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August 18, 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: August 18, 2026

Type: Regular Meeting

Time: Called to order 5:01 PM; Adjourned 11:21 PM

Meeting Highlights

Summary generated 2026-08-19 19:57 UTC

Call to Order & Opening

The board president called the meeting to order at 5:01 PM. Trustee Gambino delivered the invocation and Trustee Horton led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Closed Session

The board recessed into closed session at 5:04 PM pursuant to Texas Government Code §551.074 (personnel) and §551.071 (consultation with attorney regarding construction audits). The board reconvened in open session at 6:24 PM. No action was taken resulting from closed session. A previously noticed item regarding a superintendent recommendation concerning the resignation of Jennifer Masterson (and a proposed complaint to the state board) was noted as tabled and not discussed.

Citizen Participation

Nine speakers addressed the board on a range of topics:

Consent Agenda

Before the vote, Trustee Horton requested that items I (Policy CV), J (Policy EFB), and K (Policy FOFF) be pulled for separate discussion. No other items were pulled.

The board voted 7–0 to approve the remaining consent agenda items, which included:

Pulled Consent Items

V.I. Policy CV (Local): Facilities Construction — Second Read and Final Adoption (Policy Tracker)

Trustee Horton proposed an amendment that would require board approval (rather than notification) for change orders under $500,000 that exceed $100,000 on district-approved construction contracts. Discussion clarified that the policy as written requires the district to inform the board of change orders or combined change orders over $100,000, but does not require a vote.

Amendment vote: Trustee Horton moved to amend the language so that change orders on district-approved contracts exceeding $100,000 would require board approval. The motion was seconded. The amendment failed (vote not explicitly recorded but described as failing).

Subsequent discussion raised questions about whether the policy, as redrafted, represented a step back from the prior policy's $100,000 board approval threshold for construction contracts. Staff clarified that the policy pertains specifically to district-approved (not board-approved) contracts, typically covering routine maintenance projects, and that board-approved construction contracts already require board involvement regardless.

Final vote to adopt Policy CV as presented: 5–2. (Board approved with Trustee Horton and at least one other trustee opposed.)

V.J. Policy EFB (Local): Instructional Resources: Library Materials — Second Read and Final Adoption (Policy Tracker)

Trustee Horton moved to amend language on page 95 of the redlined copy. The existing text read that employees "shall check out all library materials only from the district or campus approved library systems and library catalog." She proposed changing "check out all" to "include only" to clarify that teachers may bring in their own compliant books rather than being required to physically check them out from the school library.

Amendment vote: 7–0 approved.

Trustee Semmler then raised concerns about classroom library books that lack ISBNs (e.g., early reader books, decodable readers) and how teachers can include them when they cannot be scanned. District staff (Hedith Upshaw) explained that books used for instruction fall under Policy EFA, not EFB; books set aside for student self-selection are EFB. Staff also noted they are actively working through the system to resolve pending ISBN mismatches, and that teachers can submit books without ISBNs for review through the acquisition process.

The board also discussed paperback vs. hardcover ISBN discrepancies and whether the system could automatically cross-reference editions. Staff acknowledged SB 13 requires approval by ISBN number, making this complex.

Final vote to adopt Policy EFB as amended: 7–0.

V.K. Policy FOFF (Local): Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) — Second Read and Final Adoption (Policy Tracker)

Trustee Semmler raised a concern about whether board members could serve as voting members of SEPAC in addition to the single designated ex-officio board representative described in Section C of the policy. Current language did not explicitly prohibit other trustees from joining as voting council members.

Amendment: The board voted to add language to Section A (voting council members) stating: "No Conroe ISD school board member shall serve on the council other than pursuant to C of this section." Vote: 7–0.

Final vote to adopt Policy FOFF as amended: 7–0.

President Odenweller noted that the SEPAC effort had been approximately two years in the making and called it "a pretty big day for special education."

Administration Reports

A. Athletic Programs Update

Dr. Murrell and Athletic Director Chris Ferris presented findings from a comprehensive review of the district's athletic department conducted by the Dosentis Group. The review covered all campuses and included interviews with athletic coordinators, coaches, student athletes, and secretaries, as well as surveys.

Key findings and strategic priorities identified:

Dr. Murrell noted that the review also identified a need to examine campus scorecards measuring participation, growth, and other factors—not just wins.

Trustees raised concerns about equity versus equality across campuses of varying sizes, the sustainability of booster club reliance, and the need for a long-term plan with incremental funding goals. Dr. Vinson noted that the review provides a data-driven pathway and vision rather than a single individual's decision.

This was an informational presentation; no board vote was taken.

B. SHAC Membership for 2026–2027

Dr. Murrell presented two options for the 2026–2027 School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) membership. A total of 61 applications were received (37 parents, 15 district employees, 7 community members, 2 high school students). The membership committee reviewed applications for prior service, feeder zone balance, and compliance with the 60% parent composition requirement in the SHAC bylaws.

Trustees noted that Katy Creek feeder zone had no applicants, a recurring challenge attributed to geography and work schedule constraints. Staff noted the board no longer appoints specific SHAC members under the current bylaws (approved by this board early in its term); membership is determined through the application process and presented to the board for approval.

Vote to approve Option 1 (including 2 student members): 7–0.

C. Campbell Elementary School Access and Maintenance Easement

Mr. Foster presented a request to approve an access and maintenance easement agreement with the Evergreen Community Association. The association requested the ability to maintain streetscape landscaping (plants, irrigation) along Stone Crest and Adventure Ridge—the two streets bordering Campbell Elementary—at no cost to the district. If the association ceases maintenance, the district's existing operations would resume.

Vote: 7–0 approved. The board also delegated authority to the superintendent to negotiate and execute related documents.

D. House Bill 3 — Armed Security Good Cause Exemption

Ted Landry presented a request for the board to adopt a resolution declaring a "good cause" exemption from the HB 3 requirement for armed security personnel on every campus during the instructional day. The district has budgeted and allocated positions but currently lacks sufficient qualified candidates. The vetting and training process for campus police officers is extensive (including a 10-week field training period before solo deployment). Three new campuses opened this year, and retirements occurred over the summer. Ten applicants are currently in the candidate pool at various stages of the hiring process, with additional officers expected to be deployed in the coming weeks.

Vote: 7–0 approved.

The board then took a recess from 8:13 PM to approximately 8:23 PM.

Academic Programs & Instruction

2026 STAAR Results (Grades 3–8 and End-of-Course) Presentation

President Odenweller opened this section with a statement defending the staff involved in the Bluebonnet ELA curriculum rollout, acknowledging implementation challenges while noting the curriculum was state-mandated to comply with new literacy law requirements. She asked staff and others involved in the curriculum implementation to stand and be recognized, and invited the public to thank them.

Ted Landry and Executive Director of School Improvement Melinda Stewart presented the district's 2026 accountability and student performance data.

District-Level Accountability:

Campus Milestones:

Accountability Designations (Domain 3 — Closing the Gaps):

Staff noted all four newly CSI-designated campuses are also Title I funded campuses.

Elementary Performance vs. Peers:

Intermediate Performance:

Junior High Performance:

High School / End-of-Course:

Strategic Initiatives Underway:

Trustee Discussion Highlights:

This was an informational presentation; no board vote was taken.

Math Curriculum Implementation Update

Darren Carlile presented an update on the district's newly adopted mathematics instructional materials (adopted by the board in March 2026):

Adopted Materials:

Guiding Coalition: 124 total members including 40 randomly selected teachers, 75 campus-appointed teacher contacts, campus administrators, math leads, and a math interventionist. The coalition's role this year shifts from selection support to facilitating campus-level implementation, feedback, and communication.

Summer Training Completed:

Monitoring Dashboard: A four-phase implementation dashboard has been created:

Trustees expressed strong support, particularly for the guiding coalition model, the trainer-of-trainers approach, and the formal monitoring and escalation process. Trustee Gambino noted this sets a standard for all future curriculum adoptions. Trustee Dawson asked about screen time, and staff confirmed that roughly 75–80% of each lesson in grades K–6 is intended to be conducted with paper and pencil (steps 1–3 of the four-step lesson structure); digital use is primarily in step 4 (differentiation). Trustee Horton requested more emphasis on parent partnership resources, and staff noted that each unit includes a QR code with parent-facing videos.

This was an informational presentation; no board vote was taken.

Public Hearing — Proposed 2026–2027 Budget and Tax Rate

The board recessed at approximately 10:10 PM and reconvened the public hearing at 10:19 PM.

CFO Karen Garza presented the proposed 2026–2027 budget and tax rate. No members of the public registered to speak during the public hearing.

Key Budget Assumptions:

Budget Highlights:

Debt Service:

Tax Rate Discussion:

Trustees engaged in extended discussion about a late change: the administration had previously recommended transferring the state-mandated M&O compression savings (approximately a quarter of a penny, generating ~$1.4 million) to the debt service rate (keeping the overall rate flat). The final recommendation presented was to let the compression play out as a rate decrease and not shift it to debt service.

Trustees were divided. Some argued the savings should pass to taxpayers as the state intended; others argued that deferring the debt service adjustment creates a larger problem in 2027–28. The majority supported the final recommendation. It was noted that the quarter-cent shift can only be used for debt service, not for raises or operational expenses.

President Odenweller noted that before the final tax rate vote, state law requires the board to acknowledge that the proposed rate of $0.9471 represents an effectively 2.59% increase in the tax rate due to property value growth, even though the nominal rate decreased by $0.0025.

Vote to adopt the 2026–2027 official budget: 7–0.

Vote to adopt the 2026–2027 tax rate (M&O: $0.6671; Debt Service: $0.28; Total: $0.9471): 5–2.

Business & Finance Items

Montgomery County Appraisal District (MCAD) Budget Discussion

CFO Garza provided context: Conroe ISD is the largest taxing entity in Montgomery County, bearing approximately 26% of MCAD's budget (about $5 million annually). MCAD's proposed budget (July 8) included a 5.51% increase with 3.5% merit raises and 18 new positions. Following feedback from the City of Conroe and the MCAD board, a revised budget was presented removing raises and two positions (about 2.83% increase). That revised budget was tabled by the MCAD board on August 13 until September 9.

President Odenweller noted concerns from Commissioner's Court, the tax collector, and the district about MCAD's operations, including missed notification deadlines, late budget delivery, and a backlog of properties not on the tax roll. She also noted the district invested approximately $1 million in software for MCAD several years ago and has not seen a clear return. The board expressed support for MCAD addressing these concerns.

Informational discussion only; no board vote was taken.

RFP 260502 — Kitchen Supplies and Equipment

Mr. Brousard presented this annual bid for kitchen supplies and equipment (136 line items), primarily for Child Nutrition but also available for culinary programs.

Vote: 7–0 approved.

RFP 260503 — New and Used Vehicles

Mr. Brousard presented an annual bid for 15 specified vehicles. Budget of $1.2 million is allocated; total requests exceeded budget, so vehicles will be distributed equitably based on available funds. Board discussion raised the need for a long-term vehicle replacement/obsolescence plan rather than annual ad hoc allocations.

Vote: 7–0 approved.

RFP 260504 — AC Filter Media

A three-year bid for HVAC air filters, evaluated through sample review by the maintenance department. President Odenweller noted the item was pulled from consent specifically to clarify the title ("filter media") was not related to filtering news media.

Vote: 7–0 approved.

RFP 260501 — Construction Consultation, Program Management, Auditing, and Related Services

This bid was issued at the request of the board of trustees to establish a pool of qualified construction-related firms for district use.

Vote: 7–0 approved.

Planning & Construction

Natatorium Renovation Project — Acceptance as Complete

Mr. Foster presented the 2025 natatorium and stadium renovation project (originally approved February 2025 with Nash Construction). Work included pool refinishing, stainless steel pool deck equipment, pool coping, boys locker room, admin area, and stadium lights at Woodforest Bank Stadium and Moorhead Stadium.

Per Policy CV Local, projects over $500,000 must come to the board for acceptance upon completion.

Vote: 7–0 approved.

Resource Center Renovation Project — Construction Delivery Method Approval

Mr. Foster requested board approval to use Job Order Contracting (JOC) as the delivery method for renovations at 3500 West Davis (the "Resource Place" retail center purchased in 2025). The project will renovate a portion of the building to house the Special Education department (currently at Sadler), freeing up Sadler for additional warehouse and storage space.

Vote: 7–0 approved.

Trustee Conferences and Training

Trustee Semmler raised concerns about inconsistent application of an undocumented expectation that trustee conference and training expenses require prior board approval. She noted several past trustee expenses (TE conference, EISO student outcomes training, Roberts Rules training) that were not brought to a board vote, while her request to attend TASBY EdCon was directed to go on the agenda.

She asked the board to formally clarify or amend policy to: (1) define what requires prior board approval, (2) address purchases from already-approved vendors, and (3) apply the standard consistently across all trustees.

Trustees were divided on whether this merited board discussion. President Odenweller acknowledged she had told Trustee Semmler the item needed to be on the agenda, though she had not required a board vote. Other trustees expressed frustration at the length of discussion.

No vote was taken. No formal policy change was made. President Odenweller indicated procedures could be put in writing going forward.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 11:21 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.