Parents say HISD changes — from cut bus routes to staff turnover — are putting students at risk, while district leaders point to gains in reading and math.
HOUSTON — Tensions boiled over once again at Thursday night’s hours-long Houston ISD board of trustees meeting, as parents and teachers voiced frustration over ongoing changes in the district.
From worries about the state takeover to questions about transparency and communication, families said the changes are creating instability at their schools.
Concerns over the new education system model
Parents said the rollout of a new education system model has added to frustrations about what they describe as a lack of open communication from district leaders.
Bus route eliminations raise safety concerns
One of the biggest complaints was the elimination of bus routes. Parents told the board that students are now forced to walk long distances to get to school, often through neighborhoods with no sidewalks. Some children must cross busy streets and walk near wooded areas, dumpsters, and trailer parks.
Families warned this creates serious safety risks — especially during rain or flooding.
Teacher turnover
A teacher from Northside High told the board that over 60 educators at his school alone have been terminated or pushed out. Parents said they fear losing experienced staff is hurting students across the district.
Last-minute leadership and staffing changes
Durham Elementary was a particular focus of the meeting. Families there spoke out about curriculum shifts and a last-minute principal assignment on July 31, just days before the start of school.
Parents said these disruptions compounded an already difficult start:
- Staffing and curriculum changes were rolled out back-to-back.
- Teachers were informed of another last-minute change even after the first day of school.
- On that first day, teachers were required to rearrange classroom desks after students had already settled in.
One parent told the board:
“We are not opposed to change. We are opposed to poorly planned disruptions without proper support and resources. Given the scope of these changes, it would have been helpful to have dedicated guidance and resources in place immediately to support our staff and new leadership team. For any school, either of these changes on its own would require time, planning and strong support.”
Another parent added that “having them back to back meant our campus was navigating a great deal in a very short window.”
District leaders highlight student progress
While many parents expressed frustration, district leaders also shared positive news at the meeting — that students are meeting key reading and math goals despite the challenges.
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