Houston ISD board votes to close 12 campuses
Houston ISD votes to close, consolidate 12 schools
The Houston Independent School District voted to close or consolidate a total of 12 schools during a meeting on Thursday night. FOX 26's Karys Belger has the latest.
HOUSTON - The Houston ISD board unanimously decided on Thursday to close all 12 schools that were proposed earlier this month.
Houston ISD school closing
What they're saying:
The HISD board all agreed to shut down the following campuses before the 2026–2027 school years:
- Alcott Elementary
- Briscoe Elementary
- Burrus Elementary
- Franklin Elementary
- NQ Henderson Elementary
- Port Houston Elementary
- Ross Elementary
- Cage Elementary
- Fleming Middle School
- McReynolds Middle School
- Hobby Elementary
- Gulfton Middle College
Four of those schools will have their students moved to different campuses:
- Cage Elementary moves to Lantrip Elementary
- Fleming and McReynolds move to Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men
- Hobby Elementary to Lawson Middle School
The meeting was adjourned immediately after the vote was made.
Houston ISD votes to close 12 campuses
In a unanimous vote, the Houston ISD Board of Managers has voted to close 12 campuses for the upcoming school year.
The other side:
The proposal was met with disapproval from public speakers before the vote was made.
One person was removed from the meeting when she continued to speak past her allowed time. She stood on the speaker podium before being escorted by security.
Accelerate Houston
Big picture view:
The closings are a part of HISD's new "Accelerate Houston" initiative. Officials say the goals are to "modernize educational opportunities" and connect students to better learning resources.
The initiative also includes the following:
- Future 2 Schools: A K-8 model focused on "critical thinking, problem-solving, and the use of artificial intelligence"
- Accelerated Math: Initiative for middle school students to build a foundation to complete Algebra I in 8th grade
- Virtual School: Students can complete coursework in a virtual setting while remaining enrolled at their home campus
The Source: FOX 26 was present during the Feb. 26 Houston ISD board meeting. Information also comes from previous FOX 26 reporting.