Clear Creek ISD board extends superintendent contract, approves P‑TECH partnership, limited open enrollment and $130,000 in freeze repairs

CLEAR CREEK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — The Clear Creek Independent School District Board of Trustees on Monday, Feb. 24, unanimously approved four major items: a one‑year extension to the superintendent’s contract; a partnership with San Jacinto College to launch a health‑science P‑TECH early college program; an expansion of limited interdistrict transfers under FDA(Local); and use of $130,000 in capital contingency funds to repair facilities damaged during January’s freeze.

The actions came at the regular board meeting after a 46‑minute closed session and rounds of discussion on each item. Trustees framed the votes as steps to preserve stability, expand career pathways for students and address campus repairs caused by the recent extreme weather.

The board approved extending the superintendent’s contract by one year after closed‑session deliberations. Trustee Cunningham moved the extension; the motion passed unanimously. Trustee comments accompanying the vote praised the superintendent’s leadership and the continuity her continued service would provide. "We enjoy a great working relationship with Dr. Engle, and we see the evidence every day of her leadership in this district," Trustee Brown said before the vote.

Trustees also approved a memorandum of understanding to establish a Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P‑TECH) in partnership with San Jacinto College and HCA. District staff said 102 students applied for the inaugural cohort and 30 students will be admitted for year one, with plans to add roughly 30 students in subsequent years. The program will offer dual‑credit coursework leading to an associate degree and up to four industry certifications in health sciences; staff said successful completers may qualify for immediate substitute employment in CCISD and receive a letter assuring an interview when they complete college.

After an extended discussion, the board voted to adopt a limited open‑enrollment policy (FDA Local) giving the superintendent discretion to approve interdistrict transfers where space is available. Trustees and staff said the policy aims to address demographic shifts — district data presented at the meeting showed about 400 more students graduating 12th grade than entering kindergarten — and to fill existing classroom openings before considering new sections. The policy retains priority for categories the district has previously exempted (for example, grandchildren of employees, certain service members and peace officers) and relies on a new online "pre‑K dashboard" to show current openings.

Separately, the board approved using $130,000 from the capital contingency reserve for repairs to rooftop HVAC units and ceilings damaged during January’s freeze. Facilities staff described the work as mostly replacement of AC coils and related ceiling repairs; the request included a $12,000 contingency allowance for unforeseen conditions.

All four motions passed by unanimous vote. Trustees said they intend to follow the FDA Local vote with administrative regulations establishing the application and priority process and to continue work on enrollment and facility planning.

Votes at a glance: • Superintendent contract extension — Motion to approve a one‑year extension to the superintendent’s contract (moved by Trustee Cunningham). Outcome: approved, unanimous. • P‑TECH partnership (San Jacinto College / HCA) — Motion to approve superintendent’s recommendation for a P‑TECH early college high school partnership. Outcome: approved, unanimous. • FDA Local interdistrict transfer expansion (limited open enrollment) — Motion to adopt policy language giving the superintendent authority to approve out‑of‑district transfer requests when space is available (priority maintained for existing eligible groups). Outcome: approved, unanimous. • Use of capital project funds — Motion to use $130,000 from capital contingency for repairs related to January freeze damage. Outcome: approved, unanimous.

The board meeting also included presentations and recognitions — including awards for All‑State musicians, Houston Livestock Show art winners, and a district spotlight on the child guidance CTE program — but the votes above represent the formal actions taken at the meeting.

The board president adjourned the meeting at 8:38 p.m.