To Move Houston ISD Forward, Community Conversations Must Change

Four years ago, Phillis Wheatley High School failed to meet academic standards for the seventh consecutive year. This persistent and systemic failure is what initially opened the door for a state intervention in Houston ISD. In our Fifth Ward community, this initial trigger was the first time we became aware that our beloved school was failing our students. Parents of Wheatley seniors worried that their children would not be prepared for life after high school – that their college or career options would be limited. Sobering statistics started coming out, including how only 1% of Wheatley graduates are college-ready*. What was most surprising is that we never knew, no one sounded the alarm or ever reached out to engage parents and community members to partner with our school to turn things around for our children.   

I have worked with hundreds of parents across Northeast Houston to bring awareness of the quality of education in Houston ISD. Our purpose is to improve student outcomes, bring awareness to educational issues, and organize parents and the community to elevate their voices in the public discourse.

Families across Northeast Houston have waited for years for more attention and school resources to support their students. Northeast Houston has the highest concentration of New Education System schools in the district for a reason. There are students who are significantly academically behind and who feel as though no one cares about their future. For four years, we waited for someone to include the voices of those who were most impacted – the families and the students. When the state intervention was imminent, it finally brought attention to our schools. 

The changes brought on by the new HISD administration are meant to get our students back on track. Northeast Houston parents are eager to have their voices heard on what’s working, what’s not, and how to continue to improve the quality of education for their children. However, like before, we again find ourselves being excluded from the conversation. But, this time, the exclusion is coming from organizations and disruptive members of the public who are unaware of the struggles these schools and students have dealt with for decades.

Over the past few months I have worked to take parents to the school district’s community and board meetings. The parents are passionate about improving the quality of education in HISD, and are ready to have civil, public discourse with other parents to move HISD forward. However, since the change in administration, we are confronted with a new challenge in voicing our opinions. The outbursts and opposition to the intervention and new administration from some community members have made these public spaces intolerable. These public spaces are where parents come to listen, learn, and lift up their voices. Now, they have turned into toxic environments where parents feel unwelcome, unwilling, and unable to raise their voice. 

What we now repeatedly encounter at HISD public forums is a small group bringing unproductive discourse aimed at distracting parents from better understanding the changes that are happening in our school campuses. I have witnessed first-hand downright disrespectful behavior towards parents and community members who are trying to express views different from those disruptive voices. We hesitate to bring students to these forums because we don’t want them to think this type of behavior is acceptable. I respect that there are those who feel that they are being stripped of democracy, but their undemocratic behavior is silencing the voices of those who have opinions different from their own. 

Yes, there is a lot of anger over what has happened in HISD.  I’m frustrated, too.  I’m frustrated when the needs of students have been neglected. I’m frustrated when less than 50% of HISD 3rd grade students are reading on grade level. I’m frustrated that not every student is afforded a great public school in their neighborhood.  Something has to change. 

 The format of these community meetings needs to change in a way that is more engaging and community-oriented so that all voices can be heard. The behavior of a few intentionally disruptive actors needs to change.  They do not represent the full sentiment of our community.  Families who care for their children’s future should feel comfortable to share their stories and express their needs without catcalling and insults when they step up to speak.  

Adult behaviors must change so that we are able to move HISD forward, prioritizing student outcomes every step of the way.  

Families in Northeast Houston have waited for years for more school resources for their students. There are students who are academically behind and who feel as though no one cares about their future. Northeast Houston parents want to have their voices heard on how to continue to improve education for their children. Now, we find ourselves being excluded from the conversation by organizations and members of the public who are unaware of the struggles these students have dealt with for decades. The format of these community meetings must change to be more engaging and community-oriented so that all voices can be heard.

First published in the North Forest Newsletter in the September 2023 issue

* TEA TAPR, 2018-2022 reports.  See also Houston ISD New Education System Overview.