Katy ISD’s board of trustees met on October 27 with a “shorter-than-expected” agenda – but a “longer than expected” list of public speakers, some of whom were not allowed to address the board, per board policy.

During public comments, there were three speakers addressing agenda items and 20 speakers on non-agenda items. District personnel confirmed that 35 people had signed up to speak on non-agenda items, but Board President Lance Redmon invoked a board policy limiting the number of non-agenda speakers to the first 20 who signed up and limiting their time – normally two and a half minutes – to less than a minute each. Adding to the confusion, all 35 had previously been notified by the district that they were on the list to speak, but that notification, called a mistake by district officials, was rescinded by a second email to the last 15 speakers letting them know that they would not be allowed to speak after all.

Trustees Mary Ellen Cuzela, Morgan Calhoun and Amy Thieme asked that the policy be set aside for this meeting, so that all who signed up could speak. After lengthy discussion, Redmon said that the board would follow the policy that it had set, and KISD legal counsel Justin Graham supported that decision.

About three-quarters of the non-agenda speakers spoke on recent social media posts made by trustees Cuzela and Calhoun in which the two voiced their opposition to the Katy Pride celebration planned at Typhoon Texas in mid-October. The venue subsequently canceled their contract with Katy Pride following public reaction, and the event was moved to Bear Creek Park. The public speakers were almost evenly divided on the issue, with a slight edge for those supporting Cuzela and Calhoun. Some of those opposing the pair’s actions called for Board President Redmon to censure the trustees for their actions.

Following the public speakers, the board went into the first of two closed sessions, which, according to agenda documents, involved a discussion of safety and security measures and a discussion of the superintendent’s quarterly evaluation.

Upon returning from closed session, the board heard a presentation on “The Effective Schools Framework,” which outlined a program developed by the Texas Education Agency designed to enhance school effectiveness and improve student outcomes. The program, based on extensive educational research, identifies five essential levers, which include district commitments and essential actions for school outcomes. The framework emphasizes the importance of effective

instruction, supported by strategic staffing, high-quality instructional materials and a positive school culture.

KISD CFO Chris Smith then presented a report on the TIRZ (Tax Increment Investment Zone), a partnership with the City of Katy and the Katy Development Authority which has funded certain KISD projects within a defined area, which includes Katy High School and the Education Support Complex, as well as the site of the old Kilpatrick Elementary on Danover. The TIRZ arrangement is due to sunset this year, Smith said.

After adjourning the open meeting, the board again in closed session, this time to hear a grievance from KISD teacher Jennifer Schnaidt. While the district did not disclose the reason for the meeting or its outcome, Schnaidt posted on social media on October 27 that the grievance related to teacher planning time and its impact on teacher retention.

The next meetings of the school board are scheduled for:

· Work study meeting, November 17

· Regular board meeting, December 8