Conroe ISD approves multiple construction guaranteed‑maximum prices; natatorium renovation and other capital items move forward

At the February 18 Conroe ISD board meeting trustees approved a series of construction and capital projects, including guaranteed maximum prices for new ninth‑grade campuses, a new intermediate prototype and a capital‑fund renovation of the Woodforest natatorium and stadium lighting.

Key construction approvals - Oak Ridge High School ninth‑grade campus (CMAR GMP): Trustees approved a guaranteed maximum price of $19,472,430 (motion carried 7–0). The project budget and construction targets were reported to conform with the bond‑advertised totals. - Caney Creek High School ninth‑grade campus (CMAR GMP): A GMP of $112,615,103 was approved (7–0). District staff said the GMP fits the project budget and schedule for an August 2027 opening. - Flex School 26 (new intermediate to benefit Conroe feeder): Trustees approved the GMP for the intermediate school (GMP approved unanimously 7–0) and noted that the project includes site utilities shared with a junior‑high project. - Flex School 27 (new elementary to benefit Grand Oaks feeder): Trustees discussed whether to delay the work and examine competitive sealed proposal (CSP) delivery methods. After debate the board approved the GMP and the project as presented; the motion carried 5–2. Staff warned that delaying the project to switch delivery methods would push the opening from 2026 to 2028 and that material‑price risk could rise. - Natatorium renovation and stadium lighting (capital projects fund): Trustees approved a $5,090,035.94 project package that includes pool refinishing, filtration and mechanical replacements and stadium lighting replacements at Moorhead and Woodforest Stadiums. The vote was 5–2; administration said the lighting and rigging are end‑of‑life items and bundling them with the natatorium contract produced better pricing than separate procurements.

Other business and procurement - The board approved multiple consent items: authorization for the board president to negotiate board legal representation and execute related documents (vote carried 7–0), and authorization to negotiate agreements with Texans for Excellence in Education (7–0). Several standard procurement and estimated‑annual‑expenditure lists were approved by voice votes. - The board awarded a competitive sealed proposal (CSP) for E‑rate‑eligible internal network refresh projects (12 campuses) to Datavox Inc. (estimated $5.3M); trustees approved the recommendation 7–0.

Administration comments and budget context District staff repeatedly warned trustees that delaying scheduled construction work can increase costs. Staff also noted weather and rain were slowing several active construction sites and asked the board for timely approvals to avoid schedule compression. Superintendent Dr. Noll and CFO staff said the district is working through allocations and noted the district’s near‑term budget improvement since December, but said the overall general‑fund picture still required care.

Ending: Trustees directed staff to continue following scheduled milestones and to return to the board with reports as each construction package moves to contract execution and construction mobilization.