July 21, 2026 — Regular Meeting

Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees — Regular Meeting

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Conroe ISD Board of Trustees – Unofficial Meeting Notes

Date: July 21, 2026

Type: Regular Meeting

Time: Called to order 5:02 PM; Adjourned 9:29 PM

Meeting Highlights

Summary generated 2026-07-22 14:13 UTC

The board approved the consent agenda 7–0, including a joint election agreement with Montgomery County for the November 3, 2026 CISD Trustee General Election, three vendor RFPs, and final adoption of nine local policies (CJ, CKC, DBAA, DEC, DH, DP, EHBAB, FO, and FOA).
The board tabled two interlocal agreements with HCDE — one for music therapy and one for the ABS West behavioral program — until the August 4 special meeting, passing 4–3; the combined estimated cost is approximately $622,000 for an anticipated 20 students in 2026–27.
The board approved the hazardous traffic conditions resolution for 2026–27 (7–0) and directed staff to research and report by August on all comparable intersections district-wide, including accident history and route cost data; each new hazardous route designation costs approximately $107,000.
Policy CH (Local) Purchasing and Acquisition was adopted on second read 6–0, retaining the "non-routine purchase" notification framework rather than restoring a fixed prior-approval dollar threshold.
The board approved a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Conroe ISD Education Foundation as an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit following the Blair Law Firm's withdrawal after more than two decades of oversight (7–0).
The board approved resolutions to enter TxDOT agreements for turn lane improvements at Fowler Intermediate ($27,200.48) and three traffic signals at Timbermill High School ($63,266.67), both 7–0.
The board received first reads — with no votes taken — on new or revised policies covering capital projects/construction oversight (CV), library materials (EFB), and a Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC); all return for second reads after requested edits.
The board received informational reports on the 2025–26 SHAC annual report and the district's draft legislative priorities for the 90th Texas Legislature, including a $27.56 million annual transportation deficit and an approximately $30 million annual special education funding gap.

Open Session & Preliminary Business

The board entered open session at 6:50 PM following a closed session (convened at approximately 5:02 PM) pursuant to Texas Government Code §551.074 (personnel matters) and §551.071 (consultation with attorney). No action was taken as a result of closed session.

Citizen Participation

Six speakers addressed the board:

Ryan Tsamouris (SHAC parent co-chair) highlighted the 2025–26 SHAC's accomplishments, including 72 members, five public meetings, approximately 35 subcommittee meetings, multiple surveys, and five detailed reports covering mental health/suicide prevention, e-bike safety, teacher wellness, student environmental health, and digital wellness. He recommended the board provide the SHAC with specific priorities at the start of each year.

Patricia Monticello Kievlan (SHAC e-bike subcommittee chair, Bike the Woodlands board member) urged the board to act on the e-bike safety report before the new school year, noting recommendations for a district education campaign, promotion of existing bike safety programs, and a campus-level policy empowering schools to make their own decisions about these devices. She expressed regret that tonight's agenda item was informational only with no action.

Wayan Harter Ley (SEPAC co-chair) spoke in support of the first reading of the SEPAC board policy, outlining plans for quarterly meetings, district-wide representation, KPI development, and year-end surveys to measure effectiveness.

Lorraine Rice (community member) expressed gratitude for the board and administration, called for pay increases for teachers and support staff, and pledged continued community prayer for district campuses.

Crystal Iker (SEPAC co-chair, special education parent) spoke in support of the SEPAC policy, emphasizing that codifying the council in board policy makes it a permanent structural commitment that will survive changes in board and leadership.

Phil Martin (municipal finance adviser, CISD parent) raised concerns about Policy CH (Policy Tracker), arguing that February 2026 changes removed a meaningful board approval threshold and replaced it with notification, shifting accountability away from elected trustees. He asked the board to restore a prior-approval threshold, require documentation of after-the-fact exceptions, publish a clear delegation of authority framework, and provide regular public vendor spending reports.

Consent Agenda

Items V.G (interlocal agreement with HCDE for music therapy), V.H (interlocal agreement with HCDE for ABS West), V.K (hazardous traffic conditions resolution), and V.O (Policy CH second read) were pulled for separate discussion. The remaining consent agenda items were approved unanimously 7–0:

V.A – Approve minutes from previous meeting
V.B – Approve amendment to the budget
V.C – Receive HR report and approve employment of professional personnel
V.D – Receive financial reports
V.E – Approve joint election agreement with Montgomery County and adopt early voting dates, times, locations, and Election Day polling locations for the November 3, 2026, CISD Trustee General Election
V.F – Approve resolution designating non-business days for 2027 and 2028 calendar years per Texas Government Code §552.0031
V.I – Approve interlocal agreement with TMLIRP for retired peace officer critical illness coverage per HB 4144 and authorize the Superintendent to execute documents
V.J – Approve annual recommendations for SBOE Certification Professional Development Clearinghouse for 2026–27
V.L – Approve RFP# 25-05-01 Tree Removal Services and authorize Superintendent to make purchases per Policy CH (Policy Tracker)
V.M – Approve RFP# 26-03-02 Property, Boiler & Machinery, Crime Insurance and authorize Superintendent to make purchase per Policy CH (Policy Tracker)
V.N – Approve RFP# 26-04-02 Building & Welding Materials, Tools, Hardware & Supplies and authorize Superintendent to make purchases per Policy CH (Policy Tracker)
V.P – Second read and final adoption of Policy CJ (Local) Contracted Services (Policy Tracker)
V.Q – Second read and final adoption of Policy CKC (Local) Emergency Plans (Policy Tracker)
V.R – Second read and final adoption of Policy DBAA (Local) Pre-Employment Reviews (Policy Tracker)
V.S – Second read and final adoption of Policy DEC (Local) Leaves and Absences (Policy Tracker)
V.T – Second read and final adoption of Policy DH (Local) Employee Standards of Conduct (Policy Tracker)
V.U – Second read and final adoption of Policy DP (Local) Personnel Positions (Policy Tracker)
V.V – Second read and final adoption of Policy EHBAB (Local) ARD Committee and IEP (Policy Tracker)
V.W – Second read and final adoption of Policy FO (Local) Student Discipline (Policy Tracker)
V.X – Second read and final adoption of Policy FOA (Local) Student Discipline: Removal by Teacher or Bus Driver (Policy Tracker)

Pulled Consent Items

V.G & V.H — Interlocal Agreements with Harris County Department of Education (HCDE)

(Tabled – pulled by Trustee Dungan; V.H also discussed by Trustee Gambino)

Trustee Dungan explained that these agreements—one for music therapy services and one for the Academic Behavior School (ABS) West program for students with intensive behavioral needs—had never previously come before the board for a formal vote, despite being in place for multiple years.

Key discussion points:

The district confirmed that comparable services are not available within Montgomery County, making HCDE the current sole option.
An estimated 20 students are anticipated to receive services under these two agreements in 2026–27, at a combined estimated cost of approximately $622,000, or roughly $33,000 per student.
Trustee Dungan noted concern that the cost significantly exceeds typical per-student expenditures, and that the arrangement has lacked transparency.
Trustee Gambino noted that ABS West is approximately 45 minutes from the district and asked why a closer option does not exist.
Regarding V.H specifically, Trustee Gambino flagged contract language indicating that HCDE may terminate the agreement without refunding CISD's prepaid fees, and that CISD also cannot recoup funds if it terminates. The contract requires 100% payment of $622,000 in September 2026.
Dr. Vinson acknowledged the services are federally mandated under IDEA and cannot be discontinued. He described similar situations from personal experience and noted the difficulty of staffing specialized services.
Multiple trustees called for these costs to be elevated as a legislative priority at both the state and federal levels, with Trustee Dungan emphasizing that mandated services must be funded.
Because services begin in September, not August, trustees determined tabling until August 4th would not disrupt students.

Motion to table items G and H until the August 4th special meeting: Passed 4–3.

Items G and H will return to the August 4, 2026 board agenda.

V.K — Hazardous Traffic Conditions Resolution for 2026–27

(Pulled by Trustee Horton)

Trustee Horton proposed adding two locations to the district's annual hazardous traffic condition designations:

1. Woodlands Parkway at Branch Crossing (45 mph, four lanes, serving K–6 students)

2. Branch Crossing at Craftwood (35 mph, single stop sign, temporary stop signs required)

She argued these locations are comparable to already-designated areas elsewhere in the district (e.g., near Snyder) and called for consistency in student safety protections.

Key discussion points:

Transportation Director Juan Belindes and Assistant Superintendent Robert Mccord explained that designating an area as hazardous triggers bus service eligibility under Education Code §48.151, though students may still elect other transportation.
The district has over 100 crossing guards; staffing them is increasingly difficult.
Each added hazardous route costs approximately $107,000. The district already operates at a $27.56 million annual transportation deficit overall, with approximately $2.5 million deficit for hazardous routes alone, and has exceeded the state's 10% hazardous route reimbursement cap.
An estimated 10 or more intersections across the district may be similarly situated, per McCord's estimate.
TEA was contacted to clarify whether the board could designate specific locations without designating all similar ones; TEA had not yet responded.
Trustees raised concerns about researching all similar intersections, understanding actual ridership demand, and whether a full new route would be needed (McCord indicated one of the affected subdivisions already has partial bus coverage).
Robin Hancock, 30-year routing director, was recognized for her work on the district's routing systems.

Motion (as amended by Trustee Horton): Approve the hazardous traffic conditions resolution as presented by the district and direct the district to research and report on ensuring every student in the district has a safe route to school (whether by bus or crossing guard), including data on comparable intersections, accident history, and route cost analysis to be returned by the August board meeting.

Vote: Passed 7–0.

V.O — Policy CH (Local) Purchasing and Acquisition – Second Read

(Pulled by Trustee Horton)

Trustee Horton raised concerns that Policy CH (Policy Tracker) has appeared on board agendas six times in less than a year and that February 2026 revisions removed a clear prior-approval dollar threshold (previously $50,000) and replaced it with a "non-routine purchase" notification framework. She argued the definition of "non-routine" remains unclear, citing examples such as a $184,000 CrowdStrike purchase and $400,000 in cumulative audit contracts that passed through under the new language. She advocated for a clear threshold—such as $100,000—requiring affirmative board approval rather than notification.

District staff (CFO) explained the rationale: the prior policy's language conflicted with best practices already in place; a strict $100,000 threshold would require board approval for routine items like monthly electricity bills, potentially causing five-week delays. The non-routine framework was intended to provide transparency while preserving operational efficiency, with a mechanism for two or more trustees to escalate any item to the agenda.

After discussion, another trustee moved to adopt Policy CH as presented in the second read.

Motion: Adopt Policy CH (Local) as presented. Vote: Passed 6–0 (one trustee temporarily absent).

Administration – Human Resources

Recognition of New Principal

Dr. Vinson introduced Mrs. Shimona Eason as the new principal of Cryar Intermediate School. Mrs. Eason brings more than 21 years of experience in public education, including eight years as a campus principal. She is a 25-year resident and parent in CISD and has been recognized with multiple leadership awards. Family members were present and recognized.

Action Items

7.A — Conroe ISD Education Foundation Memorandum of Understanding

Presenter: Lindsay Ardoin

The Blair Law Firm, which had overseen the Education Foundation for more than two decades, announced last fall its decision to step away. Staff presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing the Education Foundation as an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit with its own governance, while defining its relationship with the district and ensuring all existing scholarship commitments are honored.

The board recognized Nelda Blair for her years of leadership and stewardship of the foundation, including a photo from her time as a Conroe High School student. Dr. Vinson and other foundation board members expressed support for the transition.

Motion: Approve the Education Foundation MOU as presented. Vote: Passed 7–0.

8.A — FM 1314 Roadway Improvements – Resolution for TxDOT Agreement (Fowler Intermediate)

The district presented a resolution to enter into an agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for engineering, oversight, and installation of turn lanes serving Fowler Intermediate (and the co-located Clark Intermediate) along FM 1314. The cost to the district—accounted for within the Fowler bond project—is $27,200.48. Once constructed and accepted by TxDOT, the state will maintain the infrastructure in perpetuity.

Motion: Approve the resolution. Vote: Passed 7–0.

8.B — Signal Light Improvements – Resolution for TxDOT Agreement (Timbermill High School)

The district presented a resolution to enter into a TxDOT agreement for three traffic signal lights associated with the Timbermill High School project:

1. Excellence Avenue and FM 383 (Beach Airport Road)

2. North Loop 336 and Excellence Avenue

3. Main entrance signal on Loop 336 in front of Timbermill High School

Total cost to the district, from Timbermill project funds: $63,266.67.

Motion: Approve the resolution. Vote: Passed 7–0.

Informational / Receive-Only Items

7.B — 2025–26 SHAC Annual Report

(Receive only – no vote required)

Dr. Murrell presented the SHAC annual report on behalf of the council. SHAC members in attendance were recognized and asked to stand. The board received the report and offered extended comments:

President Odenweller noted every trustee has been approached about motorized vehicle safety and confirmed action is underway: the Student Code of Conduct for 2026–27 will include explicit district-wide language on e-bikes (previously campus-by-campus), and safety education videos are being developed in partnership with The Woodlands Township.
Trustee May noted she regularly listens to SHAC meetings during her commute and is grateful for the depth of volunteer work.
Multiple trustees connected the e-bike issue to the hazardous routes discussion and suicide prevention as ongoing priorities.

7.C — Draft Legislative Priorities Outline and Timeline – 90th Texas Legislature

(Receive only – no vote required)

Dr. Hedith Upshaw presented the district's early strategic advocacy framework for the upcoming legislative session (convening January 2027). This is the first time CISD has pursued such a structured, proactive approach beginning this early in the cycle.

Top five identified priority areas (from input by staff, principals, and administrators):

1. Employee pay and staff retention

2. School funding (cost-based approach with data, not vague requests)

3. Student discipline – restoring local discretion under Chapter 37

4. Accountability reform – A–F ratings that reflect student growth holistically

5. Local school facility impact fees for fast-growing districts

Timeline: Trustee and community input meetings begin the week of July 21; legislators will be engaged this summer; priorities will be formally adopted by the board in fall 2026 before the pre-filing period in November.

Notable funding context presented:

Transportation: District operates at a $27.56 million annual deficit, receiving only 20–25% of actual transportation costs from the state.
Special Education: Current annual gap in funding is approximately $30 million. The 89th Legislature allocated $250 million statewide over the biennium for intensity-based special education funding (beginning in 2026–27), which the CFO estimated would yield approximately $2.5 million for CISD—far short of the gap.
The CFO explained that intensity-based funding data will be reported to the state by October–December 2026, with actual funding figures likely available by mid-to-late 2026–27 school year.

Discussion on Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA): Trustees raised concerns that TIA's data requirements are overly complex for non-tested subjects and called for state assistance in developing measurable frameworks that would allow more teachers to qualify. Staff noted a new TIA coordinator (Kristen Meeks) and an additional data analyst position have been added to expand the program, and that all CISD campuses will have some TIA participation under the pending 2026–27 application. The board also discussed potential implications if the State Board of Education limits national board certification as a TIA pathway.

Board Policy – First Readings

(No votes taken; trustees provided feedback for incorporation before second reads.)

Board Policy CV (Local) – Capital Projects / Construction Oversight

(New or substantially revised policy – first read)

Presented by President Odenweller with support from Trustee Gambino and district staff. The policy is intended to give the board visibility into major capital project decisions throughout the process rather than only at the final approval stage.

Key provisions as presented:

Projects with contracts over $2 million require board review and approval of the construction delivery method (e.g., CMAR, CSP) before going to bid.
Change orders over $500,000 on board-approved contracts require board approval; change orders under $500,000 do not, but the district must notify the board.
Change orders over $100,000 (representing 20% of the $500,000 threshold) on district-approved contracts require board notification.
The Superintendent will develop standardized reporting forms to provide trustees updates at key decision points.

Board feedback and requested edits:

Trustee Gambino noted a typographical error in the draft (approval contracting authority listed as $1,500,000 instead of $500,000); this has been corrected in the public-facing version.
Trustee Gambino requested cleaner organization: clearly state in each paragraph whether board approval or notification is required, and at what dollar amount, to avoid ambiguity between "board approved" and "district approved" contracts.
Multiple trustees requested that both a redlined version and a clean final version be provided for future policy reads.
District staff expressed no operational objections to the policy as presented and confirmed it is workable.

Board Policy EFB (Local) – Library Materials

(Revised policy – first read)

Ted Landry presented updates to the library materials policy, which has been under ongoing revision since 2022–23 as state law (including Senate Bill 13) and TEA guidance have evolved.

Key updates as presented:

Clarifies the superintendent's authority to create procedures for both acquisition and disposal of library materials (including seven pallets of books currently in the district warehouse awaiting disposal guidance).
Reinforces the two-year reconsideration period: a book that is kept cannot be re-challenged, and a book that is removed cannot be re-challenged, for two years. The effective date for the next possible challenge will now be listed explicitly.
Clarifies that board decisions on challenges are final during that two-year window.
Supports Destiny software (campus and classroom library cataloguing) and Bookmark software for organizing and sorting library lists, with parent notification when students check out books.
Classroom library cataloguing via Destiny Classroom Library Manager is underway; teachers may use scanning apps, camera, or ISBN uploads; campus principals may arrange substitutes or volunteer assistance to ease the workload.

Board feedback and requested edits:

Trustee Gambino raised a question about a provision related to HP900's vendor self-rating mechanism, which has been subject to a permanent injunction. General counsel noted the statute still requires the policy language pending resolution of ongoing litigation and agreed to research whether the injunction is fully settled before the second read.
Trustee Gambino also flagged a potential conflict between EFB referencing "other individuals as defined in CJ local" while CJ local uses the term "service provider"—requested alignment of terminology.
Trustee Gambino suggested creating a district-wide policy glossary for locally coined terms like "subject persons."
Trustee Gambino asked about digital collections (e.g., Sora app); staff confirmed digital/online materials are covered by EFB—language was moved from the definitions section to the body of the policy in this revision, not deleted.
A note on disposal of age-inappropriate materials: President Odenweller flagged that while the instructional materials policy allows for sale of removed items, the board likely would not want to sell materials removed under SB 13's age-inappropriate designation. This will be addressed before the second read.

Board Policy (New) – Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)

(New policy – first read)

Co-presented by Trustees Gambino and May. The SEPAC was established by unanimous board vote in February 2026; this policy would make it a permanent structural commitment codified in board policy.

Key provisions as presented:

SEPAC serves families of students receiving special education services and Section 504 services (Trustee Gambino requested 504 references be carried throughout the full policy).
Up to 15 voting members, appointed by the board; open to the broader community for general participation.
Voting members must be parents of current CISD students receiving special education or 504 services.
Requires open meetings, confidentiality protections, bylaws, and a dedicated public webpage.
SEPAC is advisory only; does not replace ARD processes, grievance procedures, or board/administrative authority.
The policy permits (but does not require) SEPAC to organize a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit for fundraising, provided it operates independently of CISD.

Board feedback and requested edits:

Add Section 504 references throughout, consistent with Trustee Gambino's intent that SEPAC serve both IDEA and 504 families.
Replace references to PTA/PTO with the correct policy language from GE (district affiliated school support organization) and GKD (campus affiliated facility user), as applicable.
Add language providing district and campus support through social media and newsletters.
In the voting member section, clarify that members must be parents of a current CISD student receiving special education or Section 504 services.
In the appointment/vacancy section, reference the bylaws for removal and vacancy procedures (consistent with how appointment is handled).
Trustee Gambino raised a question about how the potential 501(c)3 is classified and whether "operates independently" is appropriate if the board appoints SEPAC's leadership and the district provides resources; this will be examined further before the second read.
Trustee Gambino noted SEPAC is a new organizational type for the district—not quite a shack, PTO, or booster club—and suggested exploring whether GE and GKD should be updated to better define this category.

Adjournment

President Odenweller adjourned the meeting at 9:29 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.