Parents of students in Houston ISD’s “Preparing Students for Independence” (PSI) program say they’re gearing up—yet again—for a fight they hoped was behind them.
The PSI program, which supports students with severe disabilities, is currently housed at T.H. Rogers School, a specialized campus with the infrastructure and staff tailored to the students’ complex needs. But recent communication from HISD staff has left parents like Julie Beeson on edge, fearing the program may be relocated.
“This program is our life,” said Beeson, whose 18-year-old son Beau has attended the PSI program for 10 years.
Born prematurely at 26 weeks and weighing just 2 pounds, Julie’s son Beau suffered a brain bleed that left him with significant impairments. For children like Beau, the PSI program isn’t just about education—it’s about stability, accessibility, and essential care.
Last week, Beeson was told that the PSI program could be moved to another campus—initially suggested to be Wisdom High School—for ESY (Extended School Year) learning, a form of summer school support for students with disabilities. The district confirms the program could be moving but has since ruled out Wisdom High. The possible future location of the program remains uncertain.
“For 34 years, it has always been at T.H. Rogers. So why now?” Beeson asked.
Parents say that T.H. Rogers is uniquely equipped to meet the needs of the PSI students, offering equipment like lifts, specialized bathrooms, customized equipment for complex medical care. According to Beeson and others, no other facility currently matches that level of support.
“Our kids need changing tables, handrails, pureed food, and trained staff. Only T.H. Rogers has all that,” she said.
This isn’t the first time families have fought for the PSI program. In 2022, HISD considered dissolving it entirely. A year later, the district proposed sending PSI students to their zoned campuses, rather than keeping them together at T.H. Rogers. Each time, parents mobilized, pushing back through meetings, petitions, and public outcry.
Now, with summer fast approaching, they’re feeling the familiar stress of uncertainty.
“We’re just always on edge—waiting for a poor decision by someone who doesn’t know our kids,” said Beeson.
When asked if she would pull her son from the program if it were moved, she didn’t hesitate.
“Yes.”
And without PSI?
“He’d be home in bed all day with my mother, watching television,” she said. “We can’t travel. We have to stay near a hospital. He’ll do nothing—and he’ll regress.”
HISD Responds
An HISD spokesperson confirmed that while a move is being considered, Wisdom High School is no longer an option, and any decisions will take into account student needs and accommodations.
Still, parents like Beeson are calling for a seat at the table before any final decisions are made.
“We deserve to be involved in decisions that will impact our children’s lives,” she said.
