Author Archives: HISD Communications

Transportation Services conducting review to provide better service to students 

HISD Transportation Services is conducting a review of its operations to identify ways to improve service for students who take the bus to and from school daily.

The review comes in response to challenges the department has faced this year, including staffing and bus shortages, an aging bus fleet and limited replacement budget, and the need to create new routes for students and schools displaced by Hurricane Harvey.

These issues have made it difficult for the department to run at an optimal level and have led to service delays and disruptions.  Continue reading →

Police officer’s service in HISD spans from helping schools to serving alongside superintendent

HISD Police Officer Brenson York

Every morning, Brenson York prepares for a day full of surprises. As an HISD police officer assigned to the superintendent’s security detail, he must be ready for anything.

“I’ve done and seen almost everything,” York said with a chuckle. “From driving the superintendent to local meetings around the city to making turn-around trips to Austin — even providing security at events, monthly board meetings, and, of course, hundreds of school visits.”

According to York, fighting Houston traffic, navigating backroads, finding detours, and waking up before sunrise for early morning meetings are just part of the gig. He also serves as the eyes and ears for HISD’s superintendent, often acting as a needed buffer for the school district chief at public events. Continue reading →

Board of Education hears proposal on funding model for 2018-2019 school year

The Board of Education on Monday discussed proposed changes to HISD’s Resource Allocation System that address the district’s $115 million budget deficit for the 2018-19 school year.

The changes include a reduction to the Per Unit Allocation (PUA), an increase in the small school subsidy, and the centralization of funding for Career and Technical Education.

HISD faces a $115 million budget deficit for the 2018-2019 school year. To address the deficit, the district is proposing cutting $70 million from central office. Originally, the district proposed cutting $45 million from campuses, but that figure was reduced to $34 million by anticipating and assigning unspent funds from the 2018-2019 budget.
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HISD surveying parents on family engagement efforts 

The Houston Independent School District is seeking parent input in an annual survey is to determine how well their child’s school partners with them and encourages family engagement in the education process.

Your feedback on this survey is important and will help the district to develop strategies to improve supports for parent and family engagement at the school level.

Parents may access the 2017–2018, HISD Title I, Part A Parent and Family Engagement Survey here.

The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete and will remain anonymous. The survey should be completed for each school being attended. For assistance in reading or interpreting the survey, please contact the Title I campus contact person at the school level for additional assistance.

Madison HS Project Advisory Team tours new school construction

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Madison High School Project Advisory Team members joined with school staff for a tour of the Marlins’ new facility, getting a sneak peek of the new gym, dining commons, auto shop, and auditorium.

Construction of the new school is more than halfway complete. The concrete walls have been erected and the installation of the roof, windows, and exterior brickwork is underway. Interior walls are being framed and utility site work is underway.

Permanent power to the building — an important project milestone — will be connected to the building in early May.

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20 HISD schools to participate in Houston Art Car Parade

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Some 20 HISD schools are participating in the 31st annual Art Car Parade, which lines up along Allen Parkway on Saturday, April 14, and rolls out at 2 p.m. into downtown Houston.

For those who want to get jump on the parade, see the cars up close, and talk to the owners, join the “Starting Line Party” along Allen Parkway between Montrose and Sabine Street Bridge at 11 a.m. There will be food trucks, music, beverages, and more.

Nearly 250 cars, bikes, skaters, and motorized creations take about two hours to wind through the streets of Houston and end up back along Allen Parkway. For the parade route and complete details, see Houston Art Car Parade.

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CANCELLED: ‘When I Grow Up’ career expo

When I Grow Up has been cancelled due to threat of severe weather on Saturday morning. However, students 16-24 years old will still be able to apply and interview on the spot for various summer jobs at companies who are partners to Hire Houston Youth. This is an initiative of the Mayor’s office, and HISD has encouraged its business partners to do their summer hiring through HHY. See this website for details: www.hirehoustonyouth.org/youth.

In addition, students will still be presenting project presentations reflecting a year of working with ACE Mentors. Preliminary and final presentations in the architecture, construction, and engineering fields that solve business problems will be presented at Hattie Mae White beginning at 8 a.m. this Saturday.

Nutrition education dietitian growing more than just food with school garden program 

When HISD Nutrition Education Dietitian Julia Jarrell gets a reluctant student to try — and enjoy — bok choy for the first time, she knows she’s doing exactly what she is meant to be doing.

Studies have proven the link between healthy eating and improved academic performance, she said. Good nutrition can boost grades, lower dropout rates, and even reduce disciplinary problems.   Continue reading →

HISD logistics manager busy behind the scenes ensuring smooth transitions across district

Jade Mays

You might call Jade Mays a mover and shaker.

On a typical day, the HISD logistics manager can be found hustling around the district warehouse, scheduling movers, communicating with contractors, coordinating with principals, walking campuses, and overseeing the packing and moving of entire schools.

In a business where things are constantly changing, the job of a logistics manager is no easy feat. Mays and her team are responsible for moving schools and offices that are relocating. Her job is to make the process seamless for employees. Thanks to Mays and her team, teachers and students just have to show up at their new location, unpack and get to work. Continue reading →