HISD interim superintendent shake-up, What's Your Point?

This week  five HISD trustees removed Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan and installed Abe Saavedra who led HISD from 2004 -2009 as the new interim superintendent,

This week's panel tackles the topic: Justin Lurie- businessman and former congressional candidate, Nyanza Moore - progressive commentator and Houston attorney, Paul Bettencourt- Republican State Senator,  Tony Diaz- Chicano educator and activist,  Tomaro Bell – Super Neighborhood leader, Bill King - businessman, columnist and former Kemah Mayor.

 


In a surprise move on Thursday night, the Houston Independent School District Board of Trustees voted 5-4 to remove Dr. Grenita Lathan as interim superintendent. They are choosing to replace her with former HISD superintendent Dr. Abelardo 'Abe' Saavedra, trustee Wanda Adams tells FOX 26 News. 

The board says Dr. Lathan will return to her previous position in the district. It was explained that having a sitting superintendent expressing interest in the full-time position was seen as a potential deterrent for outside candidates.

Shouts from the crowd in attendance at the board meeting on Thursday, much of it captured on Facebook Live video from Houstonians for Great Public Schools, included accusations of racism by the board. Board sources tell FOX 26 that several board members appeared fixated on finding a Hispanic superintendent.

Some expressed concerns over past turbulence during Dr. Saavedra's previous tenure as superintendent in Houston.

Dr. Lathan will still be allowed to apply for the full-time position. She has been serving as interim superintendent since Richard Carranza prematurely vacated the role back in March of this year.