At the Sept. 18 Conroe ISD Board of Trustees meeting, directors were given an update on the status of the 2008 Bond Referendum.

A financial report presented by district administrators stated $65 million remains from the districts's sale, which will provide funds for two new elementary schools, Peet Junior High School renovations, technological improvements throughout the district, land issuances and more new developments.

Superintendent Don Stockton praised the board's financial responsibility, saying the bond money would take them far.

The board also unanimously passed a new district-wide program, the "Read for a Better Life" initiative.

Developed largely by Stockton and with the support of the district's librarians, CISD and teachers the program encourages parents and teachers to read to students at least 30 minutes of every day.

"It just makes such a difference; all the difference," Stockton said. "Reading does so many positive things; it opens up the imagination and just helps kids grow in ways they never thought possible."