August 19, 2025 — Regular Meeting

Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting

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Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2025-08-19

Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes

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

Generated 2026-03-29 01:02 UTC

Conroe Independent School District — Regular Board Meeting

Unofficial Meeting Notes

Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Meeting opened: 6:01 p.m.

Meeting adjourned: 11:08 p.m.

Note: These are unofficial notes based on an auto-generated transcript. They may contain errors in names, spellings, or details. Official minutes should be consulted for the authoritative record.

Attendance

A quorum of the board was present. Board members referenced by name include: President Odenweller, Trustee Dawson, Trustee Semmler, Trustee Nelson, Trustee Dungan, Trustee May, and Trustee Horton. Superintendent Dr. Vinson was present.

Special Recognitions

TAEA District of Distinction Award

Fine Arts Director Dr. Robert Horton presented: Conroe ISD received a 2025 District of Distinction designation from the Texas Art Educators Association (TAEA).
Out of 1,200+ eligible districts, 109 earned this designation — placing CISD in the top 9% statewide.
This is the fourth consecutive year CISD has received this honor.
Fine Arts Coordinator Dr. Lisa Davis was credited with leading the recognition effort. Several visual arts teachers were recognized.

CISD Police Department Ambassador Awards

Chief Matt Blake recognized four employees:

Shirley Herbert – Crossing guard, originally a prevention control monitor who returned after retirement
Officer Joshua Broussard – Campus officer at Conroe High School; named Police Officer of the Year
Corporal Randy Longden – K-9 handler (explosive detection) with 19 years at CISD
Officer Deborah Quiller – Campus officer at Moorhead Junior High; recognized for community outreach

Human Resources Ambassador Awards

Executive Director Paula Green recognized:

Terl Jackson – Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Coordinator; recognized for expertise in TIA implementation and regional training
Jill Bartlett – Employee Benefits Specialist (11 years); recognized for employee advocacy and coordinating the district's annual health fair

Citizen Participation

The following individuals addressed the board (2-minute limit):

Jason Harvey – Spoke in support of fine arts programs; shared a personal family story about a son with autism whose first words came through music and who went on to become an accomplished performer.
Sarah Dillard – Opposed displaying the Ten Commandments under SB10; raised First Amendment concerns and asked the board to wait for the pending court injunction. Also objected to religious content in the Bluebonnet curriculum, requesting alternate non-religious lesson options.
Lorraine Rice – Expressed support for Ten Commandments displays in schools; argued the commandments reflect founding principles and general moral values.
Patricia Spore – Introduced herself as a credentialed school chaplain; spoke in support of chaplains in schools and their non-proselytizing, supportive role.
Hannah Wear – Spoke in support of SB111 (special education legal fee transparency); shared a personal experience of a decade-long special education legal dispute in another district that she argued cost hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars.
Rebecca Smith – On behalf of several organizations including Love Hills Youth Liberty Library Project and local Republican women's groups; announced a donation of 330 Ten Commandments posters to CISD at no cost, meeting SB10 requirements. Directed viewers to restoreamericanschools.com.
Amanda Cosy – CISD parent (class of '04); opposed mandatory Ten Commandments displays; cited her right as a parent to direct her child's religious upbringing and asked the board to advocate for families of all faiths.
Crystal Iker – Introduced the CISD Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), a new parent-led group created in partnership with the district. First meeting: September 15, 6 p.m., Jet Center. Website: conroisdcpac.com.
Susan Hedgi – Bus driver speaking again about transportation concerns; noted insurance costs are consuming raises and that transportation staff still need more support.
Diane Daniels – Expressed support for Ten Commandments posters; encouraged the board to collaborate with like-minded districts to pursue legislative changes, especially regarding technology/tablet use.
Jonathan Covy – Policy Director, Texas Values; stated the Ten Commandments law is on solid constitutional ground following the Kennedy v. Bremerton (2022) Supreme Court decision; presented a $6,000 check from Texas Values toward poster purchases.
Destiny Milton – Opposed proposed board policy BDD revisions and the potential hiring of attorney Cara Belaloo as general counsel; cited alleged conflicts of interest including Belaloo's role at Texas Education Executives (TEE), connections to Texas Public Policy Foundation, and her consulting firm Root Strategy.
Kristen Brown – SHAC committee member; thanked the board for reviewing the SHAC membership. Also raised concerns about the version of the Ten Commandments (Catholic vs. Protestant), and echoed concerns about BDD/Belaloo.
Aggie Gambino – CISD parent; spoke in support of SEPAC and the special education legal transparency policy (EHBA); shared that a prior due process case cost the district $50,000 and was not known to the board until settlement. Thanked Trustees May, Odenweller, Nelson, and Dr. Vinson.
Susan Scruggs – Expressed support for Ten Commandments posters; also spoke positively about moment of silence/prayer, cell phone policy, food additive removal, and removal of gender-transition instructional materials.
Mark Fusa – Spoke in support of special education legal transparency policy; shared personal experience with a due process case involving his autistic son and alleged the district spent hundreds of thousands of dollars fighting it.
Robert Naveski – Read the Ten Commandments aloud; argued that only 4 of the 10 relate to civil/moral law and the rest are specific to Christian faith, calling the display "indoctrination." Said he would consider it a violation of his parental rights.

Consent Agenda

Items modified: Item K (RFP 25-06-3, bus routing/scheduling software) was pulled for separate discussion. Two items were added to consent: Administration Item 5C (HB Early Childhood/College/Career/Military Readiness Board plans) and Item 6A (Washington High School optional flexible school day program application).

Vote: Motion by Trustee Nelson, seconded by Trustee Horton.

Result: Approved 7–0

Pulled Item: Bus Routing and Scheduling Software (RFP 25-06-3)

Current routing software (Compass, $20,000/year since 2014) is sunsetting — the company is going out of business; service guaranteed through end of this school year.
Proposed new software: implementation cost ~$147,000; ongoing annual cost ~$57,000.
Smart Tag was noted as not submitting a bid; its routing component was described as insufficiently robust.
Trustees discussed whether to delay approval pending a transportation efficiency audit, which CFO is evaluating over the coming week.
The board agreed the software will still likely be needed regardless of audit findings.

Motion: Trustee Nelson moved to postpone the software purchase pending review of efficiency audit findings. Seconded by Trustee Dungan.

Vote: Approved 7–0 (postponed)

Superintendent's Report

STAAR Scores Presentation

Three assistant superintendents presented results:

Elementary (Dr. Winkler):

82% of elementary schools earned an A or B rating — a 6% increase from last year; 31 of 38 schools.
70 distinctions earned district-wide; 4 campuses earned every eligible distinction.
Third grade reading: 2-point increase in "Meets" level.
Third grade math: 3.3-point gain in "Meets," 5-point gain in "Masters."
Fourth grade math: 3-point gain in "Masters"; outperformed peer districts by up to 6 points.

Middle School (Dr. Kleski):

18 campuses (11 intermediate, 7 junior highs).
67% of middle schools earned at least one distinction; 2 schools earned 100% of eligible distinctions.
Fifth grade math: notable increase in rigor due to tech-enhanced questions; new problem-solving method introduced.
Seventh grade math scores lower than peer districts, attributed to advanced course placements (2,400+ seventh graders in pre-algebra).
Eighth grade social studies: first year tested; district noted 97% pass rate on the end-of-course US History exam at high school level.

High School (Dr. Merlo):

6 of 8 high school campuses earned an A or B rating.
English 1 & 2, Biology, and US History end-of-course scores at or above peer district averages.
Algebra 1 slightly below peer districts but well above state average; identified as a continuing focus area.

District Rating: CISD earned a "B" rating for 2025. Board and administration expressed pride in the outcome given the district's size and diversity.

Student Code of Conduct 2025–2026

Dr. Merlo presented an update on new legislation impacting the student code of conduct:

Key legislative changes:

HB 571: Criminal employee reporting within 48 hours; CPS reporting deadline reduced from 48 to 24 hours; each employee must individually report (no group reports).
SB 12: Prohibits social transitioning assistance; removes DEI; adds health/mental health services permission forms; clubs now require parent consent; gender identity/sexual orientation clubs removed.
HB 6: Formalizes teacher removal of students from class; written teacher consent now required for student to return; nicotine vapes changed from mandatory to discretionary DAP placement; ISS now formally defined (no day cap, but 10-day reviews required); campus behavior coordinator (CBC) role defined at each campus.
HB 1481: Cell phone ban during school day. Discussion followed about laptop/tablet applicability; devices capable of digital communication are included. Goal to have classroom device standard in place by January so personal devices are less necessary.
SB 2929: Officials/administrators may remove disruptive spectators from events without warning.

Trustees expressed strong interest in monitoring HB6 implementation for teacher support, especially at the elementary level. Board requested follow-up in a few months to assess outcomes.

Vote to adopt 2025–2026 Student Code of Conduct: Motion by Trustee Dawson, seconded by Trustee May.

Result: Approved 7–0

Budgetary Impact of Awards (Forbes Best-Of Lists)

Dr. Vinson informed the board that CISD has participated in Forbes "Best Employer" lists since 2022 by purchasing display packages — not receiving awards outright:

2023–24: $37,500 paid for three awards.
2025 (projected): ~$40,000 for three awards (one already purchased).

The board expressed concern about the pay-to-display nature of the awards.

Motion: Trustee Dungan moved to discontinue the practice of paying for these awards. Seconded by Trustee Nelson.

Vote: Approved 7–0

Dr. Vinson noted that the district's communications team will instead focus on highlighting real student outcomes and data.

SHAC Annual Report

Dr. Merlo presented the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) annual report. Key accomplishment: an updated 3-year wellness plan. Meeting schedule was adjusted to be more evenly split across semesters. Board praised the quality and clarity of the meeting notes prepared by parent committee members.

Public Hearing: Proposed 2025–2026 Budget and Tax Rate

Opened at 8:41 p.m.; closed at 8:50 p.m. No public speakers came forward.

CFO Miss Garza presented the proposed budget:

Key figures:

Enrollment: 73,500 students; 93% average daily attendance
Certified property value: $56.5 billion (1.87% growth)
Revenue: $761.05 million (increase of ~$60.98 million, largely from HB2)
Expenditures: $761.05 million (balanced budget)
89.3% of budget allocated to payroll
Starting teacher pay: $63,500
Additional salary costs: $33.18 million; partially offset by state allotments
142.75 new FTEs added, majority for special education (22% growth in SpEd population)

Proposed tax rate: $0.9496 per $100 valuation (unchanged from prior year)

Maintenance & Operations: $0.6696
Debt Service: $0.28

Votes — Budget and Tax Rate

7A: Adoption of 2025–2026 Official School Budget

Motion: Trustee Nelson; Second: Trustee Semmler

Vote: Approved 7–0

Tax Rate Adoption

The motion was required by statute to use specific language noting the rate exceeds the effective no-new-revenue rate (framed as a 9.68% increase in effective rate, though the actual combined rate of $0.9496 is unchanged from last year).

Motion: Trustee Dawson (read statutory language); Second: Trustee May

Vote: Approved 5–0 (transcript indicates 5 hands shown — possible recording issue)

Financial Reports (July 31, 2025)

General fund total assets: $279.08 million
Total revenue (general fund): $643 million
Bond referendum (2023): $1 billion+ expended/encumbered to date; $777 million remaining to sell; parameter orders for refunding/third bond sale anticipated in September.
Self-funded insurance: $3.2 million loss in July alone; $13.2 million loss year-to-date. Five participants hit the $550,000 stop-loss limit. Fund balance of $7.8 million will partially offset the loss; a general fund transfer will be needed. Board will begin discussions in early September/October about whether to remain self-insured or move to TRS ActiveCare.
Investments: $1.1 billion total par value; portfolio yielding 4.43% (above the 90-day T-bill benchmark of 4.23%).

Board Policy Actions

BDD Local (Legal Counsel)

Revised policy gives the board flexibility to retain either in-house general counsel or an outside law firm — removing a prior requirement for in-house counsel only. A cost comparison presentation is planned for the next meeting.

Motion: Trustee Nelson; Second: Trustee May

Vote: Approved 7–0

Board Discussion Items (First Reads — No Vote)

DC Local

Updated to reflect HB2's repeal of the requirement that districts pay the surcharge for retired/re-employed employees.

CH Local

Finance policy revisions. Trustee May thanked staff for collaborative work on this policy.

DP Local – Volunteer Chaplains

Trustee Nelson brought forward a revised proposal to allow volunteer chaplains (not employed) in schools during non-instructional time, with opt-in required by parents.

Discussion highlights:

Language to clarify chaplains would not replace counselors will be added.
Screening process will follow existing HR volunteer protocols (background checks, policy compliance).
Trustee Horton asked about requiring chaplains to have the same qualifications as school counselors given the duties listed in the policy. This was disputed by others who noted the role is different.
No vote taken — first read/discussion only.

EHBA Local – Special Education Legal Fee Transparency

Policy proposed by Trustee May. Key provisions:

Superintendent reports to the board on special education legal expenses exceeding $10,000 per student.
Legal fee information to be posted on the district's website.
Provides parents with training and resources about their child's rights.
Implementation deadline: January 31, 2026.

Trustee Odenweller suggested adding language that reports should rely on existing documentation to avoid additional workload on special education staff. Dr. Vinson expressed support for that adjustment.

No vote taken — first read/discussion only.

Closed Session

The board entered closed session at 9:21 p.m. under Texas Government Code §551.071 and §551.072.

Returned to open session at 11:05 p.m.

Post-Closed Session Action Items

Land Purchase – Oak Ridge Feeder Zone

Motion: Trustee Dungan moved to approve the purchase of a 5.05-acre parcel on Robinson Road in the Oak Ridge feeder zone and authorize the interim superintendent to execute necessary documents. Second: Trustee Nelson.

Vote: Approved 7–0

EMI – Ten Commandments Displays (SB10)

The board untabled policy EMI for discussion.

Untabling vote: Motion by Trustee Nelson, seconded by Trustee Dawson.

Vote: 5 in favor, 2 opposed (motion carried to untable)

Legal recommendation from Cara Belaloo: A federal judge in Texas is considering SB10 and has indicated a ruling is imminent, likely before September 1st. Belaloo recommended that signs not be placed until the judge issues a final ruling.

The board accepted this recommendation. No formal vote was taken on EMI. The item remains pending the court's decision.

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 11:08 p.m.

⚑ Items to Watch

Tax rate adoption — split vote: The tax rate was approved 5–0 rather than 7–0; the transcript notes this may reflect a recording issue, but the discrepancy warrants confirmation in the official minutes.
EMI / Ten Commandments displays (SB10): The untabling vote was 5–2 (not unanimous), and no final vote was taken on the policy itself. The issue remains pending a federal court ruling expected before September 1st. This item will likely return at the next meeting.
BDD Local (Legal Counsel): Policy change removes the prior requirement for in-house counsel only, opening the door to outside law firm retention. A cost comparison is promised for the next meeting. Multiple public speakers raised conflict-of-interest concerns about the prospective general counsel.
DP Local – Volunteer Chaplains: First read only; no vote taken. Policy would allow opt-in volunteer chaplains in schools during non-instructional time. Watch for second read and vote.
EHBA Local – Special Education Legal Fee Transparency: First read only; no vote taken. Would require public reporting of legal expenses exceeding $10,000 per student and posting of fee information on the district website. Watch for second read and vote.
Self-funded insurance: The district's self-funded health insurance plan has recorded a $13.2 million loss year-to-date, with only $7.8 million in fund balance available to offset it. A general fund transfer will be needed. The board will discuss in September/October whether to remain self-insured or move to TRS ActiveCare — a significant financial and policy decision.
Bus routing software (RFP 25-06-3): Purchase postponed 7–0 pending a transportation efficiency audit. Watch for the audit findings and a return vote.
Forbes "Best Employer" pay-to-display awards: Board voted 7–0 to discontinue paying for these awards (~$40,000/year). No further follow-up expected unless new awards are proposed.
CISD Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC): New parent-led group launching September 15. Constituent interest item for families of students with disabilities.

These are unofficial notes prepared from an auto-generated transcript of the August 19, 2025 Conroe ISD Special Board Meeting. They are intended to help the public understand what occurred and do not constitute official board minutes.