Tag Archives: HISD superintendent

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 →

Special message from Superintendent Carranza on student protections

Houston ISD Superintendent Richard Carranza sent the following message today to parents, community members, and employees:

Houston ISD is proud of its rich diversity. Each and every one of our students has a right to an education that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Our focus and determination to serve all students will not be diminished by the recently announced rollback of guidelines to provide much needed protections for transgender students in public schools.

In HISD, we will continue to provide a safe and positive learning environment for all students.

We do not discriminate. In fact, HISD board policy clearly states that we do not condone discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression, or on any other basis prohibited by law. The HISD Board of Education and I are committed to respecting and recognizing all students for who they are.

Our students represent the best of who we are, and together we are HISD.

Sincerely,
Richard A. Carranza
HISD Superintendent

Special message from Superintendent Carranza on diversity at HISD

Houston ISD Superintendent Richard Carranza sent the following message today to parents, community members, and employees:

Dear Team HISD,

Houston ISD has always valued diversity. We do not discriminate. We have young newcomers who come to our schools every year. We do not turn them away. All of our students have a constitutional right to equal access to education regardless of any circumstance that is no fault of their own – whether they’re an immigrant or low-income.

We are a public school district. We serve a tremendous amount of English language learners and economically disadvantaged students who depend on us daily. Our schools are safe havens for all students. Places where they not only learn fundamentals but have the opportunity to learn a new language, a different culture, and explore career pathways. Ultimately, we are preparing students for a future in a world that is becoming more diverse every day. We want our students to leave not only academically enriched but with more positive attitudes toward other cultures.

Our schools will continue to be safe and positive learning environments that promote student learning and development versus discrimination and fear.

Sincerely,

Richard A. Carranza
HISD Superintendent

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FAQ: What you need to know about immigration, discrimination, and your rights at HISD

HISD Superintendent Terry Grier to Address Class of 2013 at Commencement Ceremonies

Nearly 9,000 seniors to graduate at 41 HISD graduation ceremonies

Starting today nearly 9,000 seniors will graduate from HISD high schools at 41 commencement ceremonies across Houston.  On Saturday and Sunday HISD Superintendent Terry Grier will be addressing the seniors at the commencement ceremonies for Chavez, Washington and East Early College high schools.  Members of the HISD Board of Education will also be taking part in commencement ceremonies across the district.

“It is such an honor to see thousands of students walk across the stage, ready to embark on a new chapter in their lives,” Dr. Grier said.  “At HISD we work hard to ensure all students are college and career ready, so we feel confident that every senior from the Class of 2013 is on the right path to success.”

Continue reading →

HISD to Announce 2013 Teachers of the Year

Twenty-two elementary and secondary teachers among finalists

Teachers from all 276 HISD schools, including the 22 finalists for the districtwide teacher of the year award, will be at the annual HISD Celebration of Excellence today at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

HISD will announce the two 2013 Teachers of the Year, and each winner will receive $5,000, a plaque, and a custom made ring from Herff Jones Graduation Center. The principals, assistant principals, first-year principal and first-year teachers of the year and employees of the month will also be recognized.

Click here to read more about the 22 finalists for Teacher of the Year.

Who:  HISD Board of Education Trustees, HISD Superintendent Terry Grier, principals, teachers and staff

What:  Team HISD Celebration of Excellence ceremony honoring the 2013 Teachers of the Year

When:  Tuesday, May 21 at 6p.m.

Where:  George R. Brown Convention Center, Grand Ballroom, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston

HISD Superintendent Terry B. Grier to be Honored by the Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators

The Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators (HAABSE) will award HISD Superintendent Terry Grier its Presidential Award during the organization’s 26th Annual Outstanding Teacher Awards and Recognition Ceremony. The Presidential Award is presented to educators who are pioneers in the education of Houston’s youth.   The HAABSE will also honor community activist Georgia Provost for her work in education, and will recognize exceptional teachers from greater Houston and surrounding areas.  Scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors studying education.  The HAABSE’s primary mission is to enhance leadership in providing valuable professional services and strategies to institutions, agencies, and communities engaged in creating an environment in which students, particularly minority students, can achieve academic excellence.

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Letter to community from HISD Superintendent Terry Grier

Dear HISD Community:

I am writing to let you know in advance about an article that we expect to appear in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper on Sunday that analyzes test scores from school districts across America. The story comes nearly a year after a major cheating scandal in the Atlanta Public Schools. This national exam score analysis was done in an effort to identify schools in which student test performance increased or decreased significantly from one year to the next. The newspaper interprets such shifts in performance as signs of possible cheating. We have been alerted that the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s analysis has identified such test score spikes at campuses across America, including some in the Houston Independent School District.

I want you to know that HISD takes these allegations seriously and does not tolerate cheating. We believe that adults who participate in cheating are robbing their students of the quality education they deserve. I also want you to know that I believe in the integrity of the overwhelming majority of educators working in Houston schools.

Continue reading →