Yearly Archives: 2017

Ortiz Middle School students raise money for woman in need of prosthetic leg

Students raise hundreds of dollars to help others

Ortiz Middle School students raised more than $600 for LIMBS International, an organization that provides prosthetic legs to those in developing countries.

This is the second year in a row Ortiz students have raised money for the organization. The funds were raised through donations, school dance ticket sales and sock sales. The money raised will be used to provide a Bolivian woman with a prosthetic leg. She lost her leg after stepping on glass, which lead to a severe infection. Continue reading →

HISD students to perform speeches at annual Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition

Twelve Houston ISD elementary students on Friday will spread the work and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by performing self-written speeches inspired by the civil rights leader as part of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition.

The MLK Oratory competition, sponsored by Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP and held at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Christ (500 Clay St. 77002), invites fourth- and fifth-grade students to write and present a short original speech that envisions King’s message in today’s world. This year’s theme is “If Dr. King were alive today, what would he say about Muhammad Ali’s contribution to society?”

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HISD’s top priority as 85th Legislature convenes: School finance

As the 85th Texas Legislature convenes today in Austin, the state’s school finance system is the top priority on HISD’s legislative agenda, and the district will ask state lawmakers to make changes that would keep local tax dollars in Houston schools.

Under the state’s current school finance system, HISD is considered “property wealthy” and is subject to sending $162 million in local property taxes to the state – a process known as “recapture.” But on Election Day, Houstonians voted down the ballot measure that would have authorized the $162 million payment and future payments totaling more than $1 billion. This means that, starting in July, the Texas Education Agency can detach $18 billion worth of nonresidential, commercial property from HISD’s tax rolls and reassign those businesses to other school districts for taxing purposes. The TEA will continue to detach property every July for the foreseeable future.

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Board unanimously appoints Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca to serve unexpired Trustee District VI term

Flynn Vilaseca to take oath of office on Thursday

hollymaria_2Houston ISD Trustees on Monday unanimously agreed to appoint Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca (Ocampo) to serve the unexpired trustee term representing District VI on the district’s west side.

Flynn Vilaseca, who is fluent in English and Spanish, worked as a bilingual teacher at HISD’s Windsor Village Elementary School as a Teach for America corps member from 2004 to 2006. Since then, Ms. Vilaseca has continued working in the education field with Battelle for Kids, K12 Inc., and thinkLaw.

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State releases ‘work-in-progress’ report on new accountability system

Methodology likely to change before official A-F ratings are released in 2018

The Texas Education Agency on Friday released a “work-in-progress” report on school accountability ratings in an effort to preview how the actual ratings might look in 2018.

In 2015, the Texas Legislature passed a law requiring all public schools and districts to be issued a single overall grade of A, B, C, D, or F. These future ratings are to be based on student performance in five areas, or domains: student achievement, student progress, closing performance gaps, post-secondary readiness, and community and student engagement.

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M/WBE documentation requirements explained at monthly workshop

This month’s Workshop Wednesday featured members of HISD’s Business Assistance Supplier Diversity team discussing requirements and tips for completing Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) documentation, which all vendors doing business with the district are required to submit.

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HISD schools office organized by region under 7 chief school officers 

HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza recently announced the reorganization of the district’s schools office. HISD’s 287 schools have been divided by region and placed under the stewardship of seven chief school officers, all of whom report directly to Deputy Superintendent Dr. Samuel Sarabia. Continue reading →

New year, new school for Sterling Aviation HS students

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The first day back at school after winter break isn’t usually a day to celebrate among high school teens wishing they had one more day to sleep in.

But the atmosphere at Sterling Aviation High School was different on Wednesday as students reported for the first time to their new campus — a grand building with spacious classrooms, broad windows, colorful furniture, and the latest technology.

“It’s better than the old building,” said Sterling senior Rae’janae Bennings, as she caught up with friends outside the central dining commons before the first bell.  “It’s bigger, and it looks way better.”

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January is School Board Recognition Month

2016-board-of-trustees

January is School Board Recognition Month, and the Houston Independent School District is joining other districts across the state to honor local leaders for their dedication and willingness to serve as advocates for public schools.

These dedicated public servants become school board trustees to serve as advocates for schoolchildren because they are committed to improving public education and their communities. They devote many hours to making sure the children receive a high-quality education that will make them lifelong learners and prepare them for success. They make sure America’s school districts provide students with schools that are safe and have the resources and instructional programs they need to educate children to their fullest potential.

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HISD mourns loss of former Board of Education Trustee Arthur Gaines

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The HISD family is mourning the loss of former Board of Education District IV Trustee Arthur Gaines, a pioneering servant and leader in the state’s largest school district.

Gaines was elected to the HISD Board of Education in 1991, served as board president in 1995, and retired in 2007 at the age of 81. He passed away on Friday. A lifelong educator, Gaines joined HISD in 1948 as a classroom teacher. He was among the district’s first wave of high-ranking African-American administrators, and he held several top-level positions in central administration.

“Mr. Gaines was a pillar of the HISD community and a selfless public servant,” said HISD Board President Manuel Rodriguez, who served on the board with Gaines. “He was a true gentleman, a wise friend, and generous mentor to me and many others who served on the board over the years. HISD is a great school district because of the foundation put in place by people like Mr. Gaines.”

Current District IV Trustee Jolanda Jones said Gaines was an effective advocate for all children, and particularly those in his community, which includes the Third Ward and Sunnyside areas on Houston’s south side.

“Mr. Gaines is a legend in our community, and I am proud to serve the neighborhoods he once represented,” Jones said.