Rally Against State Takeover at the Governor's mansion in Austin on March 16

The HISD takeover effort has been stalled in the courts, but unelected Abbott appointees in Austin are still fighting to overturn the will of Houston voters and take over the largest school district in Texas.

Buses will depart at 7:00 AM from Hattie Mae White Educational Support Building, 4400 W. 18th St. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Buses will return by 3:30pm and complimentary adult beverages will be offered on the ride home! 

Meet us at the Governor’s Mansion from 11 am-noon to speak out, stand up, and demand that the Governor  intervene and repeal Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath’s abuse of power and poor judgement.

Register at go.aft.org/austinrallyIf you are not a teacher or are driving yourself, the quick link is HERE.

In November of 2019, Mike Morath (Texas Education Agency Commissioner) announced his intention to disenfranchise the voters who elected the Houston Independent School District’s School Board, by taking over the district.

His decision, came after CONSTITUENTS had VOTED and elected a new school board, and was based upon the STAAR performance of just one school, Wheatley High School. In fact, Wheatley actually earned a passing score but the state changed the rules after the fact.

In 2018, 21 of Houston’s Schools were listed on the U.S. News & World Report’s Best High School Rankings. HISD is a strong district with a 2019  B+ rating and was recently ranked as #9 of all major city school districts despite Harvey and state interference.

To the contrary, school districts taken over and managed by the state have a history of failure. The students of HISD won’t benefit from a TEA takeover. We know what a takeover means for our kids- less support for students with special needs, more school segregation and more testing. Help us tell the TEA, “KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF OUR SCHOOLS!”

Please come and stand with the constituents and community impacted by this over-reach and abuse of power committed by the governor. Get on a bus to Austin with us and bring your friends too. 

Sign up at go.aft.org/austinrally. Teachers pay a fully refundable $20 deposit. The quick link for community members is HERE.

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The next Community Voices for Public Education meeting is on Feb 29 from 1:30-3:30 pm, at the Houston Public Library on 1050 Quitman across from Northside HS. RSVP on FB or here. Work groups include planning for the rally, creative actions, research and youth organizing.

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Working Together to Strengthen Houston's Public School System