Revised 2014-2015 calendar, Mark White Elementary also passes

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education on Thursday approved a draft plan for redrawing the boundaries for trustee districts. The public is now able to provide comment and input on the draft redistricting plan for HISD’s nine trustee districts. Community meetings will be held at the following locations and times:

Shadydale Elementary (5905 Tidwell, 77028) July 1 at 6:30
Pin Oak Middle School (4601 Glenmont, 77401) July 8 at 6:30
Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 West 18th Street,7709) July 10 at 6:30
Austin High School (1700 Dumble St, 77023) July 15 at 6:30

As a result of the annexation of North Forest ISD in 2013, trustee district boundaries must be realigned to reflect the newly annexed area and distribute population throughout HISD. The Board of Education is expected to adopt the final redistricting map in August.

Redistricting plan, proposed maps, and notice of public hearings

School named for former Texas Gov. Mark W. White Jr.
A new school being built in the West Houston area will bear the name of Texas Gov. Mark W. White Jr., when it opens in 2016. The board unanimously passed the item. The 86,422-square-foot school is being planned and designed under the 2012 bond program and will be located on Old Farm Road between Buffalo Bayou and Westheimer Road. The school is expected to bring relief to Briargrove, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Piney Point elementary schools, and Thomas Pilgrim PK–8 Academy.

White graduated from Lamar High School in 1958 after attending both elementary and middle school in HISD. He then attended Baylor University in Waco, where he received a degree in business administration and a doctor of jurisprudence.

White’s family ties to HISD are extensive, including his cousin, Jennie Katherine Kolter, taught many years at Poe Elementary. She was killed saving children in a 1959 bombing that left five people dead and 19 injured. Her service was honored the following year with an elementary school that bears her name. His sister, Betty Stone (White) Gerlach, taught at Lanier Middle School and his son and grandsons all attended HISD schools. His uncle, Stone “Red” Wells also served on the school board in the early 1950s.

“HISD holds a special place in the hearts of my family,” White said. “It’s truly an honor to have a school named after me, especially this new 21^st century facility that will provide our students with the very best education in preparation for middle school and beyond.”

Additionally, the board approved improvement plans for several schools. A revised 2014-2015 school calendar that restores Good Friday as a spring holiday without possibility of it being used as a make-up day was also approved. Memorial Day will continue to be a possible make-up day in case of inclement weather.