Category Archives: HISD: Our Story

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 →

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.

Continue reading →

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 →

Mitchell ES, Park Place ES win NFL Play 60 grants 

Mitchell and Park Place elementary schools scored big recently, winning Play 60 grants from the Houston Texans and Texas Children’s Hospital to fund new equipment for P.E., sports, and after-school programs to help get kids moving.

Mitchell won $5,000 and Park Place won $3,500 after submitting a formal funding request that included an essay on how the grant would be used.

Play 60 grants help schools with gym equipment, playgrounds, activity trails, etc.—anything to help students be active for 60 minutes each day.

New Lawson MS set for completion this summer

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Construction on the new Lawson Middle School is now in the final stages, with the project almost 90 percent complete and on track to open this summer.

The main and auxiliary gymnasiums, locker rooms, dining commons, kitchen, and administrative offices are nearly complete, and flooring is being installed throughout the building. In addition, driveways at the east and west sides of the campus are almost finished.

“The end is in sight,” Lawson Principal Kasey Bailey said, noting that furniture selections have been confirmed, and delivery will occur mid-May. “We are extremely excited and can’t wait to move in.”

Continue reading →

HISD Board of Education names Chief Academic Officer Grenita Lathan as acting superintendent

Grenita Lathan

The Houston Independent School District Board of Education unanimously voted to name Chief Academic Officer Grenita Lathan as interim superintendent of the state’s largest school district.

Lathan was tapped to serve as the interim leader of HISD while trustees search for a permanent replacement for outgoing Superintendent Richard Carranza, who is stepping down after nearly a year and a half with the district.

Lathan will assume the role of acting superintendent immediately, and she will become interim superintendent on April 1. Continue reading →

HISD launches new logo and tagline across the city

If you’ve visited local movie theaters recently or driven around town, you might have noticed the district’s newest marketing campaign featuring HISD’s new logo and/or tagline: Building Houston’s Future, Right Now.

The tagline emphasizes HISD’s role in preparing a future Houston workforce that is college and career ready through initiatives including literacy, college access, wraparound services, innovation, and fine arts.

The district launched the series of advertisements in an effort to increase awareness of the district’s educational initiatives and services that support the whole child.


Located at 59 South and Polk Continue reading →