CISD Trustee Complaint Dismissed

**Conroe ISD Board Dismisses Complaint Against Trustee Hubert Amid Parent’s Allegations of Double Standard and Intimidation**

**CONROE, TX – June 20, 2024** – The Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees voted on June 18, 2024, to formally accept Superintendent Curtis Null’s recommendation to dismiss a formal complaint filed against Trustee Skeeter Hubert, a decision that has ignited accusations of a double standard and a “culture of intimidation” from the complainant, parent and former district employee Jennifer Gambino.

Gambino initially filed her complaint against Trustee Hubert on December 11, 2023, alleging violations of district policy BBFA-Local, which governs trustee ethics and prohibits “improperly interfering with the administration of schools” or potentially harassing staff or students. The complaint specifically stemmed from an incident in early November 2023 at Willis High School, where Hubert reportedly confronted a teacher about a student’s pronoun usage and subsequently engaged in multiple discussions with school administration regarding the matter. Gambino argued that these actions represented a trustee overstepping authority and directly interfering with school operations.

The district’s grievance process saw the complaint discussed by the board in an executive session on December 19, 2023. On January 23, 2024, Superintendent Null informed Gambino that her complaint had been dismissed. The June 18th board meeting marked the formal acceptance of this recommendation, with the board not holding a vote on the merits of whether Hubert’s actions violated district policy.

During the meeting, Trustees Melissa Dungan and Misty Odenweller moved for a full, independent investigation into the allegations against Hubert, but their motion failed. Board President Datren Williams, along with Trustees Stacey Chase, Ray Sanders, Tiffany Nelson, and Mike Midollo, voted to accept the superintendent’s recommendation to dismiss without further investigation.

Gambino, speaking directly to the board on June 18th, expressed her frustration, highlighting what she views as a stark double standard within the district. She herself was the subject of a board complaint in May 2023, filed by another parent alleging harassment and bullying. By October 2023, the board found that complaint valid and issued Gambino a “cease and desist” order.

“It appears that complaints against me are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated, leading to disciplinary action,” Gambino stated, referencing the earlier complaint against her. “Yet, my complaint against a trustee, especially one aligned with a conservative majority, seems to be swept aside without a proper investigation or a vote on its merits.”

Gambino further detailed what she described as “intimidation and retaliation” following her complaint against Hubert. She reported having her access restricted at certain Conroe ISD schools, facing social media attacks, and even having a police report filed against her, though no charges were ever brought. She argues that this situation contributes to a “culture of intimidation” within the district, suggesting that parents who speak out against the board or certain trustees might face repercussions, while those same trustees might not be held accountable.

Trustee Dungan echoed some of Gambino’s concerns during the board meeting, noting that a “culture of fear” had been raised previously and emphasizing the board’s responsibility to improve its conduct.

Efforts to reach Trustee Skeeter Hubert for comment regarding the allegations and the board’s decision were not successful by press time. Conroe ISD officials have not released a public statement beyond the formal acceptance of the superintendent’s recommendation to dismiss the complaint.

This scenario underscores ongoing tensions and ideological divides within the Conroe ISD board regarding parental rights, appropriate trustee conduct, accountability, and overall board governance. The outcome leaves many questions unanswered for some parents and community members about the fairness and transparency of the district’s complaint processes when allegations involve elected officials.