CASE Report: “Unsubstantiated” SPED Complaints Waste Resources

CASE is a collective of Houstonians committed to ensuring every student within Houston Independent School District (HISD) has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education.

If you would like to continue receiving updates, opt-in here.

Community Rallies in Support of Bond

Several community organizations came together yesterday as a show of unity in support of HISD’s proposed bond that will be on November’s ballot. Children at Risk, the Houston Food Bank, the Center for School Behavioral Health and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston spoke in favor of the bond, citing the urgent need for facilities upgrades.

CW’s story is here.

Why it matters: These organizations work to support children as their daily mission, and therefore have a great understanding of what children need to thrive. These groups are apolitical and don’t stand to gain anything from the bond other than safer, healthier, and smarter children.

Check the data: According to the article, research from the EPA and CDC links poor facility conditions to lower academic performance and higher absenteeism. With HISD’s chronic absenteeism rate at 23%, the urgency for these improvements is clear. The proposed investments promise healthier learning environments, positively impacting students’ academic and social-emotional outcomes.

What they’re saying: “This is not about the current HISD administration. This press conference emphasizes what truly matters—over 180,000 students who deserve safe and healthy learning environments.” - Dr. Bob Sanborn, president and CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK , a prominent statewide research and advocacy organization.

Go deeper: The teacher union held an anti-bond protest at the same time these community organizations held their press conference. Interestingly, those opposed to the bond were all either politicians or union operatives. Conversely, the organizations that actually work with needy children every day support the bond.

Bond Oversight Committee Announced

HISD’s Board of Managers named 13 people and two alternates to the Bond Oversight Committee, which will oversee the district’s $4.4 billion bond, should voters approve it in November’s election.

Why it Matters: This group will be charged with making sure that the proposed bond is administered correctly. The committee is diverse, with a broad range of expertise that should serve the district and community well.

Here are the names:

Houston Chronicle’s story is here.

Apply Now: HISD’s CCMR Task Force

HISD is accepting applications for its new CCMR Task Force. At the recommendation of the Board and the Community Advisory Committee, HISD is forming a College and Career Opportunity Taskforce composed of general community representatives, business and industry representatives, and local higher education partners.

Apply here. The deadline to apply is October 27, so don’t wait!

More details: There will be several phases of the Task Force. Phase 1 will involve providing feedback on HISD’s CCMR strategy, creating career-connected pathways, engaging in the strategic development of the proposed new Career Centers, and sharing information on different industries.

Why it matters: It is important that the task force have representation from a broad spectrum of the Houston community. A diversity of voices will ensure that the district’s CCMR capabilities improve, which will lead to better outcomes for our students.

Did someone forward this email to you? Subscribe here to receive our weekly updates.