dual language cut.
- One speaker supported the resolution on performance-enhancing substances.
Consent Agenda
Items A–D: Approved 7-0 (as a block)
Routine items including minutes and other standard business.
Item E: Authorize Board President to Negotiate/Execute Documents for Board Legal Representation
- Pulled from consent for separate discussion.
- Board President Odin-Weller stated this is common practice; the board's legal representation is separate from the district's in-house counsel to avoid conflicts of interest.
- Approved 7-0
Item F: Authorize Board President to Negotiate/Execute Agreements with Texans for Excellence and Education
- Pulled from consent for separate discussion.
- Brief comment that it could help gain "a fresh perspective."
- Approved 7-0
Item 5: Human Resources — Name Principal at Isler Elementary
- Dr. Null recommended Elizabeth Thompson (current principal of Bush Elementary) as the inaugural principal of the new Isler Elementary.
- Approved 7-0
- Mrs. Thompson gave brief acceptance remarks.
Item 6A: Adoption of Instructional Materials for K–5 ELA/Reading
Motion
Trustee Nelson moved to adopt Blue Bonnet Learning for K–5 ELA for the 2025–26 school year. Seconded.
Discussion
In favor (Trustees Nelson, Dungan, Odin-Weller, Dawson, Simler):
- Blue Bonnet is the state's preferred ELA curriculum; 430+ districts have applied for grant funding.
- Aligned almost 100% with SBOE rubric; follows the science of reading.
- Content-rich with American exceptionalism, Texas-specific content, and cultural literacy.
- Cheaper than SAVAS; could yield ~$21 million in SBOE carryover by end of 7-year period; ~$8 million more in total funding by 2029.
- Detailed lesson plans reduce teacher workload; parent handouts increase transparency.
- Created by 500+ Texas educators.
- Urgency: District needs maximum lead time for implementation by fall 2025.
Concerns (Trustees Horton, May):
- Trustee Horton noted that a teacher committee had been established to review curriculums; she wanted teacher voices heard before voting.
- Trustee May agreed teachers' input matters and wanted to hear from them, but acknowledged Blue Bonnet is strong. Asked about piloting.
- Dr. Null clarified that implementation would not be districtwide in year one — it would be phased across approximately 6–7 schools initially.
Vote: Approved 5-0-2
- In favor (5): Nelson, Dungan, Odin-Weller, Dawson, Simler
- Abstained (2): Horton, May (both indicated they wanted to explore piloting further but understood the curriculum must be adopted before it can be piloted)
Item 6B: Consider Discontinuation of Dual Language Immersion Program
Superintendent Withdrawal of Recommendation
Dr. Null withdrew his recommendation to discontinue the program before any board vote was taken. Key statements:
- He expressed pride in the program and acknowledged all the benefits speakers described were "exactly what we hoped to see."
- He praised the students who spoke and the community's respectful conduct.
- He stated: "I'm not proud of our process" and acknowledged the lack of communication with parents and teachers.
- He said: "Part of being in leadership... is to sometimes just be wrong. Being wrong is human. Being able to say that and fix it is right."
- He emphasized that real problems exist within the program that must be addressed or "we will be back here at some point."
Data Presentation by Dr. Medford (Deputy Superintendent)
Dr. Medford presented data on the DLI program's challenges:
Enrollment/Efficiency Issues:
- The program operates at 7 campuses (Anderson, Patterson, Lamar, Wilkerson, Kraton, Darin/Dechins, Bosman).
- Many classes are significantly below the 22:1 (K–4) and 25:1 (5–6) staffing targets.
- Some classes have single-digit monolingual student counts, undermining the program's 50/50 model.
- Total students: ~510 (emergent bilingual + monolingual).
Teacher Shortage:
- 9 current bilingual openings districtwide.
- 31 teachers on emergency permits; 30 additional on bilingual exemptions.
- 647 students on the state exemption report (uncertified teachers), resulting in ~$200,000 in lost state funding.
- Bilingual teacher market is the most competitive; CISD is losing ground on salary and stipends compared to neighboring districts.
Financial Impact:
- 36 DLI teachers cost ~$2.86 million (salary, benefits, stipends).
- Eliminating the program would have yielded 9 surplus teachers + avoided 6 new hires for program growth = ~$1.2 million annual savings.
- Next year's growth would cost an additional $318,000.
- The program also needs curriculum/instruction support (coaching) that isn't currently funded.
- Cost per student in the program averages ~$2,740 above standard allocation (based on rough calculation shared by board president).
Bilingual Funding:
- Emergent bilingual students receive weighted funding of 0.15 of basic allotment (~$307/student).
- Monolingual DLI students receive weighted funding of 0.05 of basic allotment.
Board Discussion
- Multiple trustees expressed desire to conduct an efficiency review, study successful neighboring districts, improve marketing, and explore open enrollment options.
- Trustee Nelson asked for a detailed comparison of bilingual teacher compensation vs. neighboring districts.
- Trustee Simler thanked Dr. Null for his willingness to admit the process was wrong.
- Dr. Null outlined next steps: surveys to parents, formation of a parent committee, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Budget context: CFO Garza noted the district is in an estimated $3–5 million deficit range for the next budget year (already improved from $15–16 million initially).
Outcome: No vote taken. Superintendent withdrew recommendation. Item effectively tabled for future collaborative work.
Item 7: Public Hearing — 2023–2024 Annual Report
Dr. Medford presented highlights of the required annual report:
- Enrollment: Still trending upward; 73,000+ students as of February 10.
- Accountability: District received an unofficial B rating.
- STAAR performance: Compared favorably to peer districts at Meets and Masters levels.
- Dropout rate: Very low compared to peers.
- CCMR (College, Career, Military Readiness): Significant gains; outperforming peer districts.
- Financial: Operating expenditure per student and general administration costs lower than peer districts; transportation costs higher (large geographic district).
- HB3 Goals: Due to be updated at June 2025 workshop. Performance has plateaued at some levels, indicating time for new stretch goals.
- CTE: Industry-based certifications at 16% for Class of 2025; 40+ courses already curriculum-mapped.
The full report is available on the CISD accountability webpage. No public comments were made during the hearing.
Item 8A: Targeted Improvement Plan — Grangerland Intermediate
- Required by ESSA for being in the bottom 5% of Title I-funded middle schools (Domain 3).
- Dr. Medford presented measurable goals from the campus improvement plan (19 performance objectives, 58 strategies), including specific reading, writing, math, and science targets.
- The formal improvement plan focuses on: observation/feedback cycles, curriculum instruction support, strategic use of data, and student-specific interventions.
- Approved 7-0
Item 8B: Campus Mascots and School Colors — Campbell Elementary & Isler Elementary
Dr. Winkler presented:
Campbell Elementary (Conroe feeder):
- Colors: Red and Blue (honoring Oakridge HS and Caney Creek HS)
- Mascot finalists: Cardinals and Cougars (from 91 nominations)
- Students/families will vote; result brought to board next month.
Isler Elementary (Woodlands feeder):
- Colors: Green and Gold (honoring The Woodlands HS)
- Mascot finalists: Eagles and Tigers (from 140 nominations)
- Same voting process; result brought next month.
Informational item — no vote required.
Item 8C: District Improvement Plan Update
Dr. Medford provided monthly monitoring updates on:
- Instructional Technology (Goal 5): 5,457 Google presentations created by users; 60% of 479 campus technology engagements focused on classroom modeling/coaching; 3,200+ Chromebooks and 1,900 iPads processed.
- HB3 Goals (Goal 1): K–2 literacy and math progress shared; goals set to be updated at June workshop.
- CTE (Performance Objective 16): 16% industry-based certification rate; 40+ courses curriculum-mapped; program of study completers growing slowly.
Informational item — no vote required.
Item 9: Planning & Construction
9A: Oakridge HS 9th Grade Campus Renovation — GMP Amendment
- Contractor: Satterfield & Pontikes; Architect: VLK
- GMP: $19,472,430 (Bond budget: $24,290,000 all-in)
- Approved 7-0
9B: Caney Creek HS 9th Grade Campus — GMP Amendment
- Contractor: Durotech; Architect: PBK
- GMP: $122,615,000 (Bond budget: $138,100,000)
- Approved 7-0
9C: New Intermediate School (Flex 26, Conroe Feeder) — GMP Amendment
- Contractor: Durotech; Architect: Arcadis
- GMP: $50,082,459 (Bond budget: $63,750,000)
- Approved 7-0
9D: New Elementary School (Flex 27, Grand Oaks Feeder) — GMP Amendment
- Contractor: Marshall Construction; Architect: Arcadis
- GMP: $46,886,755 (Bond budget: $63,730,000 — same as Flex 26)
Significant Discussion:
- Trustee Dungan raised the possibility of delaying this project and rebidding via Competitive Sealed Proposal (CSP) instead of Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), potentially saving money.
- Dr. Null explained: Approving tonight = school opens August 2026. Delaying = school opens August 2028 (cannot open in 2027 due to 5 other schools opening that year).
- Mr. Foster (Director of Planning & Construction) discussed risks of delay: tariffs on steel/aluminum (25% increase), inflation, loss of economy of scale, need for different staffing/processes for CSP.
- Mr. McCord confirmed capacity at nearby schools (Hinds at ~850/950) could accommodate delay but would likely require portables.
- Dr. Null noted: "I've never seen anything get cheaper."
Motion to table (delay for future CSP discussion): Failed 3-4
- In favor of tabling (3): Dungan, plus 2 others
- Opposed (4)
Motion to approve GMP as presented: Approved 5-2
9E: Natatorium Renovation — GMP Amendment
- Contractor: Nash Industries; Architect: PBK
- GMP: $5,903,594 — funded from Capital Projects Fund (not bond money)
- Project includes: pool refinishing, equipment replacement, fire system upgrades, and stadium lighting replacement at Morehead and Woodforest stadiums (~$800,000 component)
- Significant discussion about the stadium lighting component:
- Trustee Dungan questioned spending ~$800,000 on stadium lighting given the budget deficit.
- Trustee Simler drew a comparison: "$1 million for lighting vs. $1 million for dual language."
- Dr. Null noted the lighting is at end-of-life and was part of long-term maintenance planning; delay would push replacement a full year and potentially cost more.
- CFO Garza clarified that capital maintenance fund money is one-time money that cannot balance a recurring budget deficit, but could increase fund balance.
- Trustees discussed whether to remove the lighting component; Mr. Foster noted it could not be added back in May due to installation timeline.
- Approved 5-2
9F: Capital Improvement Update (Informational)
Mr. Foster provided construction updates on all active projects:
- Conroe HS: Steel structure arriving ~April; rain causing delays
- Isler Elementary: Near complete on building envelope; on schedule for August 2025
- Campbell Elementary: Similar status to Isler; on schedule for August 2025
- Grand Oaks 7th Grade: Building slab nearly complete; opens 2027
- Timber Mill HS: Permit milestone cleared; foundations ~1/3 drilled; on schedule for August 2027
- New Junior High (Conroe feeder): Tree clearing underway; shared site with Flex 26; opens 2027
- Critical Infrastructure: Multiple roofing, HVAC, and safety/security projects at various campuses on schedule for summer 2025 completion
- Knox Junior High: Major interior renovation; completion August 2026
- Buckaloo & Haley: Gym additions and capacity expansions; target January 2026
- Kraton & Ford: Gym additions and renovations; on schedule
- Woodlands HS: Renovation approved last month; mobilizing; re-roof and auditorium renovation; completion December 2026
- Agriculture Facilities: Three sites in various stages; land purchase for third site closing this week
No vote required.
Item 10A: E-Rate Technology Refresh — CSP Award
- Award to DataVox Inc. for internal connections campus refresh (wireless access points, routers, switches, cabling, etc.) for 12 campuses
- Estimated expenditure: $5,300,000 (funded through Capital Projects Fund; partially offset by E-Rate discounts of 20–90%)
- Approved 7-0
Item 10B: Midyear Estimated Annual Expenditures — Vendor Additions
- 34 additional vendors added to the approved vendor list for the remainder of the fiscal year.
- Discussion about the $50,000 board approval threshold (noted as potentially outdated for a district processing 32,000+ purchase orders/year; some districts set threshold at $100,000–$250,000).
- Trustee Dungan raised concerns about certain vendors (curriculum companies) and asked about the Conroe ISD Education Foundation entry. CFO Garza clarified it's a pass-through for employee payroll deductions, not taxpayer money.
- Dr. Null noted the board's oversight role but asked for trust in management systems to prevent inappropriate purchases.
- Approved 7-0
Item 11: Financial Reports
CFO Garza presented January 31, 2025 financial updates:
- General Fund, Debt Service, Child Nutrition, Self-Funded Insurance: Balance sheets and income statements presented.
- Bond/Capital: $467.7 million expended and encumbered.
- Self-Funded Insurance: Running a $4.6 million deficit year-to-date (December alone was $2.9M deficit). 54 large claimants ($50K+) vs. 18 the prior year. Fund balance of ~$8M available to offset. Industry-wide trend affecting neighboring districts and TRS. Plan design and premium recommendations coming to board in April/May.
- Investments: Par value $972M; combined portfolio yielding 4.66%.
Item 12A: Agricultural Lease Agreement
- Lease with Jason Olant and Jeffrey McDonald.
- Approved 7-0
Item 12B: Resolution Opposing Performance-Enhancing Substances in UIL Athletics
- Trustee Simler introduced the resolution, noting parents raised concerns about unfair UIL competition.
- Board expressed appreciation for the resolution and noted their earlier advocacy may have prompted action in Austin.
- Adopted 7-0
Item 12C: Level Three Appeal — Dr. Alex Harris (Science Textbook Reconsideration)
Background
Dr. Alex Harris filed requests for reconsideration of three science textbooks:
1. Campbell's Biology in Focus (AP Edition, Pearson)
2. Texas Miller & Levine Experience Biology (SAVAS)
3. Astronomy 1A (E Dynamic Learning)
The district dismissed the requests because it cannot grant the requested relief: to "teach as required by the TEKS but expose the errors using intelligent design theory."
Dr. Harris's Presentation (~20 minutes)
- Argued the Big Bang Theory violates laws of thermodynamics and is the "foundation of the religion of atheism."
- Contended that science cannot explain the origin of the universe and students should be told this explicitly.
- Discussed origin of life and evolution as dependent on the Big Bang Theory.
- Discussed Darwin and primate evolution, alleging connections to racial superiority ideology.
- Requested that teachers teach the TEKS but make clear that "science cannot explain the origin of the universe" and that an intelligent designer is a viable alternative theory.
District Response — Mr. Albert Kangi (Coordinator of Science, ~20 minutes)
- Emphasized the district teaches the TEKS as adopted by SBOE; it cannot modify them.
- Noted the books in question are standard resources aligned with TEKS and AP College Board requirements.
- Clarified the district does not teach social Darwinism, critical race theory, or atheism.
- Explained that a "callout box" referencing intelligent design/creationism exists in the SAVAS biology and E Dynamic astronomy resources, per SBOE proclamation, but is not in the AP biology textbook (which follows College Board requirements).
- Stated scientific theories must meet specific criteria (testable, based on natural phenomena, supported by multiple independent studies).
- Recommended Dr. Harris submit his ideas for peer review through scientific conferences and journals.
Board Discussion
- Trustees Nelson and Odin-Weller expressed desire for consistency: if intelligent design is referenced (via callout boxes) in two of three textbooks, they'd like the same treatment where feasible.
- Mr. Kangi confirmed it's already in the curriculum maps for regular biology and astronomy; only AP biology (governed by College Board) lacks it.
- Dr. Null noted the district cannot edit publisher textbooks but can include references in its own curriculum documents.
Vote: Motion to take no action (upholding district's dismissal): Approved 7-0
Adjournment
- No executive session held.
- Meeting adjourned at 1:39 AM (February 19, 2025)
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Description | Result |
|------|-------------|--------|
| Consent Agenda (A–D) | Routine items | Approved 7-0 |
| Consent E | Board president legal representation | Approved 7-0 |
| Consent F | Agreement with Texans for Excellence & Education | Approved 7-0 |
| Item 5 | Isler Elementary principal (Elizabeth Thompson) | Approved 7-0 |
| Item 6A | Adopt Blue Bonnet curriculum (K–5 ELA) | Approved 5-0-2 (2 abstentions) |
| Item 6B | Discontinue Dual Language Program | Withdrawn by Superintendent; no vote |
| Item 8A | Grangerland Intermediate Improvement Plan | Approved 7-0 |
| Item 9A | Oakridge HS 9th Grade GMP | Approved 7-0 |
| Item 9B | Caney Creek HS 9th Grade GMP | Approved 7-0 |
| Item 9C | Flex 26 Intermediate School GMP | Approved 7-0 |
| Item 9D (table motion) | Motion to table Flex 27 Elementary | Failed 3-4 |
| Item 9D (approve) | Flex 27 Elementary GMP | Approved 5-2 |
| Item 9E | Natatorium/Stadium Renovation GMP | Approved 5-2 |
| Item 10A | E-Rate Technology Refresh | Approved 7-0 |
| Item 10B | Midyear Vendor Expenditures | Approved 7-0 |
| Item 12A | Agricultural Lease | Approved 7-0 |
| Item 12B | UIL Performance-Enhancing Substances Resolution | Adopted 7-0 |
| Item 12C | Dr. Harris Appeal (Science Textbooks) | No action taken (dismissal upheld) 7-0 |
Key Takeaways
1. Dual Language Program saved — for now. Superintendent withdrew his recommendation to discontinue after massive community turnout (~75 speakers). Committed to forming parent committees, conducting surveys, and collaborative problem-solving. However, significant financial and staffing challenges remain.
2. Blue Bonnet curriculum adopted for K–5 ELA with a phased implementation plan. Two trustees abstained wanting more teacher input and piloting assurances.
3. $230+ million in construction projects approved across multiple items, with two votes (Flex 27 elementary and natatorium) generating notable dissent (5-2 each).
4. Budget remains challenging: Estimated $3–5 million deficit for next year (improved from $15–16M). Self-funded insurance running a $4.6M deficit. State funding uncertainty continues.
5. Science textbook appeal dismissed 7-0. Board upheld the district's position that it must teach TEKS as adopted by SBOE and cannot grant the requested relief regarding intelligent design theory, though trustees expressed desire for consistency in how intelligent design is referenced across curriculum documents.