HISD Superintendent Terry Grier to deliver 2014 State of the Schools address

Focus is expansion of technology and connecting with parents, community to boost student success

HISD Superintendent Terry Grier will highlight the outstanding work of the district’s principals, teachers, and community partners on Wednesday, Feb. 26, when he delivers the annual HISD State of the Schools address. The event’s theme, Build. Bridge. Believe., brings to life the district’s work over the past year.

“Building is a major component of our daily work – whether it’s the actual construction of schools and other facilities under the 2007 and 2012 bond programs or the more metaphorical challenges of establishing and maintaining relationships,” Grier said.

In addition, the state’s largest district is continuing to bridge gaps in technology and programs, as well as achievement, to ensure all students receive a quality education that prepares them for college and careers. All of the district’s work is shaped by the belief that HISD can make a profound difference.

The past year has included some significant achievements for the district:

  • The district became the first two-time winner of the Broad Prize, a distinction that comes with $550,000 in college scholarships for graduating seniors
  • A 64 percent increase in the number of college-level Advanced Placement exams passed by HISD students since 2007
  • The district distributed more than 18,000 laptops to students at 11 high schools in the first phase of the PowerUp Initiative
  • The highest graduation rate and lowest dropout rate ever for HISD under the modern accountability system
  • A 102 percent increase in the number of HISD students taking the SAT

Dr. Grier will deliver his fifth address to a sold-out audience of 2,000 educators, elected officials, and business and community leaders in the fourth-floor ballroom of the Hilton Americas Hotel (1600 Lamar). The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and includes an address from HISD Board of Education President Juliet Stipeche.

The event also will feature performances by students from schools across the district and will use technology to illustrate what is happening inside classrooms. Live coverage will be provided via Twitter @Houstonisd or @HISDEspanol, and, for the first time, a live Twitter chat will be held during lunch using the hashtag #hisdsots.

Seating for news media covering Wednesday’s sold-out event is available. The 2013 annual report, photos, transcripts, and video of the event will be posted at houstonisd.org/stateoftheschools after the event.