Yearly Archives: 2016

HISD proposes funding reconfiguration to ensure neediest students get resources amid budget cuts

District facing $107 million shortfall as it prepares to send millions of tax dollars back to the state

Facing a $107 million shortfall for the 2016-2017 school year, the Houston Independent School District is proposing a reconfiguration of district funding methods to ensure the neediest students still receive appropriate resources.

The budget cuts are a result of the state’s funding formula, which requires HISD to send millions of local tax dollars back to the state — a process that is known as recapture and affects districts designated as property-wealthy. Though nearly 80 percent of HISD students come from low-income families, the district is considered property-wealthy because of rising property values throughout the city. Continue reading →

Houston Texans Ambassadors advise football players to ‘hit the books’

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The Houston Texans Ambassadors are a group of former NFL players who represent the team throughout the year by visiting schools and speaking to high school football players, as they did at Worthing High School recently in honor of Black History Month. Jerry LeVias (Houston Oiler 1969-1970) and ND Kalu (Houston Texan 2006-2008) were joined by a surprise guest, current Texan defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. All three players talked about their experiences in the NFL.

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Grier honored at HISD ‘Celebration of Service’ for record of accomplishment

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The district hosted a celebration of service for outgoing Superintendent Terry Grier on Wednesday to mark his decision to step down on Feb. 29 after serving nearly seven years in HISD’s top job.

The event drew dozens of community supporters, elected officials, principals, and district staff to the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, where Dr. Grier’s accomplishments were remembered and lauded.

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Transportation employees ‘move it and lose it’ to stay fit

HISD bus drivers who want to keep up their New Year’s resolution fitness goals now have another option to help them shed the pounds — thanks to the launch of three new fitness courses designed just for them.

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Young Women’s College Prep community hears update on plans for historic campus

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Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy, among HISD’s oldest school buildings, will undergo a $27.1 million renovation/addition that will expand learning spaces throughout the current building and add modern science and technology labs to enhance STEM curriculum.

Plans are in place to preserve much of the historic building, as well as the facade, and transform what now are three separate buildings into one cohesive structure.

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City of Houston honors NHECHS Principal Lundy-Jackson

NHECH Principal Angela Lundy-Jackson (striped skirt) is recognized by Houston City Councilwoman Karla Cisneros (left center) and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner (right center) on Feb. 23.

NHECH Principal Angela Lundy-Jackson (striped skirt) is recognized by Houston City Councilwoman Karla Cisneros (left center) and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner (right center) on Feb. 23.

Before Tuesday’s Houston City Council meeting got underway, current councilwoman and former HISD Board President Karla Cisneros had a special announcement.

She motioned for North Houston Early College High School Principal Angela Lundy-Jackson to come before the council to receive a special proclamation.

Cisneros introduced her to the council members as “one of the most amazing educators in our city,” and then, along with Mayor Sylvester Turner, proclaimed Feb. 23, 2016, Angela Lundy-Jackson Day in Houston.

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HISD recognized at Houston Hispanic Forum’s 30th annual Career and Education Day

Thousands of students from across the Houston area, including hundreds from HISD, attended the Houston Hispanic Forum’s massive College and Education Day on Feb. 13, 2016, at the Brown Convention Center.

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Two HISD educators surprised with 2016 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards

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Two HISD educators were surprised by H-E-B on Wednesday with news that they are finalists for the 2016 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, one of the largest monetary programs for educators in Texas and the nation.

Bellaire High School teacher and international baccalaureate coordinator Ann Linsley was recognized as a teacher finalist, while North Houston Early College High School Principal Angela Lundy-Jackson was named a principal finalist for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.

The two are among eight educators from across Houston and 40 across the state who were selected as award finalists. They now will go on to compete at the state level, where they will have the chance to win additional cash prizes.

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HISD Board of Education hosting meetings to gather input on superintendent search

REMAINING FEBRUARY DATES

Thursday, Feb. 25

  • 4 p.m. Ortiz MS (6767 Telephone Rd. 77061)
  • 6 p.m. Hartman MS (7111 Westover, 77087)

Saturday, Feb. 27

  • 10 a.m. HMWESC (4400 W. 18th St, 77092)

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education is searching for a new superintendent and trustees want input from community members about the qualities and traits they would like to see in their next district leader.

HISD Board of Education President Manuel Rodríguez Jr. and Trustee Diana Dávila have scheduled seven meetings this week to gather feedback from the community that will be used to develop a superintendent candidate profile. The dates and times for additional meetings hosted by other trustees will be announced soon.

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Celebrate the Year of the Monkey with HISD at Westside HS on Feb. 27

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Members of Team HISD will be formally observing the start of a new lunar year on Saturday, Feb. 27, during a celebration held at Westside High School (14201 Briar Forest Dr., 77077) in partnership with the Confucius Institute.

The free event will take place from 6 – 8 p.m. and the public is invited.

Entertainment will be provided by students from more than half a dozen HISD schools, including Kolter Elementary; Lanier and Revere Middle; Furr and Westside High; the Houston Academy for International Studies; the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts; Sharpstown International School; and the Mandarin Chinese Language Immersion Magnet School (MCLIMS).

The Year of the Monkey began on Monday, Feb. 8. MCLIMS hosted its own campus celebration (photos above) on Feb. 20.