November 18, 2025 — Regular Meeting
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Conroe ISD Board Meeting — 2025-11-18
Regular Meeting — Unofficial Notes
Based on auto-generated transcript. Not an official record.
Generated 2026-03-28 19:21 UTC
Unofficial Meeting Notes
Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting — November 18, 2025
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.
Board Members Present
A quorum was confirmed present. Seven board members participated in all votes (all motions carried 7-0). Trustees mentioned by name: Odenweller (President), Nelson, Dungan, Dawson, Semmler, and others.
Workshop: Employee Health Insurance Plan
Background
- CISD operates a self-funded employee health insurance program covering 6,300+ employees and 4,000 dependents.
- Financial performance has significantly declined over the past 18 months.
Key Financial Data
- FY 2024-25 Plan Performance: Revenue of $55.8M vs. expenditures of $70M = $14.2M deficit
- After applying existing fund balance of ~$7.8M and a proposed $7M general fund transfer, the plan will have only $500,000 in reserves (recommended reserve level: 20-25% of expenditures, or ~$14-17.5M).
- Major cost drivers:
- Large claimants up 60 (from 199 to 259, a 50.7% increase)
- Cancer-related claims up 37.2%
- Circulatory (heart disease) claims up 69.6%
- Pharmacy costs up 27.6% (driven by specialty and GLP-1 medications)
2025-26 Reforecast
- Original projection: $3.5M deficit
- Updated projection: $8.8M deficit
- Premium and plan design changes were made in April but intentionally did not close the full gap.
2026-27 Projection
- Assuming no changes: $14.1M projected deficit
Recommendation: Transition to TRS ActiveCare
Administration and consultants (Gallagher — Brian Lopez and Derek Eeko) recommended transitioning to TRS ActiveCare, effective September 1, 2026.
Key points about TRS ActiveCare:
- Administered by Teacher Retirement System of Texas
- ~430,000 participants; ~1,000 school districts (~80% of Texas districts)
- Three plan options: Primary, Primary Plus, and High Deductible
- Currently on the same Blue Cross Blue Shield Essentials network CISD employees use
- TRS is currently out to bid on third-party administrators; results expected spring 2026
- District would essentially become "fully insured" — collecting premiums and sending to TRS with no district financial risk
- 10% premium increase cap guaranteed for first two years (new legislative provision)
- Historically, TRS Region 6 increases have been 7-8% annually
- Employees on Blue Premier plans would actually gain access to a larger statewide network
- Districts not on TRS do not benefit from state safety-net funding when TRS receives legislative subsidies
Consultants confirmed: This is a broad industry trend — trend levels are at the highest since 2016 (~9% combined medical/pharmacy). Other large districts (Klein ISD, Houston ISD mentioned) are experiencing similar challenges. Gallagher stated TRS represents a "sustainable future" and advocated for the transition despite losing CISD as a client.
Timeline:
- Board vote: November 18, 2025
- TRS notification/documentation: By December 31, 2025
- TRS RFP award: February 2026
- Employee communication campaign: Spring 2026
- Rates published: April/May 2026
- Summer enrollment
- Effective date: September 1, 2026
Board discussion highlights:
- Trustee asked about fully insured alternatives; consultants explained fully insured would be more expensive and subject to 30-40% annual increases after high-claims years
- Trustee asked about wellness and prevention initiatives; administration confirmed plans to redirect ~$300,000 in savings from an underutilized alternate plan toward wellness programs
- Trustee Nelson expressed initial concerns about TRS but was reassured by recent improvements and network continuity
- Trustee noted cancer (37.2%) and circulatory (69.6%) claim increases are highly concerning, beyond just the pharmacy/GLP-1 narrative
- Trustee Semmler emphasized this sounds like a positive — lower deductibles, same doctors, district exits the insurance business
Special Recognition
The Woodlands High School Tennis Team — UIL 6A State Champions
- Undefeated season: 19-0
- Won state semifinal 10-9 over Seven Lakes in a dramatic final match (girls singles)
- Won state final 10-9 in another dramatic comeback — down 9-7 with three matches left, won all three super tiebreakers
- Fabio Darto won the decisive match despite cramping
- Coach presented; President Odenweller praised the team's grit and historic achievement for the school
Citizen Participation (8 speakers)
Charlie Kirk Resolution (6 speakers opposed)
Multiple community members spoke against a proposed resolution honoring Charlie Kirk. Key themes:
- Chelsea Lara: Schools must remain nonpartisan; Kirk's conduct would violate district employee standards; no educational value
- Emma Hogan: Kirk is from Illinois, dropped out of community college, supported dismantling the Department of Education and vouchers
- Danell Cass: Schools are neutral territory; Kirk has attacked teachers and educators; resolution sends harmful message
- Alma Bhart: Spoke as a Christian grandmother; cited Kirk's statements minimizing gun deaths, racist remarks, and anti-civil rights positions
- Ashley Katrouvous: Curriculum should reflect critical thinking and inclusivity; Kirk was a college dropout and partisan activist
- Alistair Waters: Kirk attacked teachers as "brainwashers"; made disturbing comments about violence and racial minorities
- Adriana Ruiz: Read direct quotes from Kirk with racial and sexist content; time expired mid-statement
Note: President Odenweller clarified during citizen participation that the item is "not a day of remembrance." The specific nature of the resolution was not elaborated during the public session.
Other Speakers
- Nancy Parsley: Promoted HOME (Homeless Outreach Mentoring through Education), a 501(c)(3) supporting homeless and foster students in CISD; raised $30,000+; running Angel Tree for fifth year
- Stephen Ward Sr.: Requested to volunteer in robotics classes to demonstrate his patented energy-producing magnetic converter; asked for someone to contact him
- Linda Long: Shared personal encouragement to the board about character and leadership
- Brent Maddox: Homeschool parent; requested release of aggregated/anonymized NWEA MAP test data or allowing homeschoolers access to extracurricular activities; criticized the GT program; raised a concern about the student handbook food policy and a superintendent Facebook post
Administrative Announcement
December through March board meetings (December, January, February, March) will be held at the Jet Center.
Consent Agenda
VOTE: Approved 7-0
Administration Items
Attendance Boundary Committee Update (No Action Required)
Presented by Mr. McCord — second update on zoning for Casey Arnold K-6 Elementary (opening August 2026) and Grand Oaks Junior High (opening August 2027).
Key points:
- Recommendation expected in January 2026
- Committee includes majority parents, selected from 70+ volunteers two years ago; thanked for sustained service
- Casey Arnold Elementary: Located on Woodson Spring Drive; on track
- Grand Oaks Junior High: Southeast corner of Grand Oaks complex; 800-seat capacity with no room for portables
- Growth projections: Toll Brothers expects 1,300 more homes in Woodson's Reserve East; combined with Tristar development, approximately 900 additional students by 2029
- Future school site on "layaway" from Toll Brothers (16.5 acres)
- Two elementary zoning versions under consideration (C2.1 and C2.1.1) — difference is whether area B-57 (Paul Meadows) goes to Arnold or Bradley
- Two junior high versions (Scenario B and E2A) — difference is whether Rotts Landing (61 junior high students) goes to York or Grand Oaks
- 71 community feedback responses received; majority focused on elementary scenarios
- 75% community preference for three/four-day weekends over fall week off
- Access and detention capacity are primary drivers of development and zoning decisions
Intruder Detection Audit Report
- 23 audits conducted (random, unannounced by Region 6 for TEA)
- 22 out of 23 with no findings — zero findings in August, September, October
- 1 finding in November on one campus; already remediated per TEA requirements
- Specifics to be discussed in executive session and with safety committee
Conroe High School Construction Update
Presented by Mr. Foster with video.
Key details:
- Substantial completion date: August 3, 2026 (contractually established via change order)
- Original substantial completion was August 2025 — project extended approximately one year
- Duration increased from 54 months to 66 months
- $17.7M in total change orders over the project's life:
- Change Order 1 (November 2023): ~$10M — material escalations, supply chain issues, utility delays
- Change Order 2 (April 2025): $7.7M — approximately $3.5M for EdSpec compliance changes (board-approved January 2023), remainder for material escalations
- Root causes of delays: Concrete allocation issues (reduced from 1,600 yards/week to 400 yards/month), utility provider delays (6-month delay in getting power to Phase 1), and cumulative impacts
- Project has been underway since 2014 (design) / 2017 (construction); 21 individual board members and 3 superintendents have served during the project
- Liquidated damages exist in the contract for missed deadlines
- Thanksgiving break: Power shutdown to join all three buildings; full power restoration when students return
- Comparison: Conroe HS is a 704,000 sq ft building at $162M (renovation while occupied); Timber Mill HS is 740,000 sq ft at $38M (new construction)
- Next opening: January 2027 would be the fallback if August 2026 is missed (contractor committed to August)
- Board requested: original vs. updated schedule, culpability breakdown report, and quarterly construction updates
Trustee Nelson expressed strong desire to hold the August 3, 2026 date firm and enforce liquidated damages if missed.
Dr. Vinson stated plans to develop clear construction goals, plans, and objectives with the board in the spring, including lessons learned.
School Board Policy Implementation Update
- No new first readings this month; deferred to December
- Second readings proceeded (see Action Items below)
- Additional first readings planned for December
Teaching & Learning
2026-2027 School Calendar Update
Presented by administration; approximately 11,500 survey responses received.
Survey results:
- 87% satisfied with current calendar format (58% like it + 29% indifferent)
- 73% prefer mid-August start / late May end
- 93% preferred earlier start date (requires District of Innovation waiver)
- 82% want winter semester to end before break for finals/credit purposes
- 75% prefer three/four-day weekends over one fall week off
- 64% prefer spring break week of March 15-19
- 74% want a day off in April (10-week stretch from Easter to end of year)
- Staff preferred early release days at grading periods and staff development near holidays
Two calendar versions under consideration:
- Calendar A variants: Three/four-day weekend options
- Calendar B variants: Week off in October options
Next steps: Second community survey with narrowed options; district committee review in January; board decision targeted for January.
Trustee Odenweller recommended exploring withdrawal from allowing schools to be used as election sites to avoid redundant long weekends (this year had two four-day weekends within three weeks due to elections). Dr. Vinson noted this had been done ~10 years ago for safety reasons and would be reviewed again.
Discussion about fall break vs. long weekends noted concerns about working parents and economically disadvantaged families finding childcare for a full week.
Action Items — Votes
8A. Transfer of $7M from General Fund to Health Fund
VOTE: Approved 7-0
8B. Transition to TRS ActiveCare
Transition from self-funded plan to TRS ActiveCare effective September 1, 2026.
VOTE: Approved 7-0
9A. Construction Manager at Risk — San Jacinto & Rice Elementary
Selected Pogue Construction as best value (gym additions and major renovation at San Jacinto; gym addition at Rice). Nine companies responded to RFQ; five shortlisted.
VOTE: Approved 7-0
9B. Construction Manager at Risk — David & Galatas Elementary
Selected Nash Construction as best value (gym additions and critical infrastructure improvements). Ten companies responded; five shortlisted.
VOTE: Approved 7-0
10. Enforcement of Board Policy CY Local — Intellectual Property
Motion to formally enforce existing policy regarding district logos and branding; administration will review vendors/organizations currently using logos and contact those without written agreements.
VOTE: Approved 7-0
MCAD Board of Directors Vote
Board cast all 688 votes for Charles Shirley for a four-year term on the Montgomery County Central Appraisal District Board of Directors.
VOTE: Approved 7-0
11. Board Policy Second Readings
Amendment to EHB Local: Insert the word "rules" after "state" (referencing State Board of Education rules on dyslexia education).
VOTE on amendment: Approved 7-0
VOTE on EHB as amended: Approved 7-0
⚠️ TABLED: GKA Local — Tabled until definitions regarding tobacco, caffeine, and nicotine can be clarified; to return with enforceable language.
VOTE to table: Approved 7-0
Remaining policies approved as a group: BBE, CA, CDA, CQB, EHB, GKB (all local).
VOTE: Approved 7-0
Closed Session
Board entered closed session at 7:55 PM under Texas Government Code sections 551.071, 551.072, and 551.074.
Board returned to open session at 11:13 PM.
Action Items from Closed Session
Level Three Grievance Hearing
Motion to reinstate employee Tim Bar, subject to assignment by the superintendent.
VOTE: Approved 7-0
Trustee Dawson stated she has "no tolerance for students assaulting any of our staff" and wants policy and handbook changes to give bus drivers authority over whether students can ride the bus, citing safety concerns.
Trustee (unidentified) added that special education referrals involving violence should go directly to school administration and to ARD committee for solutions.
Conroe ISD Education Foundation
Motion to allow the superintendent to prepare and file a charter for a new Conroe ISD Education Foundation, prepare draft bylaws in consultation with trustees, and negotiate a transition plan with the existing foundation.
VOTE: Approved 7-0
Board members thanked the existing foundation for 20+ years of service. President Odenweller noted the foundation had proposed this transition to the board.
Contract Termination
Motion to terminate the probationary contract of Darby Brady for good cause.
VOTE: Approved 7-0
(This was the final action following a proposed termination from the prior month's meeting.)
Future Agenda Items Noted
- GKA Local (tabled — nicotine/tobacco definitions)
- GKD Local and FM Local — policy work in progress
- Policies requested by Trustee Dawson (bus driver authority / student violence)
- Handbook revision regarding student conduct on buses
- Construction goals, plans, and objectives (spring 2026)
- Lessons learned report from Conroe High School construction project
- Quarterly construction updates requested
Meeting Adjourned
11:20 PM
⚑ Items to Watch
- $7M general fund transfer to health fund — significant use of reserves to cover insurance deficit; health plan reserves will drop to ~$500K against a recommended $14-17.5M level
- Transition to TRS ActiveCare (effective September 1, 2026) — major change affecting all 6,300+ employees and 4,000 dependents; employee communication campaign planned for spring 2026; rates not yet published
- Charlie Kirk resolution — generated significant public opposition (6 of 8 speakers); resolution details not fully disclosed during public session; merits continued monitoring
- GKA Local policy tabled — definitions around tobacco, caffeine, and nicotine need clarification before return to the board
- Conroe High School construction — $17.7M in change orders; project delayed approximately one year; August 3, 2026 completion date is contractually firm; board requested culpability breakdown and quarterly updates; liquidated damages may be enforced
- Attendance boundary changes — zoning for Casey Arnold Elementary (August 2026) and Grand Oaks Junior High (August 2027); recommendation expected January 2026; affects families in multiple developing neighborhoods
- New Conroe ISD Education Foundation — board authorized superintendent to charter a new foundation and negotiate transition from existing organization; bylaws and governance structure still to be developed
- Probationary contract termination (Darby Brady) — approved 7-0 following prior month's proposed action
- Employee reinstatement (Tim Bar) — grievance resolved with reinstatement; Trustee Dawson's comments signal potential policy changes regarding student assaults on staff and bus driver authority
- 2026-2027 school calendar — second survey forthcoming; board decision targeted for January; discussion of removing schools as election sites may affect voter access
- Enforcement of intellectual property policy (CY Local) — district will audit vendors/organizations currently using CISD logos without written agreements