Conroe ISD trustee questions contract

Conroe ISD is continuing with a program to keep students in school by providing site coordinators at 16 campuses but a school board trustee is questioning the district’s contract and potential risks.

Communities in Schools is a national organization coordinated at the state level. The Texas Education Agency works with districts to facilitate the program, according to information from Conroe ISD.

At-risk students have a higher probability of failing academically or dropping out of school for several reasons including homelessness, incarceration, teenage pregnancy, low test scores and disciplinary problems.

The program addresses many situations such as the district’s Backpack Buddy, which provides food for students, attendance incentives and even home visits when needed.

While the board supported the program, trustee Misty Odenweller questioned at the Sept. 19 school board meeting if the contract protects the district from lawsuits.

“In checking with outside counsel and district counsel, we are open to a lot of liability based on the contract,” Odenweller said.

The contract does address the organization compensating the district for legal costs due to any lawsuits related to the program but that clause should be strengthened to protect the district, Odenweller said.

“It doesn’t explicitly state it would defend any counselors, board members, administration, principals or anyone else that could be sued,” Odenweller said.

Carrie Galatas, counsel for the school district, said she reviewed the contract and said the district is protected.

“We would provide our own defense if there was a lawsuit and seek indemnification for costs from (Communities In Schools),” Galatas said.

Tamika Taylor, assistant superintendent of Student Support Services, said there have been no lawsuits related to the contract.

“Conroe ISD has collaborated with Communities in Schools for over a decade,” Taylor said of the program the district joined in 2006. “We believe the program is a worthwhile investment for our students.”

Taylor said campuses are selected for the program based on its at-risk population.

For 2024, the organization will provide coordinators at Conroe High, Conroe 9th Grade, Veterans Memorial Intermediate, Peet Jr. High, Cryar Intermediate, Wilkerson Intermediate, Caney Creek, Grangerland Intermediate, Stockton Jr. High, Travis Intermediate, Moorehead Jr. High, Bozman Intermediate, Vogel Intermediate, Wilkinson Elementary, Patterson Elementary and San Jacinto Elementary.

Taylor said the program cost is shared between the district and organization. The cost to Conroe ISD for 2024 is $424,000.