Houston ISD public meetings to help hire next superintendent
HOUSTON (FOX 26) — After Richard Carranza resigned as Houston Independent School District superintendent in March 2018, Dr. Grenita Lathan was named interim superintendent.
Things got bumpy in October as there was an attempt to bring in Dr. Abelardo Saavedra, who led the district from 2004 until 2009. After a lot of backlash, including accusations of racism, the Houston ISD Board of Trustees agreed to retract that offer and reinstated Lathan as interim superintendent. Now the public is getting its chance to speak on who should take the helm.
The meeting at Peck Elementary School on Monday had a few heated moments when it came to issues about the search for the new superintendent and the overall disarray of the district.
Tammy Jones, who has two children in enrolled in Houston ISD tells FOX 26 News, “I think this is just a formality. I believe the board already has what they’re gonna do in mind. So I think it’s just a formality to please the parents and the community.“
Tammy has two teens in Houston ISD and worries the district will impact their college applications.
"We want what’s best for our children," adds Tammy. "I want them to attend college, but I don’t want them to have to worry about any changes that are being made. I want them to be able to go to school and get their education.”
Jolanda Jones was one of the board members who hosted the meeting on Monday night. She was vocal about wanting interim superintendent Dr. Lathan for the position.
“I would like to see her remain and let them give her a chance," says Tammy in agreement. "There hasn’t been any stability with our district.“
Other parents like Nichola Carr-Welch who aren’t sure think it’s great for parents to get involved in the meetings like she did.
“I think it’s good to go ahead and have the search, and I appreciate the fact that the community gets to be a part of it, at least gets a put a little bit of input,” says Carr-Welch.
The district is conducting an online survey at https://survey2.ecragroup.com/index.php/358177?lang=en that will allow parents to provide input on the hiring of a superintendent.
The meeting on Monday was the first of 14 that will take place throughout the district.
As part of its nationwide search for a new superintendent, the Houston ISD Board of Trustees will conduct the following meetings where the public will be invited to provide feedback:
Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, 6:30 p.m. (Trustee Sue Deigaard, District V)
Pershing Middle School, 3838 Blue Bonnet Blvd., 77025
Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, 2 p.m. (Trustee Sue Deigaard, District V; Trustee Holly Flynn Vilaseca District VI; Trustee Anne Sung, District VII)
Long Academy, 6501 Bellaire Blvd., 77074
Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, 6 p.m. (Trustee Holly Flynn Vilaseca, District VI)
Revere Middle School, 10502 Briar Forest Dr., 77042
Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, 7 p.m. (Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones, District II)
Barbara Jordan Career Center, 5800 Eastex Fwy., 77026
Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019, 6:30 p.m. (Trustee Anne Sung, District VII)
Wisdom High School, 6529 Beverly Hill St., 77057
Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, 9 a.m. (HISD Board of Education - Districtwide meeting)
Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 4400 W. 18th St., 77092
Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, 6 p.m. (Trustee Sergio Lira, District III, Trustee Diana Davila, District VIII)
Chavez High School, 8501 Howard Dr., 77017
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, 1 p.m. (Trustee Rhonda Skillern-Jones, District II)
Black Middle School, 1575 Chantilly Lane, 77018
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, 9 a.m. (Trustee Elizabeth Santos, District I)
Northside High School, 1101 Quitman, 77009
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, 6 p.m. (Trustee Elizabeth Santos, District I)
Heights High School, 413 E 13th St., 77008
Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, 6:30 p.m. (Trustee Wanda Adams, District IX)
Madison High School, 13719 White Heather Dr., 77045