October 21, 2025 — Regular Meeting
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Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2025-10-21
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 19:10 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting
October 21, 2025 | 6:00 PM
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.
Opening
- Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM with a quorum present.
- Invocation by Trustee Dawson; pledges led by Trustee Horton.
- Board President Odenweller welcomed Dr. Vinson to his first regular board meeting as Superintendent.
Public Comment (7 speakers)
Beatrice Gasa — Proposed an international parents onboarding program to help international families understand the U.S. education system. Noted that 35% of the district's population comes from other countries. Offered her services for free to develop a manual, workshop, or downloadable document.
Ellen Munter — Parent of a second grader; voiced concerns about the Blue Bonnet ELA curriculum, stating it couples values/history goals with what she described as a weak language arts program. Said literacy experts she consulted do not believe it is a good curriculum, citing abandonment of Texas Reading Academy best practices. Requested the board pause further Blue Bonnet rollouts and have it independently reviewed by curriculum experts and classroom teachers.
Mark Brooks — Seconded concerns about Blue Bonnet ELA; also objected to proposed revisions to local policy EM (teaching about controversial issues). Raised two specific concerns: (1) the addition of "unpatriotic or anti-American sentiments" as prohibited — terms he called undefined and ambiguous; (2) a new "prohibited terms" section banning "Latinx" and "minor attracted person," which he opposed. He urged the board to give these revisions appropriate scrutiny.
Destiny Milton — Criticized Blue Bonnet ELA curriculum quality and the adoption process. Noted that biblical content is bound into the same reader as regular lessons, requiring teachers to cut pages and paste replacement lessons for opted-out students. Cited factual issues in a 5th-grade Da Vinci story and the loss of independent reading time. Urged the board to learn from the ELA experience before adopting Blue Bonnet Math.
Avery Clayton — Mother of a preschooler; raised concerns about Blue Bonnet's academic rigor, lack of phonics integration, and reliance on lectures/worksheets for young learners. Cited research showing these methods reduce comprehension and crush curiosity. Asked the board to properly vet Blue Bonnet before further implementation.
Michelle Nichols — Representing the Liberty Library Project nonprofit; provided an update on book donations to CISD elementary schools, including Tuttle Twins books, Squanto books, Brave Books, Action Bibles, and other titles. Thanked donors including Diamond Systems Inc., Trustee Tiffany Nelson, Bomber Energy USA, and Board President Misty Odenweller. Delivered a thank-you card to Trustee Nelson.
Susan Scruggs — Raised concerns about electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation in classrooms from wireless technologies, citing potential harm to children. Suggested the district form a committee to reduce EMF exposure and prioritize the issue.
Consent Agenda (Items A–H)
VOTE: Approved 7-0 — All consent agenda items approved as presented with no items pulled for separate consideration.
Administration
A. Conroe Virtual School Mascot and Colors
Presented by Andrew Stewart and introduced by Dr. Vinson.
- Students, families, and staff submitted nominations after the school was officially named in August.
- Recommended mascot: Owl (representing wisdom, curiosity, and love of learning)
- Recommended colors: Navy, Carolina blue, and white
- Dr. Vinson noted that "Trailblazer" was a close second and praised the virtual school students as trailblazers.
- Trustees expressed excitement about identity formation for the virtual school.
VOTE: Approved 7-0 — Mascot (Owls) and colors adopted.
B. 2026–2027 School Calendar Process (Discussion/Informational — No Vote)
Presented by Dr. Upshaw.
Key points:
- This is for a one-year calendar (not two-year).
- Goal: Bring recommendation to the board for approval on January 20, 2026, with flexibility to return in February if needed.
- District operates under a District of Innovation (DOI) plan allowing school to start before the 4th Monday in August.
- Current calendar: 172 instructional days for students, 187 days for teachers, with an extended day (435 min for elementary/intermediate/junior high, 440 for high school).
- Two bank days built in for weather emergencies.
- District Level Planning and Decision-Making Committee reviewed 26 calendars from other districts and provided feedback.
Committee feedback highlights:
- Start no earlier than current calendar; continue starting on Wednesday
- Keep full Thanksgiving week off
- Liked current fall break; asked about extending to a full week
- Spring break to match Texas universities; end before Memorial Day
- Add bracket days for grading periods
- Be intentional about monthly breaks
- Loved exchange days
Calendar considerations for 2026-27:
- Election Day falls on November 3
- Good Friday is close to spring break, creating a potential gap with no breaks in April
- Memorial Day falls on the last Monday of May, providing some flexibility
Survey planned for approximately November 3–11.
Trustee discussion:
- Trustee Odenweller asked about bank days — clarified they are for students only (172 days total including the two bank days); if more than two weather days are needed, minutes must be made up.
- Discussion about whether bank days could be reconsidered/used differently; Trustee Odenweller noted teacher and parent feedback that the two bank days "count for nothing" if unused.
- Dr. Vinson emphasized careful use of DOI as the board has requested.
Human Resources
Deputy Superintendent Contract — Dr. Ted Landry
Dr. Vinson introduced Dr. Landry's transition from Interim Superintendent to Deputy Superintendent, praising his leadership qualities, character, and the trust placed in him by staff and community.
VOTE: Approved 7-0 — Dr. Landry's contract amended for the position of Deputy Superintendent (supersedes interim superintendent contract).
Recognition of Dr. Landry's Service as Interim Superintendent:
- Trustee Dungan read a formal recognition statement on behalf of the board, thanking Dr. Landry for his service as interim superintendent since May 2025.
- A custom plaque was presented, designed and crafted by CISD high school graphic design and engineering students (coordinated by Tally Stout).
- Dr. Landry expressed gratitude and thanked the board, Dr. Vinson, cabinet, and his family.
Teaching and Learning
Dyslexia Awareness Month
Dr. Vinson announced that October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. The district is launching a monthly video series featuring interviews with students who went through the dyslexia program and are now thriving in high school. A resolution was also noted.
Mathematics Instructional Materials Selection Process (Informational — No Vote)
Presented by Dr. Upshaw. Extensive presentation on the new process for selecting K-12 math curriculum.
Key changes from past process:
- House Bill 1605 (88th Legislature) created new funding entitlements and changed how instructional materials are reviewed and adopted.
- IMRA (Instructional Materials Review and Approval) replaces the old proclamation process.
- Materials must now be 100% aligned with TEKS (previously only 50% alignment was required).
- HQIM (Highly Qualified Instructional Materials) designation requires meeting rigorous rubric standards including TEKS alignment, ELPS alignment, grade-level appropriateness, assessments, quality, and suitability.
- Approximately 800 educators and community members participate in the state-level review process.
Funding overview:
- HQIM entitlement: $40/student annually (carryover allowed)
- OEER (Open Education Resource) entitlement: $20/student (one-time use per year)
- Combined new funding available: approximately $9.2 million
- Current IMTA balance: $3.4 million (allocated every two years)
- These additional funds can free up IMTA dollars for AP textbooks, software, and other materials.
Current math adoption status:
- K-8 adopted in 2014-15; high school in 2015-16 (both 8-year cycles)
- State paused new math TEKS release; incorporated into IMRA process
- Advanced math curriculum for middle school not in this adoption cycle (coming in IMRA 2026); district developed its own interim curriculum.
Available publishers for K-6 adoption:
- Texas Blue Bonnet Math (English approved 2024; Spanish pending Nov 2025)
- Accelerate Learning Texas STEM Scopes
- Curriculum Associates (iReady Classroom)
- Savvas Envision Texas Math
- Kingdom Texas Math
Proposed timeline:
- Educate teachers on IMRA evaluation criteria and evidence-based practices
- Form district guiding coalition (previous cycle had 97 members, ~83 teachers)
- Teacher committee to review and recommend top 2-3 options
- Community feedback via surveys
- Board receives recommendations with pros/cons
- Year-long process with ongoing board updates
Trustee discussion:
- Trustee Nelson asked about the significance of 100% TEKS alignment — Dr. Upshaw explained it eliminates the need for teachers to create supplemental materials, freeing time for lesson internalization and quality instruction.
- Trustee May confirmed the IMRA process also applies to Blue Bonnet Reading.
- Trustees discussed the state-level review process, reviewer qualifications, and parent participation.
- Board encouraged more CISD educators to participate in state-level IMRA review processes.
- Dr. Upshaw confirmed the transition plan process (as done with Blue Bonnet Reading) would apply if an OEER is selected.
Business/Finance
Public Hearing: 2024-2025 School FIRST Rating
Presented by Chief Financial Officer Karen Garza.
Result: Conroe ISD received an "A" (Superior Achievement) rating — 98 out of 100 points — for the 23rd consecutive year.
Key highlights:
- Passed all four critical indicators (timely financial reporting, unmodified audit opinion, timely debt payments, timely government agency payments)
- Lost 2 points on Indicator 7 (days cash on hand) — planned outcome due to strategic decision to create a 36-month investment ladder to protect against market fluctuations
- District growth rate of 11.18% over five years
- Administrative cost ratio: 4% (well below 8.55% threshold)
- Zero variances on PEIMS data submission
- Clean audit for fiscal year 2024
- All required financial information posted on district transparency website
Public comment on FIRST rating: No speakers.
Public hearing opened and closed with no public comment.
Break taken at 7:35 PM; resumed at 7:53 PM
Board Policy — Action Items (Second Reading/Adoption)
Dr. Vinson provided context on the policy review process, emphasizing the board's five-step review approach and standards that policies be clear, practical, and enforceable. He noted the board has been meticulous in reviewing policies, with individual briefings, legal review, and crosswalk documents.
Batch Approval
Trustee Dungan moved to approve all policies except EM and FFB together.
Policies approved in batch: BD Local, DGBA Local, DFA Local, EA Local, FA, FL, FN, FNG, and GF
VOTE: Approved 7-0
EM Local — Teaching About Controversial Issues (Second Reading)
Discussion highlights:
- Trustee Semmler asked about language prohibiting private funding for curriculum — General Counsel clarified this prevents using donations as a workaround to purchase materials prohibited by district policy or state law.
- Trustee Nelson asked whether this would prevent nonprofits or PTOs from sending teachers to professional development — counsel noted PTOs/PTAs are separate entities but would research whether they could be used to circumvent board policy.
- Discussion of book donation vetting process — Dr. Vinson confirmed ISBN numbers must be approved and the vetting process is already in practice.
- Trustee Dungan asked about the definition of "unpatriotic and anti-American sentiments" — counsel confirmed it is not in statutory language but is up to the superintendent to define through procedures; the board will have oversight of implementation.
VOTE: Approved 7-0 — EM Local adopted as presented.
FFB Local — Crisis Intervention / Threat Assessment Teams (Second Reading)
Discussion highlights:
- Trustee May asked why this policy was necessary now — Dr. Vinson explained it brings the district into compliance with recent legislation (identified as SB 1 from the 88th Legislature) regarding threat assessment team composition.
- The policy defines the required multidisciplinary team members with "to the greatest extent practicable" language for flexibility.
- Trustees confirmed that campus threat assessment teams are already in place with the required members; this policy formalizes what is already being practiced.
- Trustee Horton noted she had previously brought the compliance gap to the district's attention.
VOTE: Approved 7-0 — FFB Local adopted as presented.
Board Policy — Discussion/First Reading Items (No Action Taken)
Dr. Vinson noted all of these are primarily compliance updates matching current law, with no significant local additions.
BBE Local — Board Members Authority
- Discussion about individual board member authority vs. collective board action.
- General counsel clarified this prevents individual board members from taking action or speaking on behalf of the board without authorization.
- Discussion about delegation of authority to the board president (e.g., setting the agenda, speaking to media).
- Trustee Dawson requested clarity on where existing delegation policies reside — staff to follow up.
CAA Local — Fiscal Management Goals/Financial Ethics
- Requires disclosure of certain federal criminal law violations in connection with federal awards.
- Trustee noted the legal reference tab on the website appears empty for this policy — staff to investigate.
CDA Local — Other Revenues and Investments
- Ensures district funds are invested in accordance with the Public Funds Investment Act.
- Dr. Vinson noted CISD is conservative in its investment approach (TexPool, etc.).
CQB Local — Technology Resources/Cyber Security
- Requires cyber security training for employees.
- Confirmed the district's cyber security coordinator is in place.
DH Local — Employee Standards of Conduct
- Updates language regarding vaping, e-cigarettes, and nicotine products to apply to all employees and service providers (not just educators).
- Discussion about whether Zyn pouches (nicotine but no tobacco) would be covered — determined they would be as a "nicotine product."
EHB Local — Special Programs (Curriculum Design)
- Language cleanup related to dyslexia moving from a condition to special education.
- Trustee identified a potential grammatical error ("The district shall comply with all state students...") — staff to review and correct if needed.
EHB Local — Gifted and Talented Students
- Language changes: "identification" replaces "assessment"; "placement" replaces "selection."
- Added exit provisions and appeals process language.
- Funding provision updated: state provides 5% and district may spend 100% (previously more restricted).
GKA Local — Community Relations/Conduct on School Premises
- Updates regarding advertising consistency with district values.
- Adds e-cigarette/vaporizer devices to prohibited items on premises.
- Trustee noted inconsistency: Previous policy (DH) uses "nicotine" while this uses "tobacco." Requested language be made consistent — Dr. Vinson to research and update for second reading.
GKB Local — Community Relations/Advertising and Fundraising
- Commercial advertising in district facilities must be consistent with district values.
Note: Policy CY was in the board packet but was deferred to a future reading (not discussed at this meeting).
Closed Session
Board entered closed session at 8:46 PM under Texas Government Code sections 551.071, 551.072, and 551.074. Returned to open session at 9:57 PM. No final action was taken in closed session.
Action Items from Closed Session
A. Attorney General Representation
Motion to approve representation by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in the matter of Roxanne Cribbs Ringer et al. v. Conroe ISD et al.
VOTE: Approved 7-0
B. Proposed Termination — Darby Brady
Motion to approve the superintendent's recommendation to propose termination for good cause and authorize notice proposing mid-contract termination of employment contract of Darby Brady.
VOTE: Approved 7-0
C. Proposed Termination — Angela Gallard
Motion to approve the superintendent's recommendation to propose termination for good cause and authorize notice proposing mid-contract termination of employment contract of Angela Gallard.
VOTE: Approved 7-0
Future Agenda Item Requests
- Trustee: Construction update for next meeting, specifically regarding Conroe High School (completion timeline) and Washington. Requested updated video.
- Trustee: Facilities policy (previously emailed; confirmed already on upcoming agenda by Board President).
- Board President confirmed items from Trustee Nelson are also noted.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 PM.
Summary of All Votes
| Item | Motion | Vote |
|------|--------|------|
| Consent Agenda (A-H) | Approve as presented | 7-0 |
| Virtual School Mascot & Colors | Adopt Owls / Navy-Carolina Blue-White | 7-0 |
| Dr. Landry Deputy Superintendent Contract | Amend contract | 7-0 |
| Board Policies (batch: BD, DGBA, DFA, EA, FA, FL, FN, FNG, GF) | Adopt as presented (2nd reading) | 7-0 |
| Policy EM Local (Controversial Issues) | Adopt as presented (2nd reading) | 7-0 |
| Policy FFB Local (Threat Assessment) | Adopt as presented (2nd reading) | 7-0 |
| AG Representation (Ringer v. Conroe ISD) | Approve | 7-0 |
| Termination — Darby Brady | Approve recommendation | 7-0 |
| Termination — Angela Gallard | Approve recommendation | 7-0 |
Items Deferred/Noted
- Policy CY — Deferred to future reading (not discussed)
- 2026-2027 School Calendar — Informational only; survey coming November 3–11; target approval January 20, 2026
- Math Instructional Materials — Informational only; year-long selection process underway
- First reading policies (BBE, CAA, CDA, CQB, DH, EHB×2, GKA, GKB) — Discussion only; will return for second reading/adoption at future meeting
⚑ Items to Watch
- Blue Bonnet ELA curriculum concerns — Four public speakers criticized the curriculum's academic quality, adoption process, and implementation challenges (e.g., Bible content bound into readers requiring physical modification for opt-outs). Multiple speakers urged the board to pause further Blue Bonnet rollouts and commission an independent review. Worth monitoring whether the board responds to these concerns at future meetings.
- Policy EM Local (Teaching About Controversial Issues) — Adopted 7-0, but drew public comment objecting to undefined terms ("unpatriotic or anti-American sentiments") and a new "prohibited terms" section. The superintendent is tasked with defining implementation procedures; constituents may wish to monitor how these terms are operationalized.
- Math Instructional Materials selection process — A year-long process is underway to select K-12 math curriculum. Blue Bonnet Math is among the options. Given public concern about the Blue Bonnet ELA experience, the math adoption process will likely draw significant community attention.
- Policy CY deferred — Was in the board packet but not discussed; deferred to a future meeting with no explanation provided.
- Two employee terminations approved — Mid-contract terminations of Darby Brady and Angela Gallard approved 7-0. No public details on cause provided (closed session matter).
- Litigation: Ringer v. Conroe ISD — Board approved Attorney General representation in this case; no details on the nature of the lawsuit were discussed in open session.
- Policy language inconsistency flagged — Trustee noted DH Local uses "nicotine" while GKA Local uses "tobacco"; Dr. Vinson committed to reconciling the language before second reading. Worth confirming at the next meeting.
- 2026-2027 School Calendar — Community survey planned for November 3–11; board target for approval is January 20, 2026. Parents should watch for the survey opportunity.
- New funding for instructional materials (~$9.2 million) — Significant new state funding available through HQIM and OEER entitlements under HB 1605. How these funds are allocated across materials will be a significant spending decision.