Chaotic HISD board meeting ends with arrests, no vote on crucial decision

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - It was a meeting like no other for HISD board members. More cops were there than ever before and fewer chairs.

The meeting was packed with opponents of a board proposal that would place 10 struggling schools under the power of a charter school vendor. The board has to offer the Texas Education Agency a contract before April 30 to stop the state from taking over the mostly minority campuses.

Protesters say the board didn't want to hear from them. That's why they say so many cops were there and few chairs. They speculate the board wanted to wear them down so they would keep quiet and leave.

When the board went into closed session for two hours, opponents of the charter school proposal began chanting and making noise. They were told by the HISD police chief to be quiet or leave.

When the board got tired of hearing from the protesters, things took a bizarre turn. Three women were dragged out of the meeting. While two male protesters practically begged cops to arrest them, that didn't happen. One woman our camera caught being dragged on the floor was detained and released.

Two other women were arrested and received misdemeanor resisting arrest charges and refusing to comply with a public servant.

All spectators present were ordered to leave the building including the media. About an hour later, the media was allowed to return. After waiting almost another hour, the meeting began only to be immediately adjourned. No vote was taken on the charter proposal and spokespeople for the district were unable to tell us what would happen next since the vote didn't take place.

HISD released this statement:

Per board policy BED LOCAL, audience members shall not be disruptive or abusive during the board meeting.  While the district appreciates and shares the passion the community has for the students and schools and welcomes public input, audience members are expected to be respectful and observe decorum so that their views may be heard and appreciated. 

During Tuesday night’s workshop, after continuous disruption and multiple outbursts from members of the audience, and after several verbal requests from the Board President to adhere to the rules, attendees were instructed to clear the room and called for a recess. Many refused to leave and a scuffle ensued. An HISD police officer sustained minor injuries.