Houston ISD parents plan sickout on Wednesday to protest school takeover
HOUSTON - A group of Houston Independent School District parents and students are planning a sick out to protest the Texas Education Agency's takeover of HISD.
What we know:
The parents said the sickout is to protest state policies that they said are harming their children's education.
"I am asking for the reinstatement of an elected school board. We are asking for authentic instruction," said one HISD parent.
During a press conference on Monday, the parents said they would pull their children out of class for the whole day or part of the day.
"Houston ISD families can participate in one of three ways: choose a full day absence, pick your student up after attendance is taken, or pick your student up after lunch," said Kelly Klikre, another HISD parent.
What they're saying:
The parents said they have protested and spoken up at school board meeting, but their voices are not being heard. They are demanding change within the school district that they say is destroying public education under Superintendent Mike Miles.
"Together we made history in defeating the largest school bond in Texas, and together we can continue to send a message to F. Mike Miles, the board of managers, the Texas Education agency, our Texas legislators, and Governor Abbott to end the takeover and give us our schools back," said Fred Woods, an HISD parent.
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Houston ISD gave this statement on their Instagram:
HISD has always, and will always, continue to support and educate every student who walks through our doors. While our commitment to students has not changed, we know this is an uncertain time for many in the Houston community. We will do everything within our power to ensure stability and continuity of care for our students while they are in our schools, and the safest place for our students to be during the school week is in school. It is entirely irresponsible for CVPE to cynically exploit people’s legitimate concerns about federal immigration policy to push their own political agenda about the state intervention. Encouraging students to skip school only hurts students.
Every data point—STAAR, NAEP, School Accountability Ratings, College-Credit Course Access—shows that HISD’s students and schools, especially those neglected by previous administrations, are making significant progress.
CVPE has already lobbied to defeat the bond and ensure students continue learning in aging buildings.
What's next:
The sickout is scheduled for Wednesday, February 5. The same day, there will be a parent protest at Wharton Dual Language Academy.
The Source: FOX 26 Reporter Jade Flury spoke with parents about the sickout and why they're doing it.