The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has proposed closing twelve schools, a move that reverses a previous commitment made by Superintendent Mike Miles just three months ago. The plan, announced Thursday, has sparked concern among community leaders and parents who now face a tight timeline before an unelected board is scheduled to vote on the closures.
Key Takeaways
- Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles recommends closing 12 schools, primarily on the city's east end.
- The announcement is a reversal of a statement made three months prior that no closures were planned.
- Reasons cited for the change include unexpected enrollment declines and newly discovered structural issues.
- Community members express concern over the short notice and the potential disruption to families and neighborhoods.
- The HISD board is expected to vote on the proposal at its February 26 meeting.
An Abrupt Policy Reversal
Parents and staff in the Houston Independent School District are grappling with the sudden news that twelve campuses may be permanently closed. The proposal, put forward by Superintendent Mike Miles, marks a significant shift from his position just a few months ago, when he assured school leaders that no further closures were on the horizon after the current academic year.
Miles attributed the change of course to new information. "A larger than expected decline in enrollment for various reasons and a couple of structural problems that came up within the last six months," he explained, were the primary drivers behind the new recommendation. This explanation, however, has done little to soothe the anxieties of affected communities.
A Rapid Timeline for a Major Decision
The district's approach has drawn comparisons to other local school systems facing similar challenges. In Fort Bend ISD, for example, the board engaged in a months-long process that included special workshops and community surveys before making decisions. In contrast, HISD parents will have only a couple of weeks to process the information and provide feedback before the board's scheduled vote on February 26.
The rapid timeline has become a central point of contention for those who feel the decision is being rushed without adequate community input or transparency.
Community Voices Concerns
For community leaders like Pastor Charles Turner of the New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, the announcement felt like a betrayal. His church has been an active partner with several Fifth Ward schools, including Fleming Middle School, which is on the proposed closure list.
"We probably saw it coming, but if he said they're not going to close schools and he closes schools, I think we call that lying," Turner stated, expressing a sentiment of broken trust felt by many. His work with local schools has given him a firsthand look at the needs of students beyond the classroom, such as providing hygiene items.
"I'm really concerned with how that's going to impact families, the students and of course the educators as well," Pastor Turner added.
He highlighted the practical burdens the closures could place on families. For many, moving a child to a school even a few miles away can create significant logistical and financial challenges, especially regarding transportation for drop-off and pick-up. These are not just buildings, but community anchors that support a delicate local ecosystem.
Questions Over Student Placement and Academic Quality
A critical question for parents is where their children will go if their current school closes. An analysis of Texas Education Agency (TEA) data raises further questions about the district's plan. More than half of the schools slated for closure would see their students rezoned to campuses that currently have lower academic performance scores.
Performance Data at a Glance
According to TEA data, a majority of students from the twelve schools on the closure list would be transferred to schools that received a lower academic rating in the most recent state evaluations. This has led to concerns that the move may not result in a better learning environment for displaced students.
Superintendent Miles addressed this concern by pointing to his administration's broader improvement goals. "It's not just the grade because all of our schools are going to be A or B within a year and a half," Miles projected. "We've solved that problem."
This assurance, however, relies on future performance rather than current results, leaving some parents skeptical. For them, the issue extends beyond test scores. They worry about the loss of familiar teachers, friendships, and the sense of stability that a neighborhood school provides.
The Future for Teachers and Campuses
Staffing and Employment
The fate of the teachers and staff at the affected schools is another pressing issue. Superintendent Miles has indicated that educators the district intends to retain for the following school year will be given opportunities at other campuses. However, this does not guarantee a position for every employee, adding another layer of uncertainty for the hundreds of staff members whose jobs are now in question.
What Happens Next?
The district's plan will be formally considered by the HISD board later this month. The meeting on February 26 will be a critical moment for the communities involved. The list of schools proposed for closure includes:
- Fleming Middle School
- Additional elementary and middle schools, primarily located on the east end of Houston.
As the date of the vote approaches, parents and community advocates are organizing to make their voices heard, hoping to influence a decision they believe will have lasting consequences for thousands of children and the fabric of their neighborhoods.