HISD Board of Education to consider resolution beginning process of renaming three more schools

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education on Thursday is expected to consider a resolution that would begin the process of renaming three additional schools so they better represent the district’s values and diversity.

The resolution would affect Albert Sidney Johnston and Sidney Lanier middle schools, and Jefferson Davis High School.

Under the resolution, each campus would be required to form a school-naming committee comprised of diverse staff, students, parents, and school stakeholders. That committee would be charged with exploring school renaming options that adhere to board guidelines and submitting recommendations to trustees by May.

If approved, the three campuses would join four others — Henry Grady, Richard Dowling and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson middle schools, and Lee High School — that already have begun the renaming process.

The board voted in January to formally begin the process for renaming Grady, Dowling and Jackson middle schools, and Lee High School. Four other schools — Johnston and Lanier middle schools, and Davis and Reagan high schools — were pulled from the renaming list to allow trustees time to meet with their communities before moving forward.

The renaming of Reagan High School remains under consideration. However, it is not expected to go before the board until after a community meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 16.

HISD is working with each school community to ensure it has a voice in the decision-making process and recommends a name that represents the mission, spirit, culture and success of each campus.

Also on Thursday, the Board of Education is expected to:

  • Consider the final reading of a policy revision banning suspensions and expulsions for students in second grade and below, except as required by law. In accordance with the policy, the district offers annual classroom management and equity training for all campus-based faculty and staff. Training focuses on creating a positive school climate, preventing crises and de-escalating disciplinary issues.
  • Consider the first reading of a policy revision that would address inconsistencies related to non-comprehensive high school participation in University Interscholastic League sports. Following a recommendation of the 20-6A District Executive Committee, the proposed revision would allow only comprehensive high schools to offer UIL athletic activities. Specialty high schools without attendance boundaries would not be able to compete in UIL athletics. UIL athletic programs currently offered at non-comprehensive high schools would have to be phased out by the end of the 2017-2018 school year. Carnegie Vanguard High School is currently the only specialty campus in HISD offering UIL sports.

The board’s regular monthly meeting begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, in the board auditorium of the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 4400 W. 18th Street. Click here to view the full agenda. The board meeting will be broadcast live online at www.hisdtv.org.