New pushback is emerging as Houston ISD moves closer to a vote on a proposal that would close 12 campuses across the district.<\/p>\n
The school board is expected to vote tonight on whether to move forward with the closures, which district leaders say are part of a broader effort to stabilize enrollment and finances. But Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard says families deserve more transparency before a decision is made.<\/p>\n
Pollard believes many parents were caught off guard by the proposal and says he still needs more information to justify closing schools that serve some of the city\u2019s most vulnerable neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe majority of HISD is minority,\u201d Pollard said. \u201cAnd so these communities where these schools are located are going to affect many minority students. But regardless of race, regardless of background, we want to ensure that communities have answers.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the proposed closures is located within Pollard\u2019s own district, and he says he does not support the plan as it currently stands.<\/p>\n
Houston ISD officials say the proposed closures are driven by declining enrollment, underused campuses, aging buildings and long-term budget sustainability concerns. District leaders argue consolidating schools would allow HISD to better align staffing, improve programming and direct more funding toward classroom instruction rather than building maintenance.<\/p>\n
While the city does not have direct authority over HISD decisions, Pollard says City Council can still use its public platform to press for accountability.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to have environments where students feel safe and they have thriving schools so that they can learn and do their best,\u201d Pollard said. \u201cAnd when school closures occur without proper notice or meaningful community engagement, people are frightened.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pollard has sent a letter to John Whitmire, requesting that Mike Miles appear before City Council to answer questions about the proposal.<\/p>\n
If approved, the school closures would take effect at the end of the current school year.<\/p>\n
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