June 17, 2025 — Regular Meeting
Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2025-06-17
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 18:43 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
June 17, 2025
Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript of the board meeting. They are intended to help the public understand what occurred and should not be considered official minutes.
Meeting Called to Order
- Time: 5:02 PM
- Quorum: Present
- Prayer: Trustee Dawson
- Pledges: Trustee Nelson (U.S. and Texas)
Closed Session
- Time In: 5:04 PM
- Purpose: Section 551.074 — Discussion of appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of public officer or employee, including discussion of a specific candidate for superintendent
- Time Out / Return to Open Session: 6:09 PM
Special Recognitions
(Agenda items were reordered to allow honorees to celebrate with families before citizen participation)
Custodial and Maintenance Department Ambassador Awards
Presented by: Marshall Schroeder, Executive Director of Custodial Maintenance
Recipients recognized:
- Christina Taus — Oak Ridge High School (not present)
- Maria Cano — Night Utility Crew
- Corey Sanders — Electrical Apprentice → Journeyman Electrician
- Jesus "Chewy" Delgado — Carpenter/Sign Shop; also served in the U.S. Army
- James Limley — Child Nutrition Equipment Repair Supervisor
- Beverly Canalito — Wastewater Apprentice (not present)
- Ovaldo "Aldo" Ramirez — Electrician → Lead Electrician
- Nack Pep — Kaufman Elementary; retiring after 32+ years of service (not present)
Board President Oden Waller delivered personal remarks acknowledging the behind-the-scenes work of custodial and maintenance staff, noting she initiated this recognition two years ago.
Child Nutrition Department Ambassador Awards
Presented by: Karen Patterson, Assistant Director of Child Nutrition
Patterson announced that the Texas Department of Agriculture conducted a comprehensive administrative review of the CISD Child Nutrition Department, and the department received an outstanding review.
Individual recipients recognized:
- BB "Vivie" Curo Rivera — 15 years of service; led kitchen at Armstrong Elementary, transitioned to Stockton Junior High
- Alicia Young — Child Nutrition Associate, Conroe 9th Grade Campus; 3 years of service
- Anna Vadarus — Level 4 Manager, The Woodlands High School; 15 years of service
- Savannah Welch — York Junior High; 3 years of service; perfect attendance
2025 NAMM Foundation Best Communities for Music Education Award
Presented by: Dr. Bob Horton, Director of Fine Arts
- Conroe ISD received the 2025 Best Community for Music Education designation for the 13th time
- CISD is in the top 10% of Texas and top 1% of the United States
- One of only 13 Texas school districts to earn this recognition at least 13 times
- Several music teacher leaders attended to represent colleagues across all levels and disciplines
Welcome of Interim Superintendent
Board President Oden Waller officially welcomed Dr. Landry as Interim Superintendent, noting appreciation for his leadership during the transition.
Principal Appointments
Galatas Elementary — Principal: Candace Matthysse
- Replacing retiring principal D. Wilker
- Served as assistant principal at Galatas for 12 years; previously a counselor at Coulson and Tough for 7 years
- Motion: Made and seconded
- Vote: 6-0 (carries)
- Mrs. Matthysse delivered acceptance remarks
The Woodlands High School 9th Grade Campus — Principal: Sher Lee
- Replacing Mr. Mesler, who moved to the main Woodlands HS campus
- Served at The Woodlands HS since 2008; most recently Associate Principal of the 9th Grade Campus
- Motion: Made and seconded
- Vote: 6-0 (carries)
- Mrs. Lee delivered acceptance remarks
Conroe High School 9th Grade Campus — Principal: Spencer Neil
- Has been part of the CHS feeder since 2012; student taught in CISD
- 6 years at CHS 9th Grade Campus as teacher/coach; 4 years as assistant principal at CHS main campus
- Motion: Made and seconded
- Vote: 6-0 (carries)
- Mr. Neil delivered acceptance remarks
Citizen Participation
15 speakers signed up; summaries below:
School Naming Requests
Keith Cartright — Spoke in support of naming a junior high school after his mother, Lynn Cartwright, who taught English in CISD for 40 years. Described her dedication to students and the community.
Susie Wallace — Former colleague of Lynn Cartwright. Spoke about Cartwright's legacy at CHS, her mentorship, her team leadership, and her focus on teaching emotional intelligence alongside English content. Urged the board to name a school after her.
Janice Chromian — Former colleague. Spoke about Cartwright's 20+ years of dedication, financial generosity to students (including sewing prom outfits), and her commitment to classroom teaching for 40 years.
Logan Moore — Grandson-in-law of Lynn Cartwright (married her granddaughter). First met her as a student at CHS around 2009. Spoke about her teaching three generations of families and her embodiment of "a measure of life is its service."
Ethan Cartwright (read by his mother) — Fourth-generation Conroe graduate. Noted that Loop 336/Cartwright Road is named after his great-grandfather. Mentioned his father's business (Cartwright's Western/Conroe Shoe Shop) has been in Conroe since 1955.
Leanne Coats — Granddaughter of James Howard Moore. Requested a CISD facility be named after him. Moore served CISD for over 40 years as an ag teacher and administrator, was instrumental in founding the Montgomery County Fair Association, and was deeply impactful to generations of students.
Michelle Binaman — CISD graduate (McCullough, Class of 1993), current teacher, and parent. Spoke in support of naming a campus after Janine Fowler, a science teacher who served at Knox, Branch Crossing, and McCullough. Fowler led CISD's science fair program for over 10 years and helped build it into the largest and most competitive in the Houston region.
Suzanne Ripto — 30+ year CISD teacher. Also spoke in support of naming a school after Janine Fowler, describing her enthusiasm for science education, community outreach, and lasting legacy.
Other Topics
Susan (Transportation employee) — Praised new buses and their features. Expressed concern about staffing shortages heading into the August start date and requested consideration of new incentive/benefit packages for bus drivers, monitors, and standby staff.
Charles Lane — Described an incident three months ago involving a counselor at an elementary school who allegedly stalked and threatened his family members. Expressed frustration that the counselor still collects a paycheck despite the incident being investigated and on videotape. Criticized the board for inaction and stated he would work to replace board members if the situation is not addressed.
Charles Shaughnessy — Spoke on behalf of his grandson Wyatt, requesting that Conroe Virtual Academy retain its name and be added to the district's app. Also praised the leadership academy for incoming 8th graders and the San Jacinto River Authority presentation within it.
Diane Daniels — Criticized board members for not following through on conservative campaign promises. Raised concerns about library books, girls' swimsuits, and the Bluebonnet curriculum's age-appropriateness. Warned that parents will speak out when they see the curriculum in August.
Michelle Knuckles — Donated The Action Bible (graphic novel format Bible stories) on behalf of the new nonprofit Liberty Library Project for placement in intermediate or junior high school libraries.
Ryan Samoris — Expressed support for the cell phone policy. Raised concerns about public information requests potentially being routed through Jackson Walker (private law firm) rather than the district attorney, citing issues at other school districts (Keller ISD, Princeton, Grapevine, Mansfield) that also contract with TE and Jackson Walker. Warned the board to be cautious about these organizational relationships.
Susan Scruggs — Shared scripture and encouraged board members to be role models. Donated Brave Books (character-building children's books) to Duran Elementary School.
Jeb Zedler — Cited education statistics from California and Houston ISD. Made comments about the superintendent search process.
Stuart Schroeder — Wished Carrie Colatus well on her retirement and wished Sarah well in new endeavors.
Consent Agenda
- Motion: Made and seconded
- Vote: 6-0 (carries)
Superintendent Search Plan (Item 7)
Presented by: Mr. Petri (search consultant)
Updates Provided:
- Conducted 7 individual trustee interviews and 9 superintendent cabinet-level interviews to develop the candidate profile
- Summaries of cabinet interviews were shared with trustees the day before
Search Timeline (Modified Traditional Search):
- Position posting: June 18, 2025
- Community engagement/input: June, July, and August
- Application deadline: July 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM CST
- Three rounds of interviews: Throughout August (dates TBD based on calendars)
- Lone finalist named: Sometime in August
- 21-day waiting period: Required by law after lone finalist is named
- Final vote to hire: September 2025
Candidate Profile Categories:
- Leadership philosophy and values
- Academic priorities
- Experience and governance
- Community engagement
- Teacher and staff leadership
- Personal attributes: Calm under pressure, disciplined, confident public speaker, fair, approachable, reasonable, solutions-minded, values-driven but not divisive, transparent, trustworthy, resilient
Community Engagement Plan:
- Community-wide survey: Open digitally June through August; available in English and Spanish
- Four community forums: Three evening sessions (one per two feeder patterns) plus one daytime session district-wide; translation services available
- First forums realistically expected mid-July
- District communications resources (text messaging, parental notifications, local media) will be used to publicize
Mr. Petri also praised the district's new website, calling it "phenomenal" and noting that even AI could not improve upon it.
- Motion: To accept the superintendent search plan (timeline, profile, community engagement plan)
- Vote: 6-0 (carries)
- The job posting was to go live immediately following the meeting
School/Campus Naming (Item 8D — Discussion and Action)
Three new campuses needed names. Board members expressed how seriously they took the process, noting extensive research, HR consultations, and review of community submissions.
Grand Oaks Feeder Elementary
- Named: Casey Arnold Elementary
- Casey Arnold began her career at Buckalew, served as a counselor, and became Assistant Director for Special Education. Known as a compassionate advocate for special education students. Passed away in August 2022 at age 46.
- Board President Oden Waller presented the nomination
- Motion: Made by a trustee, seconded
- Vote: 6-0 — Unanimous (carries)
Conroe/Timber Mills Feeder Junior High
- Named: Lynn Cartwright Junior High
- Lynn Cartwright taught English in CISD for 40 years (1964–2004) and continued substitute teaching afterward. Known for her dedication, kindness, and impact on generations of students.
- (Initially motioned for intermediate; amended after discussion about matching honorees to grade levels they served)
- Vote (combined motion with intermediate): 6-0 (carries)
Conroe/Timber Mills Feeder Intermediate
- Named: Janine Fowler Intermediate
- Janine Fowler was a science teacher at Knox, Branch Crossing, and McCullough. Led CISD's science fair program for over 10 years, building it into the largest and most competitive in the Houston region.
- Vote (combined motion with junior high): 6-0 (carries)
Board members noted that additional schools will be built in the future, encouraging the community to continue submitting naming suggestions.
District Improvement Plan Update (Item 8E)
Presented by: Dr. Medford
Safe and Collaborative School Culture:
- Emergency Preparedness: All campuses maintained requirements; 747+ employees certified/recertified in CPR/First Aid
- Diabetes Care: 100% of campuses have a trained diabetes care assistant; 45% have more than one
- Nurse Training: 92% of nurses attended 5+ professional learning opportunities (1,471+ total hours)
Effective Instruction — English Language Learners (TELPAS):
- Goal: Increase campuses scoring 3+ on Domain 3 from 80% to 90%
- Current result: Approximately 83-84% (data still being finalized)
- Strategies discussed: Scaffolded instruction, 7 Steps to an Interactive Language-Rich Classroom, sheltered instruction, ELPS integration, speaking test preparation (noted challenges with students speaking into microphones)
Gifted and Talented:
- Focus on ensuring teachers have appropriate strategies
- 100% of surveyed educators reported positive post-training results
School Counseling:
- Guidance lessons per week increased 15%
- Community event attendance grew from 75 to 138
- Yes to Youth groups increased from 28 to 34
- Three new community engagement formats added (PTO meetings, CISD health fair, campus presentations)
Board discussion: Trustees Dawson and Oden Waller requested more information on how mental health resources and information are being disseminated to students, staff, and the community, noting that participant numbers remain low relative to the 74,000-student district. They requested a stronger push on counseling and mental health initiatives.
Planning and Construction (Item 9)
Presented by: Mr. Foster
Safety and Security 2023-24 Project — Accept as Complete
- Final safety/security project from the 2019 bond referendum (~$50 million total allocated)
- Contract value: $10,957,258
- Final cost: $10,220,577.28
- Savings returned to district: $736,480.72
- Savings return to the 2019 bond program (potential uses: Conroe High School project completion, buses, land)
- Motion: Made and seconded
- Vote: 6-0 (carries)
Campus Renovations 2024 Project — Accept as Complete
- Contract value: $34,798,237
- Final cost: $34,799,233.70 (essentially on budget; contractor absorbed some overrun)
- Motion: Made and seconded
- Vote: 6-0 (carries)
Bartlett Elementary (Flex 23) — Accept as Complete
- Last new building from the 2019 bond referendum
- Contract value: $37,933,268
- Final cost: $37,808,623.76
- Savings returned to district: $124,644.24
- Only Conroe High School remains as an active 2019 bond project (~1 year of construction remaining)
- Motion: Made and seconded
- Vote: 6-0 (carries)
Business & Finance (Item 10)
Resolution Regarding 2025-2026 Employee Compensation Plan
Presented by: Miss Garza
- Due to the late passage of House Bill 2 (school funding formula) in the 89th legislative session, the district has not yet finalized the 2025-26 compensation plan
- The full compensation plan will be presented at the July regular board meeting for approval, with discussion at the board workshop the preceding week
- Employees with a July 1 contract start date will be paid under the 2024-25 pay plan in the interim
- This resolution states the board's intention that the 2025-26 compensation plan, once approved, will be retroactive to July 1 so employees are properly compensated and wages are TRS-eligible
- Motion: Made and seconded
- Vote: 6-0 (carries)
Financial Reports (May 31, 2025)
Presented by: Miss Garza
- General Fund: Total revenue YTD $571.1M; total expenses $466.1M
- 2023 Bond Referendum: $948.4M expended/encumbered life-to-date; estimated to complete just over $1 billion; most projects well underway
- Self-Funded Insurance: May deficit of $1.5M; YTD deficit of $8.3M (exceeding the ~$7.8M fund balance)
- June "looking okay so far"; July expected to be challenging (5 weeks of claims settling)
- A $5M transfer from the general fund has been built into projections for this fiscal year
- The plan adopted for next year anticipates a $3.5M deficit
- Investments (as of May 31): Par value $1.3B; pools yielding 4.44%; benchmark (90-day T-bill) at 4.23%
⚠️ Notable: The self-funded insurance plan is currently operating beyond its fund balance, and upcoming months may require additional transfers.
Personnel Action (Item 12)
Termination of Employment Contract — Brian Schultz
- Motion: To terminate the term employment contract of Brian Schultz for good cause, effective immediately, and provide any notice required by law
- Vote: 6-0 (carries)
- No discussion or context was provided in open session.
Cell Phone Policy Adoption (Item 13)
Local Board Policy FNC — Conduct: Personal Telecommunication/Electronic Devices
Presented by: Trustee Dawson
- Policy aligns with HB 1481 passed in the 89th Texas Legislature (effective for the upcoming school year)
- This was the second reading (first reading occurred at a prior meeting; no changes made)
Key Policy Provisions:
- Cell phones and devices must remain away for the entire school day, K-12 (in backpack, purse, locker, or other designated storage)
- First offense: Device confiscated, held in school office, returned at end of day; additional consequences at campus level
- Medical exceptions are included
- Students reported significant parent/community support via email
Board Discussion:
- Board discussed whether to change "will" to "may" for confiscation — decided to keep "will be confiscated"
- Discussed whether to specify where confiscated devices are held — kept "school office" language as sufficiently flexible
- Discussed whether to add earbuds/headphones to the definition — agreed to add "including but not limited to" language to cover all listening devices and future technology
- Trustee Dawson recommended a town hall during the summer to educate the community (parents, students, staff) about the new policy
- Multiple trustees noted receiving overwhelming parent support via email
- Motion: To approve the policy
- Vote: 6-0 (carries)
Board President noted the expected positive impact on student mental health and educational outcomes.
Future Agenda Item Requests (Item 13)
Trustee requests (appears to be Trustee Nelson or another trustee):
1. Develop a formal procedure for reviewing invoices and evaluating contract terms with Jackson Walker — to ensure all invoices are properly reviewed, aligned with budget, and compliant with legal, ethical, and organizational standards
2. Discuss contract renewals with TE before the August 1 deadline
Acknowledgments
Board members publicly thanked:
- Dr. Blakelock — for her years of service to the district (departing)
- Miss Galatus — for her service to the district (departing)
Both were wished well in their future endeavors.
Adjournment
- Motion: Made and seconded
- Time: 8:33 PM
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Motion | Vote | Result |
|------|--------|------|--------|
| Galatas Elementary Principal (Candace Matthysse) | Accept recommendation | 6-0 | Approved |
| Woodlands HS 9th Grade Principal (Sher Lee) | Accept recommendation | 6-0 | Approved |
| Conroe HS 9th Grade Principal (Spencer Neil) | Accept recommendation | 6-0 | Approved |
| Consent Agenda | Accept as presented | 6-0 | Approved |
| Superintendent Search Plan | Accept plan/profile/timeline | 6-0 | Approved |
| Grand Oaks Feeder Elementary — Casey Arnold Elementary | Name campus | 6-0 | Approved |
| Conroe/Timber Mills Junior High & Intermediate — Lynn Cartwright JH / Janine Fowler Intermediate | Name campuses (combined motion) | 6-0 | Approved |
| Safety & Security 23-24 Project — Accept as Complete | Accept | 6-0 | Approved |
| Campus Renovations 2024 — Accept as Complete | Accept | 6-0 | Approved |
| Bartlett Elementary — Accept as Complete | Accept | 6-0 | Approved |
| Resolution: 2025-26 Compensation Plan (retroactive to July 1) | Accept | 6-0 | Approved |
| Termination of Brian Schultz Employment Contract | Terminate for good cause | 6-0 | Approved |
| Cell Phone Policy (FNC Local) | Adopt with amendments | 6-0 | Approved |
Note: All votes taken were 6-0. The transcript references a 7-member board (7 trustee interviews were conducted), suggesting one member may have been absent, though the transcript does not explicitly state this.