The Houston Independent School District Board of Education on Thursday elected new officers for 2023, selecting District III Trustee Dani Hernandez as Board President.
Continue readingCategory Archives: District IX – Myrna Guidry
Every senior member of the Worthing HS band earns $50,000 scholarships to Langston University
All nine senior members of the Worthing High School Marching Pride of Sunnyside Band earned scholarships to play for Langston University during a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Oklahoma for band tryouts.
On Friday Nov. 12, all 60 members of the band, including its dancers, traveled to Langston University, which is a historically black college 40 miles north of Oklahoma City. It was an event that was by invitation only.
Continue readingHISD board approves administration’s request to restore COVID-related paid leave for staff
The Houston Independent School District Board of Education approved a resolution on Thursday to extend paid leave to employees who are required to quarantine due to a COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure to a confirmed positive individual.
Employees will be able to apply for up to 80 total hours (or 10 days) of emergency paid sick leave if required to quarantine due to a COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure to the virus. The application can be found on the HISD Human Resources page under “Important COVID-19 Info.” In addition, principals will have the discretion to afford teachers and other campus-based employees the ability to work or teach virtually, if the employee needs to quarantine and if working virtually is a benefit to the campus and fulfills campus needs.
The approved resolution is an extension of certain leave benefits provided by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which expired December 31, 2020. If Congress modifies or extends the federal act, the resolution also gives the superintendent the authority to determine how/if employees may use the 80 hours of leave originally provided by the FFCRA.
Continue readingJanuary is School Board Recognition Month
January is School Board Recognition Month, and the Houston Independent School District is proud to honor its Board of Education trustees for their dedication and willingness to serve as advocates for public schools.
The year 2020 brought historic, overwhelming challenges. However, HISD’s nine trustees navigated the unprecedented year with unwavering determination, charting a course to ensure that academic progress could continue for all students.
Our school board members are volunteers who shoulder critical responsibilities and often make difficult choices for our district, all without pay.
Continue readingHISD board approves $250,000 grant for family mental health supports related to pandemic
The Houston Independent School District Board of Education accepted a $250,000 grant from School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network to address students’ and parents’ mental health issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grant, approved by an 8-0 vote with one abstention, will be used at 10 participating schools to assist families whether their students are enrolled in virtual or face-to-face instruction. Only 25 recipients across the nation are receiving the grant. The HISD schools are: Highland Heights and Wesley elementary schools; Attucks, Cullen, Henry, and Thomas middle schools; and Bellaire, Madison, North Forest, and Waltrip high schools.
Joining the board for her first regular meeting was newly appointed Trustee Myrna Guidry (District IX). The Houston attorney and law professor will fulfill the unexpired term of Wanda Adams who resigned to serve as a Harris County Justice of the Peace. The board term expires December 31, 2021.
Continue readingHISD Board of Education appoints Houston attorney Myrna Guidry to District IX position
During a special meeting Tuesday, the Houston Independent School District Board of Education unanimously voted to appoint attorney Myrna Guidry as the new trustee for District IX to fulfill the unexpired term of Wanda Adams.
Guidry was sworn in on Thursday at noon before the regular board meeting.
“I am grateful and happy to have this opportunity to serve the district by working to build up our students’ potential and do whatever I can to contribute to their ultimate success,” Guidry said.
Continue readingHISD Board of Education to host virtual community meetings on district goals for student outcomes
Virtual Community Meeting 2 (ENGLISH ONLY)
Thursday, Oct. 15, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Zoom Meeting Link: https://bit.ly/2SkKKiL
Passcode: hYT3qT
The HISD Board of Education will host two community meetings ahead of a vote to set new district goals for student outcomes. All meetings are virtual and open to the public.
Trustees are scheduled to vote on the goals during a special meeting on Thursday, Oct. 22.
“Our mission as the Board of Education is to educate the whole child so that every student in HISD graduates with the tools to reach their full potential,” HISD Board President Sue Deigaard said. “As we discuss and consider new goals for student outcomes in our district, we want to better understand the views of our communities, which is why public participation in these community meetings is important to us.”
Continue readingRealignment projects near completion as 2012 Bond wraps up
It has been nearly 50 years since Booker T. Washington High School had a swim team. But as the high school’s new practice pool nears completion, that will soon change.
Washington’s new pool and natatorium are among several 2012 Bond realignment projects — new, board-approved projects funded by surplus bond savings but not part of the original scope of work.
Continue readingParker ES dedicates new facility, Spark Park
Parker Elementary School students, staff, parents, and community members were visibly excited about their new colorful and modern surroundings as they gathered for Building and Spark Park Dedication ceremony Thursday.
Parker students provided musical entertainment throughout the evening, including the Parker Elementary School Advanced Strings, a surprise performance by the school band, and a reception with Parker Jazz Band.
“One of the things that I see is just how much more seriously the kids take their performances in a fancy auditorium like this one,” Parker Principal Lori Frodine said.
Continue readingWorthing HS celebrates new building with grand opening ceremony
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Clad in gold glitter leotards, Worthing High School’s Prancing Dolls danced to the rhythmic beat of the band as cheerleaders chanted, energizing the crowd of students, staff, and alumni gathered in their sleek two-story commons area.
The crowd gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new school, rebuilt under the 2012 Bond Program.
“This moment, this celebration today, does indeed represent a fresh beginning for Worthing High School,” HISD Board of Education Trustee Wanda Adams said. “This building has the state-of-the-art resources that our young scholars need and deserve to realize their most ambitious dreams.” Continue reading