TEA Takeover: Parents, administrators hold second discussion on TEA takeover of Houston schools
The Texas Education Agency is hosting its first of four community meetings Tuesday night, nearly a week after the state announced it would move forward with a takeover of its largest school district.
Booker T. Washington HS shines bright on the basketball court
โItโs nothing we arenโt used to,โ HISD athletic director Andre Walker said. โWe have done this many times before in HISD, but itโs just been different teams. Now itโs Booker T. Washingtonโs turn. The district really feeds off what basketball is doing right now, and I hope to be making this drive to State in a few months with soccer.โ
Greater Houston Coalition Justice files lawsuit on behalf of Houston ISD against TEA for โdiscriminationโ
The Greater Houston Coalition Justice has announced the filing of a lawsuit for discrimination Thursday against the Texas Education Agency on behalf of the Houston Independent School District following the agencyโs decision to take over the school district, according to a news release.
WATCH LIVE: HISD addresses security concerns after shooting and police chase prompts lockdown at Wisdom High School
Officials with the Houston Independent School District are discussing and addressing safety concerns after an officer-involved shooting and police chase that resulted in a lockdown at Wisdom High School Thursday.
Texas legislatureโs effect on kids (Jan. 17, 2023) โ Houston Public Media
On Tuesday's show: We discuss how the new legislative session might affect Texas children. And we visit a section of the East End to learn how some developers want to create a neighborhood where residents can function without cars.
houstonpublicmedia.orgHISD students share vision of MLKโs dream during 27th annual oratory competition
In honor of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., Houston Independent School Districtโs top 12 student finalists will showcase their public speaking skills at the final round of the 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory competition.
Special needs program at T.H. Rogers High School (Dec. 19, 2022) โ Houston Public Media
On Monday's show: The latest on a program for special needs students at T.H. Rogers High School. HISD announced last week it was pausing plans to relocate students who utilized the program.
houstonpublicmedia.orgHouston ISD acts to remove lead from school drinking water
During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Environment Texas Research and Policy Center, the Coalition of Community Organizations and Houston Independent School District (HISD) will hold a news conference Wednesday to highlight actions the school district is taking to prevent schoolchildren from drinking water with lead in it.
Battle over HISDโs board goes before the Texas Supreme Court (Oct. 7, 2022) โ Houston Public Media
On Friday's show: HISD's challenge to the TEA's attempted takeover of its board went before the Texas Supreme Court on Thursday. The outcome could determine who controls the largest school district in Texas.
houstonpublicmedia.orgUnited Airlines inspires next generation of female leaders at annual โGirls in Aviation Dayโ
United Airlines on Saturday welcomed more than 30 students from across the Houston region, including students from the Houston Independent School District, Sterling Aviation High School, and Davis High School to its Hangar X facility for this yearโs โGirls in Aviation Day,โ a worldwide effort designed to educate and introduce young women to the many career possibilities in aviation-related fields.
Trae Tha Truth opens first โTruthโs Do Good Closetโ stocked with free clothes, supplies, food for HISD students struggling with homelessness
Houstonโs hometown hero Trae Tha Truth is continuing his philanthropic work by partnering with Houston Independent School District to provide free clothes, supplies, and food to students dealing with homelessness.
HISD kicks off school security partnership on campuses as instructional year begins
The Houston Independent School District Police Department, Houston Police Department, and Ministers against Crime, a non-denomination faith-based program, kicked off Project Safe Start, a partnership that aims to increase security for students and teachers this school year.
City suing streaming services, and HISDโs code of conduct (Aug. 8, 2022) โ Houston Public Media
On Monday's show: We learn why Houston and other Texas cities are suing several of the main video streaming services. And we find out why local organizers want HISD to reform the districtโs code of conduct.
houstonpublicmedia.orgโDonโt have a lot of confidenceโ: HISD leaders raise security concerns; police chief says team is ready, but more equipment needed
The superintendent of Houston Independent School District expressed security concerns that its police force needs to be better prepared for the following school year.
HISD board runoffs, and how Houston changed sports (Nov. 29, 2021) โ Houston Public Media
On Monday's show: We take a closer look at the runoff election for four seats on the HISD Board of Trustees, and a recent book examines how Houston and Texas helped change the sports landscape across the nation.
houstonpublicmedia.orgThe First Day Of School Amid COVIDโs Fourth Wave And Battles Over Masks (Aug. 23, 2021) โ Houston Public Media
On Monday's show: Students and teachers go back to class at HISD today amid a fourth wave of COVID-19, reimbursing companies that made money during the February power failure, a local veterinarian answers your questions, and an update on local sports.
houstonpublicmedia.orgโTeacher Jailโ: HISD Workers Under Investigation Can Spend Months Doing Nothing While Still Being Paid โ Houston Public Media
The accused teachers are required to report to an HISD location all day every day until the investigation concludes. Many are found to have done nothing wrong.
houstonpublicmedia.orgTechnical Issues On The First Day Of STAAR Testing (April 8, 2021) โ Houston Public Media
On Thursday's show: STAAR Test technical issues, what Latino parents want in a new HISD Superintendent, drugs in Texas prisons, previewing a new lunar lander and its Houston control center, and bidding farewell to News 88.7's Laura Isensee.
houstonpublicmedia.orgThe Ideal Qualities For HISDโs Next Superintendent (March 25, 2021) โ Houston Public Media
On Thursdayโs show: The ideal qualities HISDโs next superintendent should possess, and with the closing of the River Oaks Theatre how can Houston better preserve its treasured cultural institutions? On Thursdayโs Houston Matters: We discuss what qualities parents and teachers would like to see in HISDโs permanent superintendent, now that longtime Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan announced her departure. Also this hour: Today is the final day of operations for the River Oaks Theatre after it was announced that the venue had not been able to negotiate a new lease. This is just one of many notable Houston landmarks that have come and gone in recent decades. Subscribe to Today in Houston Fill out the form below to subscribe our new daily editorial newsletter from the HPM Newsroom.
houstonpublicmedia.orgWhat New CDC Guidelines Mean For Houston (March 9, 2021) โ Houston Public Media
On Tuesdayโs Houston Matters: The CDC made it official Monday. And HISD's Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan announced her departure on social media Monday, saying that she's accepted the job of superintendent for Springfield Public School District in Missouri. Also this hour: Houston City Council Member Amy Peck answers your questions about issues affecting the city. Then we continue our weeklong reflection on the anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic arriving in Greater Houston with a conversation about how itโs affected public health here and a discussion about how the pandemic has disproportionately affected communities of color. Subscribe to Today in Houston Fill out the form below to subscribe our new daily editorial newsletter from the HPM Newsroom.
houstonpublicmedia.orgInterim Houston ISD Superintendent Announces Sheโs Leaving The School District โ Houston Public Media
Lathan has acted as interim superintendent for the stateโs largest school district for the last three years, since the previous leader Richard Carranza left abruptly for New York City in March 2018. Sheโll start her new job as superintendent of the Springfield Public School District in Missouri in July. โItโs a blessing for you and a curse for us,โ school board president Patricia Allen told Lathan Monday. Previously, in the fall of 2018, some HISD board members had tried to oust Lathan after coordinating secretly. โI did feel, you know, a little worried because she was leading our school district during this TEA takeover and this pandemic,โ he said.
houstonpublicmedia.orgHouston Area Schools Respond To Gov. Greg Abbottโs Mask Order โ Houston Public Media
HISD, Texasโ largest school district, said it will continue to require students, staff and visitors to wear masks on district property and at district events. Other districts are awaiting guidance from the Texas Education Agency. His new order states that public schools "may operate as provided by, and under the minimum standard health protocols found in guidance issued by the Texas Education Agency." In a statement, TEA said it will issue public health guidance this week before the executive order takes effect. Statement from the Texas Education Agency: "Governor Abbott's Executive Order (GA-34) takes effect next Wed., March 10, 2021.
houstonpublicmedia.orgHISD Proposal To Cut Off Student Congress Draws Controversy โ Houston Public Media
The HISD school board will consider a proposal at its meeting Thursday to dissolve the relationiship between HISD and the official voice of the districtโs 200,000 students. Consider the state's massive school finance lawsuit, where members of the student congress filed an amicus brief with the Texas Supreme Court. And more recently, the group, also known as โStuCon,โ surveyed thousands of Houston students about how to reopen schools during the pandemic. But the time for the Student Congress has passed, HISD's Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan has decided. District administrators say that theyโve tried to contact the HISD Student Congress with no response.
houstonpublicmedia.orgIt Took This Houston Family 2 Years And Legal Action To Gain Special Education For Their Son โ Houston Public Media
The Texas Education Agency is taking on new oversight of special education in HISD. Cross-Ecford declined to comment on their case, but she spoke generally about challenges she's seen with special education in HISD over the years. Its number one finding: "There is confusion about, and inconsistent implementation of, processes related to intervention and special education identification." For her own family, it took two years, legal action and multiple rounds of mediation to finally get her son Vincent services everyone could agree on. However, the district said families "seeking special education services for their children may do so by contacting administrators at their local campus or the school district offices."
houstonpublicmedia.orgCongressman Al Green Answers Your Questions (Dec. 22, 2020) โ Houston Public Media
On Tuesdayโs show: Rep. Green answers listener questions about issues facing Greater Houston, and John Holiday, finalist on The Voice, talks about his singing career. Also this hour: Houston Rep. Al Green answers your questions about issues facing Greater Houston and matters before Congress. Then, area psychologist Dr. Daniel Garcia of The MendCenter discusses how to maintain good mental health amid a holiday season coupled with a global pandemic. And we talk with John Holiday, a Rosenberg native who was a finalist in the most recent season of The Voice. MORE: John Holiday performs in 2015 at Houston Public Media:Subscribe to Today in Houston Fill out the form below to subscribe our new daily editorial newsletter from the HPM Newsroom.
houstonpublicmedia.orgTV-radio listings: Oct. 22
MTV takes over Houston to celebrate early voting Attendees got a chance to walk the red carpet at Toyota Center and cast their ballot. Texas could face a second wave of COVID-19 After Houston made significant progress in flattening the COVID-19 curve this September, Texas...
chron.comMore than 40,000 HISD students will attend virtual summer school. Heres how it will work
HOUSTON The Houston Independent School District is planning to hold virtual summer school for more than 40,000 students, according to the district. Daily attendance will be two hours for students in grades PK-2, three hours for students in grades 3-5 and four hours for students in grades 6-11. Summer school for high school students taking credit recovery courses and/or courses for original credit as approved by their school counselors will be determined by the courses in which they are enrolled. Paper-based summer instructional packets will be mailed out or made available to all students enrolled in summer school PK-8, according to the district. Parents of students not enrolled in summer school can request a copy of the paper-based summer instructional packet by calling the HISD hotline at 713-556-4636 (INFO).
LIST: Find out if your school district is hosting in-person or virtual graduation for seniors
HOUSTON Needville ISD is preparing for an in-person graduation ceremony Friday for the class of 2020 seniors. Fort Bend ISD graduation planFort Bend ISD Superintendent Dr. Charles Dupre said the district is planning an outdoor ceremonies ceremony at Kenneth Hall Stadium from June 1 to June 6. Dupre said that the district will follow all TEA requirements in order to keep students and their guests safe. HISD goes all virtualAll 45 Houston Independent School District graduation ceremonies this year will be held virtually on June 14, according to the district announced. Alief ISD chooses outdoor graduationAlief Independent School District is hosting outdoor graduation for seniors at Tully stadium.
HISD launching curbside summer meals program for students on June 1
HOUSTON As the school year comes to a close, Houston ISD is transitioning to a curbside summer meals program for students. Children are not required to be present, but the driver must show proof of enrollment in any school district (report card, student id, etc.) By modifying our traditional summer meals program, we can continue to feed our students in a safe way.Mandated by the state, the transition to the summer meals program marks the end of the districts community feeding efforts, held in partnership with the Houston Food Bank. For a list of current weekday community distribution sites, visit www.HoustonISD.org/HealthAlerts. For more information on the summer meals program and to see a map of food distribution sites, please visit houstonisd.org/summermeals.
Lathan: All HISD graduations will be virtual; several education options being considered for next year
HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan provided updates on plans for this years graduation and what is being considered for the 2020-2021 school year. GraduationAll 45 HISD graduation ceremonies this year will be held virtually on June 14, Lathan said. Summer schoolLathan said summer school will be held virtually this year, starting June 8. She also encouraged parents and students to take advantage of summer enrichment programs that will be available this year. Lathan said officials are still trying to determine how things like attendance and academic performance will be tracked if virtual classrooms are necessary next year.
HISD employee with COVID-19 handed out laptops to students, district reports
HISD employee with COVID-19 handed out laptops to students, district reports Parents, students asked to self-quarantine after HISD employee tests positive for COVID-19File: A Google Earth image of Madison High School. File: A Google Earth image of Madison High School. HISD officials say that the school employee helped distribute laptops to students. HISD released this statement about the employee with COVID-19:"We have been notified that a staff member at Madison High School who helped distribute laptops has tested positive for COVID-19. All school staff members are being notified and those who worked in close proximity to the individual are being asked to self-quarantine.
chron.comTrail Riders and Road Closures: Yee Haw for Traffic This Weekend
Because God knows the one thing we need is something else to wreak havoc on traffic in Houston. The 610 East Loop is beyond Thunderdome. The giant burst water main off the East Loop flooded the entire freeway and closed it from Interstate 10 to Highway 225. Think of it like a post-apocalyptic world filled with the criminally insane or the West Loop on pretty much any day of the week. And speaking of the glorious West Loop, the continued work on the most trafficked and dangerous intersection in the state of Texas continues unabated.
houstonpress.comFBI conducts 'court authorized law enforcement activity' at HISD offices
FBI conducts 'court authorized law enforcement activity' at HISD officesA man wearing an FBI shirt enters the Hattie Mae White, HISD Administration Building on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. A man wearing an FBI shirt enters the Hattie Mae White, HISD Administration Building on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. Photo: Marie D. De Jess, Staff Photographer Photo: Marie D. De Jess, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 7 Caption Close FBI conducts 'court authorized law enforcement activity' at HISD offices 1 / 7 Back to GalleryFBI agents are conducting an investigation at the HISD administrative offices, but what they are looking for is unclear. The FBI sent out a news release Thursday morning, describing their presence at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center in northwest Houston as "conducting court authorized law enforcement activity." The FBI sent out the following news release Thursday morning:The FBI is conducting court authorized law enforcement activity at the Hattie Mae White, HISD Administration Building.
chron.comHighly sought-after Arabic program teaches more than language
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- HISD's Arabic Immersion Magnet School will soon serve students from Pre-K to eighth grade. "My favorite part is going to my class and knowing that I'll learn something new," explained fourth grader Tomas Jurado.Tomas and his siblings all attend AIMS. They already speak Spanish at home, and now they're working to become trilingual. It's a lot easier for them and it's a lot more accessible," explained his mother, Veronica Jimenes. "Arabic is a critically needed language and there are not enough people who know the language and that's why I chose it.
abc13.comHighly sought-after Arabic program teaches more than language
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- HISD's Arabic Immersion Magnet School will soon serve students from Pre-K to eighth grade. "My favorite part is going to my class and knowing that I'll learn something new," explained fourth grader Tomas Jurado.Tomas and his siblings all attend AIMS. They already speak Spanish at home, and now they're working to become trilingual. It's a lot easier for them and it's a lot more accessible," explained his mother, Veronica Jimenes. "Arabic is a critically needed language and there are not enough people who know the language and that's why I chose it.
abc13.comWorthing High School worker accused of having sex with student: Sources
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- An employee at HISD's Worthing High School is accused of having sex with a student, according to law enforcement sources.Tedria Fluellen, 51, appeared in Harris County Probable Cause Court Friday night. She is charged with sexual assault of a child under 17.Her bond was set at $40,000. In court, Fluellen's defense attorney said she's worked at Worthing High School for the past two years, but didn't say what her position is. "I'm not feeling good. I'm feeling like this system right now - the background checks and the teachers - is not good enough, because the teachers do whatever they want to do in there," said Juanita Rojas, a parent.
abc13.comHere's when you can ice skate outdoors in Houston
Monday- Friday: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. (Fridays open until 11 p.m.)Saturdays and School Holidays: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.Sundays: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Lace up your skates and get ready for a memorable winter experience because the Ice at Discovery Green is back! The ice rink will be open to the public until Feb. 2, 2020.Thanksgiving Day: 11 am-11 pmChristmas & New Year's Eve: 11 am-7 pmChristmas & New Year's Day: 1-7 pmSchool Holidays (HISD) include: Nov. 25-29; Dec. 23 - Jan. 3General admission: $11 admission. (Tax Included)Members: $11 (Free skate rental)Group Rate: 20 to 49 people is $2 off. More than 50 skaters is $3 off.Cheap Skate Night: $15 for 2 or $8 for 1. Not available during school holidays.Check thefor additional discounts, theme nights and other special events.The ice rink may be closed or delayed at times due to weather conditions.
abc13.comHISD trustee-elect without a seat at the table: What's next?
HOUSTON - Judith Cruz beat HISD board chair Diana Davila by a margin of 64% to 36% in the November election. That same week, the Texas Education Agency announced it would be taking over the HISD board of trustees and replacing them with a board of managers. Todd Binet is a Covenant House board member, the organization sponsoring the Executive Sleepout Nov. 21. He said the Covenant House is not offering a handout but rather a hand up. More informationJudith Cruz, HISD Trustee-Elect Position 8Mike Holland, Covenant House Board ChairTodd Binet, Covenant House Board MemberJudge Jeremy Brown, Justice of Peace, Precinct 7, Eviction Prevention ProgramCopyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.
'We need answers': HISD teachers still in dark over takeover
EMBED >More News Videos After years of bad grades, in-house bickering and revolving superintendents, the state says "enough" and takes over HISD. EMBED >More News Videos As anticipated, HISD is getting taken over by the Texas Education Agency, a day after elections inserted two newcomers to its board. TEA has said those with close ties to HISD will comprise a majority of the board.What exactly does that mean? It's the campus which didn't meet state standards and is at the center of the takeover. "According to the union, the one certainty is that teachers will keep doing their best to educate children.
abc13.comThis is who is leading races for a seat on the HISD board so far
Sean Gallup/Getty ImagesKathy Blueford-Daniels, Dani Hernandez, Patricia K. Allen and Judith Cruz are all leading their races for a spot on the Houston Independent School District Board of Education. Four of the nine seats on the HISD board are up for re-election. A backdrop to the race for these seats has been the Texas Education Agency's potential takeover of the HISD board. Due to poor academic performance at Phillis Wheatley High School and a report from the Texas Education Agency, which said an Open Meetings Act was violated, HISD could have its entire board of trustees replaced with a panel of state managers, though HISD is fighting the move. Here are the results for the HISD seats:Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.
TEA says HISD should change their whole board
Report (via @TeamBettencourt) says @HoustonISD Board shows inability to appropriately govern... and cites procurement issues. pic.twitter.com/8M8onLW5sA Ted Oberg (@TedABC13) October 31, 2019HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Investigators with the Texas Education Agency are recommending replacing the HISD board of trustees with an appointed board of managers, according to a Texas state senator.Sen. Paul says that the school board meetings aren't serving our children well. We've given enough time and I'm confident there will be a new board in 2020. "Bettencourt told 13 Investigates' Ted Oberg Thursday night that a final decision will be made in January.
abc13.comStudent recovering after shooting at Westbury High School
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A student is recovering after a shooting incident at Westbury High School in southwest Houston.It happened Tuesday after school hours at the campus at 11911 Chimney Rock Road, according to Houston Independent School District representatives.The student's condition is unknown, and HISD hasn't released details on what exactly happened.Some parents have reported that they received automated voice messages alerting them that a student brought a gun on campus.Students told ABC13 they expected to hear details from administrators, but there was no mention in school announcements about the gun incident.One student, who asked that her identity not be revealed, said it's the lack of details that makes the situation more frightening. "Instead of talking about what can happen to us, our safety they just talk about homecoming instead," she said. "I'm kind of scared coming to school almost every day knowing that this happened. Nobody has talked about it. "HISD did release the following statement about the shooting:
abc13.comThese are the Houston schools that got As and Fs on the TEA report
HOUSTON - Of the 279 schools in the HISD, 57 of them got an A grade in the recent Texas Education Agency accountability report. On the other side, 21 schools received an F grade. Here are the schools that received the highest grade possible, and those the lowest grade. For the grades of each HISD school, click here. AsArabic Immersion Magnet SchoolAtherton ElementaryBriarmeadow CharterBrookline ElementaryBurbank ElementaryBurbank Middle SchoolBush ElementaryCarnegie Vanguard High SchoolChallenge Early College High SchoolCondit ElementaryCornelius ElementaryCrockett ElementaryDe Zavala ElementaryDeanda ElementaryDebakey High School for Health ProfessionsEast Early College High SchoolEastwood AcademyEliot ElementaryElrod ElementaryEnergized for STEM Academy Southwest (Grades 6-8)Farias Early Childhood CenterField ElementaryFoster ElementaryHarvard ElementaryHerod ElementaryHerrera ElementaryHigh School For Law and JusticeHorn ElementaryHouston Academy for International StudiesJones Futures AcademyKetelsen ElementaryKinder High School for Performing and Visual ArtsKolter ElementaryLanier Middle SchoolLiberty High SchoolMandarin Immersion Magnet SchoolMemorial ElementaryMickey Leland College Prepatory Academy for Young MenMoreno ElementaryNorth Houston Early College High SchoolOak Forest ElementaryPark Place ElementaryParker ElementaryPin Oak Middle SchoolProject Chrysalis Middle SchoolRiver Oaks ElementaryRoberts ElementarySanchez ElementarySharpstown International SchoolSouth Early College High SchoolTijerna ElementaryTravis ElementaryTwain ElementaryWest Briar Middle SchoolWest University ElementaryYoung Learners AcademyYoung Womens College Prep AcademyFsAshford ElementaryClemente Martinez ElementaryDeady Middle SchoolEdison Middle SchoolEnergized for STEM Academy Southeast (Grades 6-8)Fleming Middle SchoolHigh School Ahead AcademyIsaacs ElementaryKey Middle SchoolNorthline ElementaryOsborne ElementaryRobinson ElementaryRucker ElementarySeguin ElementarySmith ElementarySugar Grove AcademyThomas Middle SchoolWheatley High SchoolWhidby ElementaryWilliams Middle SchoolYoung ElementaryCopyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.
Improvement, but not enough: HISD facing near certain state takeover on multiple fronts
The problem is the board of trustees and everybody out there knows it, and that's what needs to be replaced. "State Rep. Dan Huberty, also a Houston Republican and chair of the Texas House Education Committee, echoed Bettencourt's assessment. State accountability ratings aren't finalized until November, but HISD does not appear to be fighting the accountability ratings.According to district sources, HISD has elected not to appeal. "Even in the midst of a Thursday morning celebration of, current HISD board member Jolanda Jones said given the level of board dysfunction, a state takeover may be the lesser of two evils. The board's president wrote recently in a Houston Chronicle op-ed that "HISD needs a fresh start.
abc13.com21 HISD schools receive "F" in annual Texas Education Agency report
21 HISD schools get a F rating from TEA including Wheatley HS https://t.co/H6oJRG6zwr pic.twitter.com/s3UWIqFzdr Jeff Ehling (@JeffEhlingABC13) August 15, 201921 HISD schools get an F from TEA pic.twitter.com/M4vmqbbOVf Jeff Ehling (@JeffEhlingABC13) August 15, 2019HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Texas Education Agency released its 2019 accountability ratings for schools and school districts, including for HISD, which received a "B" rating overall.However, 21 of the district's schools received an "F" grade.1. Deady Middle School3. Edison Middle School4. Thomas Middle School5. Under this category, performance on the standardized STAAR test; college, career and military readiness; and graduation rate were all factors.-School progress: how students perform over time and how that growth compares to similar schools.
abc13.com