Houston Independent School District Board of Education on Thursday took the first step in approving a measure that would prohibit offensive or culturally insensitive mascots.
The proposed policy affects four HISD schools — Lamar High School Redskins, Westbury High School Rebels, Hamilton Middle School Indians and Welch Middle School Warriors. It would go into effect at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year.
Larry Marshall
Thursday marked the end of the era in HISD leadership when Trustee Larry Marshall took his seat at the board table for the last time, after more than 50 years in public education as both an employee and board member.
To recognize his many contributions to Texas’ largest public school system, Marshall’s fellow trustees hosted a farewell reception in his honor immediately before the 5 p.m. meeting at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 4400 W. 18th St.
Administrators are recommending firms to provide CMAR services
Administrators are recommending that the HISD Board of Education authorize the district to negotiate contracts with five firms to provide construction manager at risk (CMAR) services on selected 2012 bond projects.
HISD trustees heard a detailed update Thursday of dozens of new laws from the 83rd session of the Texas Legislature, but the focus was on one new measure – House Bill 5 – that will make huge changes in Texas graduation requirements beginning with current ninth- and 10th-graders.
The session was presented by HISD counsel David Thompson, who serves as one of the district’s legislative liaisons.
HB 5 reduces the number of STAAR end-of-course exams that must be passed for graduation from 15 to 5 and requires students to select a personal graduation plan between a basic “foundation” course of study and a more rigorous “distinguished” diploma that increases their chances for admission to four-year Texas public universities and state grants.
Burbank and Elrod elementary schools to keep magnet status for 2014-2015 academic yea
The Houston Independent School District is restoring the magnet designation at two elementary schools following a thorough review of the schools’ presentations and related documentation during the appeal process. Burbank and Elrod elementary schools will keep their magnet designation and funding for the 2014-2015 academic year.
“As we listened to the magnet program representatives who presented appeals, the committee was looking for clear evidence that these programs were on the path to meeting the magnet standards within one to two years,” HISD Assistant Superintendent of School Choice Dave Wheat said. “After a lot of deliberation, we’re pleased to announce that we are restoring the magnet designation at Elrod and Burbank elementary schools.”
Trustees sell campus to St. Thomas High School for $60 million
The Houston Independent School District Board of Education on Thursday authorized the sale of the campus housing the district’s High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice.
Artwork by more than 30 finalists considered
What: Each year HISD honors the artistic talent of its students by choosing one of their designs for the district’s holiday greeting card. This year more than 30 students from elementary, middle, and high schools were selected as finalists. District officials will reveal on Friday HISD’s 2013 holiday greeting card, selected by Superintendent Terry Grier. The winning student will be on hand for the unveiling and all the finalist holiday cards will be available for purchase.
Who: Winning student, HISD Board of Education Trustees and HISD Chief Business and Communications Officer Dr. Michele Pola
When: Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 at 11 a.m.
Where: HISD Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 4400 W. 18th Street
Incumbent Trustees Anna Eastman and Harvin Moore will keep their seats on the Houston Independent School District Board of Education after beating their challengers, according to final, but unofficial results of Tuesday’s election.
Former City Councilwoman Wanda Adams also won a seat on the HISD Board of Education, beating out two opponents to fill the District IX spot being vacated by departing Trustee Larry Marshall. Trustees Greg Meyers and Michael Lunceford were unopposed in their re-election bids.
The HISD Board of Education on Thursday authorized the district to negotiate contracts with seven firms to provide construction manager at risk (CMAR) services on selected 2012 bond projects.
The HISD Board of Education on Thursday adopted a 3-cent property tax rate increase. This represents the first such rate increase since 2001. The new property tax rate of $1.1867 per $100 taxable value is nearly 24 cents less than the average Harris County school district – maintaining HISD’s position as having the lowest rate of any district in the region.