[en español clic aqui] Teachers and parents have raised these concerns at nearly every Board meeting since the takeover began. Now that they’re hearing it from students—will they finally listen?

Houston, we have a problem—and students are sounding the alarm about the real harm caused by the HISD takeover.

Can you sign up to speak before the noon deadline TODAY? Instructions here.

Student comments from Agenda Item 3 (community engagement report) in Thursday’s board packet.

• “Inflexible curriculum pacing and too many group assignments”
• “MRS strategies tended to slow real learning opportunities in AP/advanced courses”
• “Long-term substitute teachers for advanced courses”
• “Some students report that long days, poor accommodations for learning differences, and lack of communication regarding resources harm performance.”
• “Students want to feel heard and supported through stronger counselor networks, discussion-based classes, and peer-to-peer connection”
• “Teacher burnout, fear of admin check-ins, and lack of passion affect student experience”
• “At times, new model causes student disengagement, low morale, and mental strain”
• Students reported drastic impacts from lost funding, dissolved programs, and shrinking campus resources.

Teachers and parents have raised these concerns at nearly every Board meeting since the takeover began. Now that they’re hearing it from students—will they finally listen?

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week—and we’re calling on parents, students, and community members to use public comment to celebrate the teachers who’ve inspired you or your kids. 

• Register at https://houstonisd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Instructions here.

But in today’s HISD, even praising teachers feels dangerous—as if Superintendent Miles might punish those we lift up.

Let’s be clear:
🚫 The pink slips shouldn’t go to teachers. 43% left last year. How many more this year?
🚫 Not to wraparound specialists, a program Miles just completely eliminated
🚫 Not to the 56% of maintenance staff already cut since the takeover
✅ If anyone deserves a pink slip, it’s Miles and the Board of Managers rubber-stamping his harmful agenda.

This Thursday, speak up with love—and with truth. Show up. Defend our teachers and students.

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Stop

Register here: https://houstonisd.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

1. Click "e-comment" for the meeting you wish to register for (far-right of the screen).
2. Sign in or create an account. Confirm your email address through the email sent to you (check spam). If you don’t receive it, call Board Services.
3. Pick an agenda item or sign up for all of them so you can speak earlier. Click BOTH “register to speak” and “I agree.”
4. For Zoom participants, complete the Zoom form in the email you receive after registering. It might go to your spam. Pro tip: If you register for Zoom, you can speak in person but not the other way around.
5. If you have issues registering, contact HISD Board Services at 713-556-6121 or [email protected] before noon on Wednesday for assistance.