Houston Mayor Backs One-Year State Waiver For Houston ISD

HOUSTON, TX — Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said Wednesday he plans to intervene on the situation with Houston ISD possibly letting 10 under-performing schools fall under control of a private agency. In a statement, Turner said he stands by the HISD and encourages the board of trustees, community and the Texas Education Agency to "keep the students’ best interests in mind as decisions are made about the future of 10 low-performing schools."

Turner pointed at two things that weren't under the control of the city or anyone currently involved in the district — Hurricane Harvey's devastation and the abrupt departure of former superintenendoet Richard Carranza, who's now Chancellor of the New York City School system.

Also today, the mayor encouraged HISD to hit the pause button on submitting a partnership plan to the state by the April 30 deadline and instead request a one-year waiver from the Texas Education Agency. A one-year extension would allow the district additional time to focus on improving the schools, stakeholders, and devise and execute strategies to move schools out of Improvement Required (IR) status.

“Considering Hurricane Harvey’s impact on our students and campuses eight-months ago, this is not the time to add to the stress of students, parents, teachers and those served by HISD," Turner said. "I am committing myself to playing a leadership role to find and execute the best path forward. By working together, we can develop a viable model with the singular goal of moving any schools from IR to performing.”

Turner said he plans to contact the Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath and ask him to grant HISD the one-year waiver.

“HISD should not submit a partnership plan at this time," Turner said. "I would ask the community to recognize the difficult position and challenges the board of trustees faces in balancing its books after recapture, Hurricane Harvey, and the abrupt departure of former Superintendent Carranza. And lets’ work collaboratively to do what is in the best interest of the student who need all of us.”

The bout with the 10 low-performing schools hasn't gone without recent drama. At Tuesday night's HISD Board meeting, some parents were dragged from the meeting chambers while two others were arrested for alleged disruptive behavior. They were later released and all charges dropped by the District Attorney's office.

The root of the problem is the looming fact that 10 underperforming schools could be handed over to Energized for STEM Academy. Under the proposal, Energized for STEM Academy would operate these 10 schools that have been in Improvement Required status with the state for four years or more:

Kashmere High School
Wheatley High School
Worthing High School
Henry Middle School
Woodson PK-8
Blackshear Elementary
Dogan Elementary
Highland Heights Elementary
Mading Elementary
Wesley Elementary

All schools are comprised of predominantly black or Hispanic students, and they're located in high-poverty neighborhoods.

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