Bond Advisory Committee Established

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Bond Advisory Committee Established

The HISD community will have its first chances in the coming weeks to weigh in on the district’s anticipated bond proposal.

HISD has established a Community Advisory Commitee that is scheduled to meet periodically over the next two weeks to gather feedback from the community and to share information on the details of the district’s plans to renovate campuses across the district.

The committee will be chaired by three local leaders: Judith Cruz (former HISD trustee), Garnet Coleman (former state representative), and Scott McClelland (retired president of HEB and cofounder of Good Reason Houston, an education nonprofit).

Check out the Houston Landing’s full story here.

Why it matters: Community support is critical to the passage of any bond. The upcoming public meetings will allow interested community members the chance to gather information, speak with decisionmakers, and offer input.

This feedback will help inform the planning process and ensure that the district allocates resources in alignment with the needs of the HISD community.

What’s next: Here is the meeting schedule for the Community Advisory Committee:

HISD’s AI Emphasis Aligns with Workforce Trends

Artificial Intelligence literacy is an increasingly desirable skill in the Houston region, according to a recent Work Trend Index report from Microsoft and LinkedIn. As jobs of the future continue to demand AI-related skills, it is important that Houston’s students be educated on this emerging technology.

In HISD, AI literacy is being built into the standard curriculum, which will benefit its students as they enter the workforce, college, and the military. Recently, Superintendent Miles laid out some details (45:37) for his plans to implement AI-related education: “We are [adding] an AI and Workforce elective at every high school next year, we are not waiting.”

Why it matters: AI literacy is a critical skill for the workforce of the future. By building AI literacy into each HISD student’s coursework, HISD students will be competitive with students across the country and globally.

By the numbers: According to the report’s Houston-area insights , about 73% of knowledge workers in Houston say they use AI at work. That’s slightly above the national average of 71%.

What they’re saying: “Organizations that empower employees with AI tools and training will attract and retain the best talent. And professionals who skill up will have the edge,” - Robert Schapiro, Microsoft’s Senior Director of Energy and Resources.

Budget Details Released

HISD released plans last Thursday on how it plans to balance its budget, including how it will account for a massive $500 million shortfall as federal pandemic relief funds run out.

Although roughly 20% of the district’s budget will be slashed, those budget cuts will primarily be to central administration, which comprises non-academic operations, and will stay as far away from the classroom as possible.

The Houston Landing’s story on the issue is here.

Why it matters: HISD’s budgeting has been supported with federal funds that are now running out. In order to avoid a budget deficit, as some other Houston-area schools are experiencing , certain cuts will need to be made. By cutting from areas that do not affect academics, HISD plans to prioritize student academic achievement while reorganizing other district operations.

By the numbers: The new spending plan also allows for strategic budget increases where academic needs are highest. 130 NES campuses will receive funding increases to cover higher teacher salaries, bringing their average budget to $5.6 million. The new budget will leave $800 million in reserves which Superintendent Miles says is a healthy level to maintain the district’s strong bond rating.

What they’re saying: Miles and other local superintendents have stated that they plan to advocate to the 2025 legislature for increased funds, since the basic allotment has not been adjusted since 2019.