[en español clic aquí]

The HISD Board of Managers is betraying the public’s trust with financial decisions that are as unethical as they are deceptive. Their actions show a pattern of obfuscation and blatant disregard for accountability.

We cannot remain silent as HISD makes financial decisions that erode public trust—recent actions by the Board of Managers must not go unnoticed.

First, the board’s sale of 17 district properties, paired with a staggering budget deficit of $664,000(page 34), is a slap in the face to everyone following Miles’ ongoing efforts to run HISD into the ground. The board also retroactively approved up to $870 million in contracts, violating procurement policies for the past 16 months. These actions are not mistakes; they are serious ethical violations.

“Audience member Sarah Terrell was ousted from the building and taken to jail in handcuffs when she objected loudly to the board unanimously voting to sell a number of properties.When Terrell refused to leave she was handcuffed, dragged from her front row seat and arrested for trespassing,” spending most of the next twenty four hours in jail.” Read the entire story in “$870 Million Oops Shouldn't Be "Swept Under the Rug" Speakers Argue at HISD Meeting.

Sarah, an HISD grandparent and retired CPA, believed she had a moral obligation to speak up. The CPA code of ethics is clear: professionals must act in the public interest, ensuring transparency and accountability. The board’s actions—approving contracts retroactively and selling public property to pay for recurring expenses instead of capital renovations as was the previous policy (Sept 12th -p 76)—are a direct violation of these values.

We urge the Board to prioritize de-escalation strategies and avoid arresting individuals in non-violent situations. Sarah received a first warning, followed by a second warning just three seconds later, and was then ordered to leave the board room moments later before being arrested—this chaotic escalation makes no sense as a policy for constituents. Despite Sarah offering to sit down, she was handcuffed and charged, even though there was no threat to anyone’s safety to justify such an escalation. This disproportionate response sends a harmful message to students about conflict resolution and silences those who wish to voice their concerns. HISD should have allowed her the opportunity to leave voluntarily, rather than resorting to arrest.

Yesterday, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we remembered Dr. King’s commitment to justice and peaceful protest. We must stand with Sarah and demand that HISD adopt de-escalation strategies, promote equity and free speech, and hold the board accountable for its decisions.

Can you stand up for public education? Here are a couple of things you can do.

• Thur, Jan 23: Opt Out STAAR Parent Meeting on Zoom at 6 pm in English and at 7 pm in Spanish
• Tue, Jan 28th: Watch or speak at HISD Budget workshop at 3 pm.
• Thur, Jan 30th: Join CVPE for a mini lobby day to visit state legislator offices in Austin. Sign up here.
• Wed, Feb. 5th is a good day to schedule dentist and doctor’s appointments. No snow likely.

Let’s raise our voices and honor Dr. King’s legacy by demanding justice and transparency.