Houston Independent School District public meetings in 2024
34 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
School Board
The Houston ISD school board will hold an open session including public hearings for two teachers, a former employee, and a student expulsion appeal. The board will then recess to closed session to discuss personnel decisions, legal matters, and a district safety audit. Following closed session, the board may take action on items discussed.
- Hearing for teacher Charles Collins at Challenge Early College High School
- Hearing for teacher Rebecca Williams at Navarro Middle School
- Dispute resolution hearing for former employee Shelia Burton at Wesley Elementary
- Student expulsion appeal for Q.N. at Briarmeadow Charter School
- Closed session discussion of district safety audit and HB3 compliance
The HISD School Board voted 6-1 to adopt the hearing examiner's recommendation to deny the proposed non-renewal of teacher Charles Collins's term contract at Challenge Early College High School, granting his appeal. The board also voted 7-0 to deny a grievance from former employee Shelia Burton and 4-2 to sustain the expulsion of student Q.N. from Briarmeadow Charter School for arson. The board adjourned to closed sessions for personnel, legal, and security matters, but no other final votes were taken in open session.
- Approved adoption of hearing examiner's recommendation to deny non-renewal of Charles Collins's contract and grant appeal (6-1)
- Denied grievance of former employee Shelia Burton and upheld level II hearing officer decision (7-0)
- Sustained expulsion appeal of student Q.N. from Briarmeadow Charter School for arson (4-2)
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
School Board
The Houston ISD School Board met on December 10, 2024, and approved all agenda items except for a few that were tabled or sent to second reading. The board approved the December budget amendment, vendor awards over $1 million, and policy revisions on first reading. A public hearing was held on the School Financial Integrity Rating System. The board also entered closed session to discuss personnel and legal matters.
- Approval of December budget amendment
- Approval of vendor awards for purchases costing $1,000,000 or more
- Approval of contract renewal between Westbury High School and Harris County Protective Services for Community Youth Services Program
- Approval of final (second reading) of safety policy CKE(LOCAL) and deletion of CKEA(LOCAL)
- Approval of first reading of multiple board policy revisions (AE, BE, BED, EHBJ)
The board approved the December budget amendment (8-0-1) and the closed session personnel agenda including proposed terminations and nonrenewals of contracts. Several policy revisions were approved on first reading with a requirement for a second reading, while two items were tabled: proposed revisions to policy CH(LOCAL) and ratification of cooperative vendor awards.
- Approved December budget amendment (8-0-1, Rivon abstain)
- Approved closed session personnel agenda including terminations/nonrenewals (9-0)
- Approved policy AE(LOCAL) first reading with second reading required (9-0)
- Approved policy BED(LOCAL) first reading with changes and second reading required (8-1, Auzenne Bandy nay)
- Approved policy EHBJ(LOCAL) first reading with second reading required (9-0)
- Tabled proposed revisions to policy CH(LOCAL) first reading (9-0)
- Tabled ratification of cooperative vendor awards from August 2023 (9-0)
- Accepted board monitoring update on Goal 4 Progress Measure 4.3 (9-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
School Board
The Houston ISD School Board will canvass and accept the official results of the November 5, 2024 Schoolhouse Bond Election. The agenda is otherwise procedural, including call to order, public comment, and closed session authorization. No other substantive items are listed.
- Canvass and accept official results of November 5, 2024 Schoolhouse Bond Election
The School Board held a special meeting to address the results of the November 5, 2024, schoolhouse bond election. The board voted to canvass and accept the official results of that election.
- Accepted official results of November 5, 2024, schoolhouse bond election (2-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
School Board
The Houston ISD School Board approved all agenda items at its Nov. 14 meeting except a new student discipline policy (withdrawn) and a property sale policy (postponed to Dec. 10). Approved actions include the annual financial report, bond defeasance and refunding, vendor awards over $1 million, and policy changes. The board also heard updates on academic progress measures and assessment data.
- Approval of annual comprehensive financial report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024
- Approval of order to defease certain outstanding bonds and authorize limited tax refunding bonds
- Approval of vendor awards for purchases costing $1,000,000 or more
- Approval of programming change for Fondren Middle School and entrance requirement change for Carnegie Vanguard High School
- Approval of revisions to board policies (BBD, CFC, CPC, etc.) and establishment of security personnel policy
The Houston Independent School District board approved changes to Fondren Middle School and Carnegie Vanguard High School entrance requirements, accepted a board monitoring update, and approved a settlement in a legal case. The board also approved a closed session agenda that included personnel actions and real estate sales.
- Approved Fondren Middle School programming change (6-0)
- Approved Carnegie Vanguard High School entrance requirement change (6-0)
- Approved vendor awards for purchases over $1M (6-0)
- Accepted Board Monitoring Update (6-0)
- Postponed policy revisions on school property sales to Dec 10 (5-1)
- Approved settlement in lawsuit Noe Santos-Gomez v. HISD (6-0)
- Authorized superintendent to issue contract terminations/nonrenewals (6-0)
- Authorized superintendent to issue suspensions without pay (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
School Board
The school board will hold a public hearing for two student expulsion appeals from Briarmeadow Charter School and Northside High School. After public comment and hearings, the board will recess into closed session to discuss personnel matters including superintendent duties and evaluations, legal issues including the 2024 bond and federal law enforcement activity, and district safety audit findings. The meeting is mostly procedural, with possible action on closed-session items later.
- Student Expulsion Appeal, Q. N., Briarmeadow Charter School
- Student Expulsion Appeal, C. D., Northside High School
- Closed session to deliberate superintendent duties, evaluations, and compensation
- Closed session to receive legal advice regarding 2024 bond
- Closed session to discuss districtwide intruder detection audit report and HB3 compliance
The board voted to remand a student expulsion appeal for further development of the record. A further hearing is scheduled for on or before November 30, 2024, with the matter continued for consideration at the December 10, 2024, meeting.
- Postponed expulsion appeal for student C. D. at Northside High School (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
School Board
The Houston ISD school board will meet in open session, then recess to closed session to deliberate personnel matters, including hearing examiner recommendations on potential terminations or nonrenewals for five teachers. The board will also discuss a parent dispute resolution, legal advice on the 2024 bond, and district safety audit findings. No final votes are scheduled during open session; any action will follow closed session.
- Hearing examiner recommendations for teachers Michelle Mayberry-Johnson (Fonville MS), Angelica Bravo Anez (Coop ES), Mary Ann Plewinski (J.P. Henderson ES), Linda Scott (Jane Long Academy), and Rebecca Russo (Briargrove ES) — TEA dockets 139-LH-06-2024, 144-LH-06-2024, 138-LH-06-2024, 165-LH-06-2024, 176-LH-06-2024
- Parent dispute resolution hearing for Felecia Scales (Longfellow ES)
- Discussion of districtwide intruder detection audit findings and HB3 compliance
- Legal advice regarding the 2024 bond
- Update on federal law enforcement activity from February 27, 2020
The HISD School Board held hearings to consider various personnel recommendations. The board voted to non-renew or terminate the contracts of five teachers and denied a parent grievance.
- Non-renewed Michelle Mayberry-Johnson's employment effective immediately (7-0)
- Non-renewed Angelica Bravo Anez’s 2023–2024 term contract (7-0)
- Non-renewed Mary Ann Plewinski’s 2023–2024 one-year term contract (7-0)
- Non-renewed Linda Scott’s 2023–2024 term contract (7-0)
- Terminated Rebecca Russo’s employment effective immediately (6-0)
- Denied the grievance of Felecia Scales, upholding the level II hearing officer decision (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (6 roll-call votes)
School Board
The School Board will decide on the membership and charter of the 2024 Bond Oversight Committee. The body will also review budget and investment reports and consider several updates to board policies regarding audits, records, and student discipline.
- Approval of vendor awards for purchases costing $1,000,000 or more
- Approval of 2024 Bond Oversight Committee membership and charter
- Authorization to renew partnership agreement with U.S. Army for JROTC units
- Approval of agreement for Houston Community College to use classroom space for Special Education Transition Program (18+)
- First reading of new board policy FOC(LOCAL) regarding student placement in disciplinary alternative education settings
The board appointed 14 members and two alternates to the 2024 Bond Oversight Committee and approved the committee's charter. The board also approved personnel actions, the superintendent's evaluation, and emergency funds for internet security. Various vendor awards and policy revisions were passed via a consent agenda.
- Appointed 14 members and 2 alternates to 2024 Bond Oversight Committee (Approved)
- Approved Bond Oversight Committee Charter (Approved)
- Approved emergency funds for internet security (Approved)
- Approved superintendent's evaluation and performance plan (Approved)
- Approved closed session personnel actions including terminations and nonrenewals (Approved)
- Accepted Board Monitoring Update for Goal 3 Progress Measures 3.1 and 3.2 (Accepted)
- Approved vendor awards for purchases of $1,000,000 or more (Approved)
- Approved first readings of revisions to Board Policies BBD(LOCAL), CFC(LOCAL), CPC(LOCAL), and new policy FOC(LOCAL) (Approved)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
School Board
The Houston ISD School Board will meet in open session for team building training, discussion of board constraints, and a communications update. The board will then enter closed session to discuss personnel matters (superintendent duties, appointments, terminations), legal issues (including 2024 bond advice and federal law enforcement activity), and a security intruder detection audit. Any action from closed session will be considered in open session afterward. No agenda packet is available for this meeting.
- Discussion and possible development of board constraints
- Communications and engagement update
- Closed session: personnel actions including superintendent evaluation, appointments, and terminations
- Closed session: legal matters including 2024 bond legal advice and update on February 27, 2020 federal law enforcement activity
- Closed session: districtwide intruder detection audit report findings and corrective actions
The Houston Independent School District held a special meeting on September 14, 2024, that adjourned to closed session to discuss personnel evaluations and potential appointments, and legal matters including bond advice. The meeting reconvened in open session but recorded no final actions or votes.
- Adjourned to closed session for personnel and legal matters
- Reconvened in open session with no final actions recorded
School Board
The Houston ISD school board will hold hearings on a case involving James Mathew and a dispute between HFT and HISD over the Open Door Policy. After hearings, the board will recess into closed session to discuss personnel matters, legal issues including litigation and a federal law enforcement activity update, and security audit findings. No open-session votes on policy or budget are listed.
- Hearing: James Mathew
- Hearing: HFT v HISD (Open Door Policy)
- Closed session: personnel appointments, terminations, and evaluations
- Closed session: update on federal law enforcement activity from February 27, 2020
- Closed session: discussion of districtwide intruder detection audit report findings
The HISD School Board held a hearings meeting on September 12, 2024, and voted on two grievance appeals. Both grievances—one from James Mathew and one from the Houston Federation of Teachers (HFT) regarding the Open Door Policy—were denied unanimously (6-0), upholding the level II hearing officer's decisions. The board also met in closed session for personnel, legal, and security matters before adjourning.
- Denied James Mathew grievance, upheld level II hearing officer decision (6-0)
- Denied HFT v HISD (Open Door Policy) grievance, upheld level II hearing officer decision (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
School Board
The Houston ISD school board will consider adopting the 2024 property tax rate and levying ad valorem taxes. The consent agenda includes approval of vendor awards over $1 million, work-study interlocal agreements with the University of Houston and Houston Community College, and second-reading revisions to several board policies. A closed session will address personnel, legal, real estate, and security matters.
- Resolution adopting 2024 tax rate and levying ad valorem taxes
- Vendor awards for purchases costing $1,000,000 or more
- Interlocal agreement with University of Houston for work-study program
- Interlocal agreement with Houston Community College for work-study program
- Second-reading revisions to board policies on property sale/lease, homebound instruction, admissions, and wellness
The board approved the 2024 tax rate and levy (9-0), and approved personnel actions including terminations and a resignation agreement for former West Division Superintendent Laura Stout. A consent agenda with 13 items, including innovative course applications and vendor awards, was also approved. Two monitoring updates were accepted, and one policy revision was withdrawn.
- Approved 2024 tax rate resolution (9-0)
- Approved consent agenda (9-0) including 13 items
- Approved personnel actions: terminations, nonrenewals, and resignation of Laura Stout (9-0)
- Accepted board monitoring update: Goals 3 and 4 (9-0)
- Accepted board monitoring update: Constraint 1 progress measures (9-0)
- Withdrawn from agenda: proposed revisions to policy CDB(LOCAL)
🗳️ How they voted (5 roll-call votes)
School Board
The board will hold public hearings on independent hearing examiner recommendations for Marycate Mehta and Deonsha Thompson, then recess to closed session to discuss personnel matters including superintendent evaluation, employee appointments and terminations, legal issues, and a districtwide intruder detection audit. After closed session, the board may take action on items discussed.
- Public hearing on Independent Hearing Examiner's Recommendation for Marycate Mehta (TEA Docket No. 041-LH-12-2023)
- Public hearing on Independent Hearing Examiner's Recommendation for Deonsha Thompson (TEA Docket No. 039-LH-11-2023)
- Closed session: deliberate duties and compensation of superintendent and other administrators
- Closed session: consider appointments, reassignments, terminations, and resignations of personnel
- Closed session: discuss findings and corrective actions from districtwide intruder detection audit
The HISD school board voted unanimously to approve a separation agreement for Marycate Mehta, resolving TEA Docket No. 041-LH-12-2023, and separately voted unanimously to terminate Deonsha Thompson's employment effective immediately, adopting the independent hearing examiner's recommendation. The meeting included a closed session for personnel, legal, and security matters.
- Approved separation agreement and full release for Marycate Mehta, dismissing TEA appeal (6-0)
- Terminated Deonsha Thompson's employment, adopting hearing examiner's findings (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
School Board
The Houston ISD School Board approved all items on the August 15, 2024 agenda, including a resolution for employee compensation and continued operations during and after Hurricane Beryl. Other approved items include the 2024-2025 Student Code of Conduct, vendor awards over $1 million, and several policy revisions. The board also authorized agreements for use of school buildings as hurricane refuges and partnerships for Head Start prekindergarten programs.
- Adoption of a resolution regarding compensation to employees and continuing business operations during and after Hurricane Beryl
- Approval of the 2024-2025 Student Code of Conduct
- Authorization to negotiate an interlocal agreement for use of school buildings as refuges during a hurricane emergency
- Approval of vendor awards for purchases costing $1,000,000 or more
- Approval of first reading for Board Policy AF(LOCAL), Innovation Districts
The board unanimously approved the consent agenda (items 8–26), including the 2024-2025 Student Code of Conduct, a resolution on employee compensation during Hurricane Beryl, and several policy updates. It also accepted board monitoring updates and quarterly self-evaluations. In closed session, the board approved personnel actions including contract terminations and nonrenewals (8-0).
- Accepted board monitoring update on Goals 1 and 2 (9-0)
- Accepted board monitoring update on Constraint 2 progress measures (9-0)
- Accepted board's quarterly self-evaluations (9-0)
- Approved consent agenda including Hurricane Beryl compensation resolution and 2024-2025 Student Code of Conduct (9-0)
- Approved closed-session personnel agenda including contract terminations and nonrenewals (8-0)
🗳️ How they voted (5 roll-call votes)
School Board
This meeting includes public comment, hearings, and a closed session to deliberate personnel actions, hearing examiner recommendations, legal matters, and a districtwide intruder detection audit. No substantive policy votes or contracts are scheduled for open session.
- Public hearings for four individuals: Sonia Trevino, Christina Letsinger, Terricita Boyette Brown, and John & Karla Womack
- Closed session consideration of hearing examiner recommendations under TEA Docket Nos. 085-LH-02-2024, 066-LH-01-2024, and 084-LH-02-2024
- Parent Dispute Resolution Hearing for John and Karla Womack
- Discussion of districtwide intruder detection audit report findings and corrective actions
The School Board approved the immediate termination of three employees based on independent hearing examiner recommendations. The board also resolved a parent dispute resolution hearing by taking no further action.
- Terminated employment of Sonia Trevino effective immediately (5-0, 2 abstentions)
- Terminated employment of Christina Letsinger effective immediately (7-0)
- Terminated employment of Terricita Boyette Brown effective immediately (7-0)
- Took no further action regarding parent dispute resolution for John and Karla Womack (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
School Board
The Houston ISD school board will consider approving a schoolhouse bond election, including an election order and related contracts. The meeting also includes presentations on accountability data and a transformation program. Closed session will cover personnel, legal, and security matters.
- Approval to call a schoolhouse bond election and authorize related contracts
- Accountability Data Presentation
- Presentation: Why Transformation Works
- Closed session to discuss superintendent evaluation and personnel actions
- Discussion of districtwide intruder detection audit findings
The HISD board voted unanimously to call a schoolhouse bond election, approve the election order, and authorize negotiation and execution of related contracts. No other substantive decisions were made; the remainder of the meeting consisted of presentations and closed-session discussions.
- Approved calling a schoolhouse bond election, election order, and related contracts (9-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
School Board
The board will hold a workshop on the proposed 2024 bond package. Closed session will cover personnel, legal matters, and a security audit. No other agenda items are listed for open session.
- Workshop topic: Proposed 2024 bond package
- Public comment registration deadline: 12 p.m. day before meeting
- Closed session includes personnel evaluations, appointments, and terminations
- Closed session includes discussion of districtwide intruder detection audit findings
- Possible action on matters discussed in closed session after reconvening
The HISD School Board held a workshop on July 16, 2024, to discuss the proposed 2024 bond package. No votes or decisions were made during the public session. The board also entered closed session for personnel, legal, and security matters.
- No votes or approvals recorded
School Board
The Houston ISD School Board will hold a special meeting to discuss a potential bond election, possible revisions to Board Policy AE(LOCAL), and a report on STAAR results. The meeting also includes consideration of board monitoring updates and closed session items on personnel and legal matters. The agenda notes that item 1 was accepted and item 2 was not accepted at this meeting.
- Discussion of a potential bond election
- Discussion of possible revisions to Board Policy AE(LOCAL)
- Report on STAAR results
- Acceptance of Board Monitoring Update: Goal 1 Progress Measure 1.3 and Goal 2 Progress Measure 2.3
- Closed session includes deliberation on superintendent and employee duties, evaluations, and contracts
The board voted 7-0 to accept a monitoring update on Goal 1 and Goal 2 progress measures. A motion to postpone a separate monitoring update (Constraint 3) failed, and a subsequent motion to reject it also failed, leaving the item unadopted. The board unanimously approved a closed-session personnel agenda including terminations, suspensions, and contract actions. Discussions on a potential bond election and policy revisions were held but no votes taken.
- Accepted Board Monitoring Update on Goal 1 and Goal 2 progress measures (7-0)
- Motion to postpone Constraint 3 monitoring update failed (1-6)
- Motion to reject Constraint 3 monitoring update failed (3-4)
- Approved closed-session personnel agenda including terminations and suspensions (8-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
School Board
The Houston ISD School Board will consider and vote on the 2024-2025 recommended budget, hold public hearings on the budget and proposed tax rate, and review a report on the first year of district transformation including preliminary STAAR results. The consent agenda includes approval of homestead exemptions for tax year 2024, vendor awards over $1 million, and multiple interlocal agreements for teacher preparation and teen health clinics.
- Approval of the 2024-2025 Recommended Budget
- Public hearing and discussion on budget and proposed tax rate
- Resolution adopting residence homestead exemptions for Tax Year 2024
- Approval of vendor awards for purchases costing $1 million or more
- Report on neighborhood students not attending Helms Elementary and Wharton Dual-Language Academy
The Houston ISD school board approved the 2024-2025 recommended budget by a 5-4 vote, with dissent from four members. The board also unanimously approved personnel actions including terminations and nonrenewals, a community garden lease at Barbara Jordan Career Center, and a consent agenda covering policy changes, waivers, and interlocal agreements.
- Approved 2024-2025 recommended budget (5-4)
- Approved personnel agenda including contract terminations and nonrenewals (9-0)
- Authorized lease agreement with Harris Health LBJ Hospital for community garden at Barbara Jordan Career Center (9-0)
- Approved consent agenda including policy revisions, teacher certification waivers, and interlocal agreements (9-0)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
School Board
The Houston ISD School Board will meet in open session, hear public comment, then recess to closed session to discuss personnel matters (including four TEA hearing examiner recommendations), legal issues, real estate (including a lease for a community garden at Barbara Jordan Career Center), and a districtwide intruder detection audit. Possible action on these items will follow closed session.
- Consideration of Hearing Examiner's Recommendation for Janametrius Simmons (TEA Docket No. 056-LH-01-2024)
- Consideration of Hearing Examiner's Recommendation for Marycate Mehta (TEA Docket No. 041-LH-12-2023)
- Consideration of Hearing Examiner's Recommendation for Brandie Dowda (TEA Docket No. 053-LH-12-2023)
- Consideration of Hearing Examiner's Recommendation for Debbie Jayne (TEA Docket No. 060-LH-01-2024)
- Authority to negotiate lease with Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital for a community garden at Barbara Jordan Career Center, 5800 Eastex Fwy., Houston, TX 77026
The board approved the termination of three employees (Janametrius Simmons, Brandie Dowda, Debbie Jayne) based on independent hearing examiner recommendations, and approved a settlement in the Marycate Mehta case. All votes were 5-0 with no nays or abstentions recorded.
- Approved termination of Janametrius Simmons, affirming hearing examiner's dismissal of appeal (5-0)
- Approved settlement in Mehta v. HISD, authorizing superintendent to execute agreement (5-0)
- Approved termination of Brandie Dowda, adopting hearing examiner's findings (5-0)
- Approved termination of Debbie Jayne, adopting hearing examiner's findings (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
School Board
The Houston ISD School Board will hold a workshop on the 2024-2025 district budget during open session. The meeting also includes a closed session for personnel, legal, and security matters. No detailed agenda packet is available. Public comment is allowed with prior registration.
- Workshop on 2024-2025 district budget
- Closed session: personnel appointments, evaluations, terminations, and resignations
- Closed session: legal matters including pending litigation and federal law enforcement update
- Closed session: discussion of districtwide intruder detection audit report
- Public comment registration deadline is 12:00 p.m. the day before the meeting
The School Board held a workshop meeting to consider matters pertaining to the 2024-2025 district budget. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded in these minutes.
School Board
At this special meeting, the board will hold a workshop on the 2024-2025 district budget and receive an update on the May 2024 Houston derecho storm. The board will consider a resolution on employee compensation and continuing business operations related to the storm. Closed session will address personnel matters, legal issues, and a security audit.
- Workshop on 2024-2025 district budget
- Update on 2024 Houston derecho storm
- Resolution on employee compensation and business operations during the storm
- Closed session includes deliberation on superintendent duties and employee evaluations
- Closed session includes discussion of intruder detection audit findings
The HISD School Board held a special meeting that included a budget workshop and a storm update. The only formal vote was approval of a resolution regarding employee compensation and business operations during the 2024 Houston Derecho storm, passed unanimously as amended. The board also approved closed-session personnel actions including contract terminations, nonrenewals, and suspensions, with one abstention.
- Approved resolution on employee compensation and business operations during 2024 Houston Derecho storm (9-0, as amended)
- Approved closed-session personnel agenda including terminations, nonrenewals, suspensions, and contract actions (8-0-1, Rivon abstained)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
School Board
The May 16, 2024, special meeting of the Houston ISD School Board was canceled because of inclement weather and power failure. No agenda items were discussed or voted on.
School Board
The Houston ISD school board scheduled a workshop on the 2024-2025 district budget, but the meeting was adjourned early because of inclement weather and power failure. No agenda packet was provided. The board also planned to enter closed session for personnel matters (including superintendent evaluation, appointments, terminations) and legal matters (including pending litigation and a federal law enforcement activity update). No votes or decisions were taken in open session.
- Workshop on 2024-2025 district budget (meeting adjourned early)
- Closed session for personnel: superintendent evaluation, appointments, terminations, contract renewals
- Closed session for legal: pending litigation, federal law enforcement activity update (Feb 27, 2020), disparity study
- No agenda packet available for this meeting
- Public comment registration required by 12 p.m. day before meeting
The board held a workshop on the 2024-2025 district budget but took no substantive votes on the budget or other agenda items. The only action was a unanimous vote to adjourn the meeting and repost it for Thursday, May 23, 2024, with carryover of public speakers who had not yet spoken.
- Approved motion to adjourn and repost meeting to May 23, 2024, carrying forward registered speakers (8-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
School Board
The Houston ISD School Board approved all agenda items at its May 9, 2024 meeting, including a $1,000,000 spending limit increase for moving expenses, first-readings of policy revisions on attendance and crisis intervention, and designation of term contract employment areas for potential reduction in force.
- $1,000,000 spending limit increase for moving expenses
- Revisions to Board Policy FEC(LOCAL) on attendance for credit (first reading)
- Revisions to Board Policy FFB(LOCAL) on crisis intervention (first reading)
- Term contract employment areas for reduction in force
- Approval of bus stops in hazardous walk zone areas
The board accepted a goal monitoring report and approved the selection of a district-created curriculum on a 7-1-1 vote. It also approved a consent agenda including policy revisions, a $1M spending limit increase for moving expenses, and approval of hazardous walk zone bus stops. In closed session, the board unanimously approved personnel actions including contract terminations and suspensions.
- Accepted Goal 4 progress measures monitoring report (unanimous)
- Approved selection of district-created curriculum (7-1, Auzenne Bandy abstained)
- Approved consent agenda (unanimous) including policy FEC(LOCAL) revisions, community engagement plan, TEKS certification, Region 4 Deaf program agreement, $1M moving expense increase, tax rate personnel designation, hazardous bus stops, investment policy, TIRZ reappointments, policy FFB(LOCAL) revisions, board monitoring calendar, term contract employment areas, continuing contract teaching fields, and previous meeting minutes
- Approved proposed revisions to board policy FEC(LOCAL) (first reading)
- Approved 2024-2025 TEKS certification
- Approved spending limit increase for moving expenses of $1,000,000
- Approved bus stops in hazardous walk zone areas
- Approved closed session personnel actions including contract terminations, suspensions, and nonrenewals (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
School Board
The Houston ISD School Board is meeting in open session to hold a hearing on a parent dispute involving Bryan and Leslie Bales and Lamar High School, followed by closed session to discuss personnel appointments, evaluations, terminations, and legal matters including pending litigation and a federal law enforcement update from February 27, 2020. No other substantive agenda items are listed; the remainder of the meeting consists of routine procedural business.
- Hearing for parent dispute resolution: Bryan and Leslie Bales, parents, Lamar High School
- Closed session: personnel matters including superintendent duties, employee appointments, terminations, and contract renewals
- Closed session: legal matters including pending litigation and update on federal law enforcement activity on February 27, 2020
- Public comment registration deadline: 12:00 p.m. the day before the meeting
The board held a hearing regarding a parent dispute resolution for Bryan and Leslie Bales. The board voted to deny the grievance and uphold the decision of the level II hearing officer.
- Denied grievance and upheld level II hearing officer decision (8-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
School Board
The Houston ISD School Board approved all items on its April 11, 2024 agenda except item 7, which was tabled until May 9. The consent agenda included policy revisions, vendor awards over $1 million, authorization for limited tax refunding bonds, and an interlocal partnership with Prairie View A&M University. Also discussed were budget, investment, and purchasing reports.
- Item 7 tabled: Authority to establish cooperation agreement with Southwest University of Political Science and Law for a Confucius Institute
- Approval of order authorizing issuance of limited tax refunding bonds
- Approval to designate Helms Elementary School as a separate and unique school
- Approval of vendor awards for purchases costing $1,000,000 or more
- Approval of interlocal partnership agreement with Prairie View A&M University for teachers and leaders residency program
The board approved designating both Helms Elementary and Wharton Dual Language Academy as separate and unique schools, effective immediately. Additionally, the board approved several personnel actions in closed session and tabled a cooperation agreement regarding a Confucius Institute.
- Approved closed session personnel agenda (8-0)
- Approved withdrawal of termination proposal for Sheena Washington (8-0)
- Tabled cooperation agreement with Southwest University of Political Science and Law until May 9, 2024 (8-0)
- Designated Helms Elementary School as a separate and unique school (7-1)
- Designated Wharton Dual Language Academy as a separate and unique school (7-1)
- Approved items on the consent agenda (8-0)
- Accepted constraint monitoring update (8-0)
- Accepted goal monitoring report (7-1)
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
School Board
The Houston ISD school board meets April 11, 2024, for a regular session. The board will hear public comment and hold hearings on four individuals (Michelle Williams, Dianna Dale Jackson, Ebony Blacklock, Edwina Lewis) before recessing to closed session. In closed session, the board will discuss personnel matters including teacher disputes, appointments, terminations, and legal issues such as pending litigation and a federal law enforcement activity update. Possible action on those discussions may follow in open session.
- Hearings for Michelle Williams (Forest Brook Middle School teacher dispute), Dianna Dale Jackson (TEA Docket No. 045-LH-12-2023), Ebony Blacklock (TEA Docket No. 004-LH-10-2023), Edwina Lewis (TEA Docket No. 082-LH-02-2024)
- Closed session deliberation on superintendent duties, employee evaluations, compensation, and contract provisions
- Closed session consideration of proposed appointments, reassignments, terminations, nonrenewals, and resignations of administrators and teachers
- Closed session update on federal law enforcement activity from February 27, 2020
- Possible action after closed session on matters discussed
The board voted to terminate the employment of Ebony Blacklock, Dianna Dale Jackson, and Edwina Lewis effective immediately. Additionally, the board voted to deny a grievance filed by Michelle Williams.
- Terminated employment of Ebony Blacklock effective immediately (7-0)
- Terminated employment of Dianna Dale Jackson effective immediately (7-0)
- Terminated employment of Edwina Lewis effective immediately (7-0)
- Denied grievance and upheld level II hearing officer decision for Michelle Williams (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
School Board
The School Board will conduct workshops on community engagement and time tracking training. The meeting includes a closed session to discuss personnel matters, legal updates, and insurance claims.
- Workshop: Community Engagement Training
- Workshop: Time Tracking Training
- Closed session on personnel appointments, terminations, and compensation
- Legal update on magnet and dual language program implementation
- Possible action regarding Hurricane Harvey insurance claims
The School Board approved the authorization for the Superintendent to negotiate and execute settlement agreements with property insurance carriers regarding remaining Hurricane Harvey claims. Time Tracking Training was postponed.
- Authorized Superintendent to negotiate and execute settlement agreements for remaining Hurricane Harvey insurance claims (Approved)
- Postponed Time Tracking Training
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
School Board
The Houston Independent School District School Board will consider and vote on a consent agenda including a $250 million property insurance purchase, the March budget amendment, and multiple policy revisions. A public hearing on the Texas Academic Performance Report and a closed session for personnel and legal matters are also scheduled.
- Approval of $250 million property insurance coverage from various insurers
- Consideration and approval of the March Budget Amendment
- Teach For America contract for 2024-2025 through 2026-2027 school years
- Public hearing regarding the Texas Academic Performance Report
- Approval of vendor awards for purchases costing $1,000,000 or more
The board approved the March budget amendment (9-1), with board member Rivon voting no, and accepted a goal monitoring report. It also approved revisions to board policies on officers' duties and internal committees. The consent agenda, including Teach for America contracts and property insurance, was approved. In closed session, the board approved personnel terminations and a corrective action plan.
- Accepted Goal 1 and Goal 2 progress monitoring report (unanimous)
- Approved March budget amendment (9-1, Rivon opposed)
- Approved policy BDAA(LOCAL) revisions, officers' duties (unanimous)
- Approved policy BDB(LOCAL) revisions, internal committees (8-0-1, Auzenne Bandy abstained)
- Approved consent agenda including vendor awards, $250M property insurance, Teach for America contract (unanimous)
- Approved personnel terminations and suspensions in closed session (unanimous)
- Approved corrective action plan SRDR2023-08-03 (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
School Board
The Houston ISD school board is meeting for hearings and then recessing to closed executive session to discuss personnel matters, including hearing examiner recommendations for employees Monique Batiste and Devanah Jones-McGinnis, and a dispute resolution hearing for Destini James. The board may take action on matters discussed in closed session upon reconvening.
- Hearing items for Monique Batiste, Devanah Jones-McGinnis, Destini James
- Closed session to consider personnel appointments, terminations, renewals, and contract lengths
- Consideration of Hearing Examiner's Recommendation, TEA Docket No. 083-LH-07-2023 (Monique Batiste)
- Consideration of Hearing Examiner's Recommendation, TEA Docket No. 046-LH-12-2023 (Devanah Jones-McGinnis)
- Dispute Resolution Hearing for Destini James, special education paraprofessional at Kashmere High School
The HISD school board voted unanimously to adopt the independent hearing examiner's recommendations and terminate the employment of Devanah Johns-McGinnis and Monique Batiste effective immediately. The board also denied the grievance of special education paraprofessional Destini James, upholding the level II hearing officer's decision. The meeting included multiple closed sessions per the Texas Open Meetings Act.
- Terminated Devanah Johns-McGinnis (6-0)
- Terminated Monique Batiste (7-0)
- Denied grievance of Destini James (7-0)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
School Board
The Houston ISD School Board approved all agenda items as presented at its February 8, 2024 meeting. Items included acceptance of a monitoring update on Goal 3 progress measures, approval of policy revisions, vendor awards over $1 million, the 2024-2025 academic calendar, and a resolution for inclement weather pay. The board also held a closed session to discuss personnel, legal, and security matters.
- Acceptance of Board Monitoring Update: Goal 3 Progress Measures 3.2 and 3.3
- Approval of revisions to Board Policies CFC(LOCAL), AE(LOCAL), and FEA(LOCAL)
- Appointment of HISD representatives to Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones boards
- Approval of vendor awards for purchases costing $1,000,000 or more
- Approval of the 2024-2025 academic calendar
The Houston Independent School District board accepted a goal monitoring progress report and approved the remainder of the agenda by consensus. The board also approved personnel actions during a closed session, including contract terminations and the resignation of Brenda Limbrick-Sanders.
- Accepted goal monitoring progress report (8-0)
- Approved remainder of agenda by consensus (8-0)
- Approved closed session personnel agenda (8-0)
- Authorized superintendent to provide notice of contract terminations (8-0)
- Authorized superintendent to provide notice of suspensions without pay (8-0)
- Approved withdrawal of board's recommendation to terminate Brenda Limbrick-Sanders (8-0)
- Approved issuance of final orders on contract terminations (8-0)
- Approved Brenda Limbrick-Sanders resignation effective Nov 28, 2023 (8-0)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
School Board
The Houston Independent School District Board will conduct several public hearings and enter into closed executive sessions. The board is scheduled to discuss personnel matters including appointments, terminations, and contract provisions, as well as pending litigation.
- Dispute Resolution Hearing: Nicole Haskins, former principal, Thomas Middle School
- Dispute Resolution Hearing: Lawrence Love, senior mechanic, Barnett Motor Pool Bus Repair
- Dispute Resolution Hearing: Arlyn Donnelly (May 10, 2023), parent, Walnut Bend Elementary School
- Dispute Resolution Hearing: Arlyn Donnelly (May 19, 2023), parent, Walnut Bend Elementary School
The board held hearings to resolve disputes for two employees. In both cases, the board voted to deny the grievances and uphold previous level II hearing officer decisions.
- Denied grievance for Nicole Haskins, former principal at Thomas Middle School (5-0)
- Denied grievance for Lawrence Love, senior mechanic at Barnett Motor Pool Bus Repair (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
School Board
The Houston ISD school board is holding a workshop on board constraints and operating procedures. No specific district business items are listed on the agenda. The meeting will also include closed sessions for personnel and legal matters, with possible action on those items afterward. The agenda is largely procedural with no agenda packet provided.
- Workshop topic: board constraints and board operating procedures
- Closed session for personnel (duties, evaluations, appointments, terminations)
- Closed session for legal matters (pending litigation, federal law enforcement update from Feb 27, 2020)
- No agenda packet available for this meeting
The Houston Independent School District held a workshop on February 1, 2024, to discuss board constraints and operating procedures. The meeting included public speakers and adjourned at 7:35 p.m. with no formal votes or decisions recorded.
- Meeting held to discuss board constraints and operating procedures
- Public speakers Placido Gomez and Ann Eagleton addressed the board
- Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. with no further business
School Board
The HISD School Board is meeting to conduct public hearings involving four individuals and then enter closed session to deliberate personnel matters, including superintendent duties, employee appointments, terminations, and evaluations. The closed session also covers legal items such as pending litigation and an update on federal law enforcement activity from February 2020. No major policy votes or budget items are on the agenda.
- Hearing for Jerry Steptoe (reconsideration of board action, dispute resolution)
- Hearing for Donnie Rambo (TEA Docket No. 065-LH-05-2023)
- Hearing for Janet Wasserman (TEA Docket No. 067-LH-05-2023)
- Hearing for Larry McKinzie (TEA Docket No. 079-LH-2023)
- Closed session to discuss superintendent evaluation, employee contracts, and legal matters
The board voted to reconsider and reverse its December 14, 2023 decision on Officer Jerry Steptoe's grievance, upholding the hearing officer's denial of relief. It then approved the termination of Donnie Rambo and Larry McKinzie effective immediately, and nonrenewed Janet Wasserman's contract at the end of its term. All votes passed with majority support; one member abstained or was absent on each item.
- Reversed prior vote on Officer Jerry Steptoe grievance, upheld hearing officer's denial of relief (5-0-1)
- Approved termination of Donnie Rambo effective immediately (6-0-0)
- Approved nonrenewal of Janet Wasserman's contract at end of term (6-0-0)
- Approved termination of Larry McKinzie effective immediately (6-0-1)
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
School Board
The Houston ISD School Board approved all agenda items except Item 7, which was approved with an amendment. Key actions included vendor awards over $1 million, changes to student conduct rules on e-cigarettes, and authorization to negotiate a hospital district affiliation.
- Approval of Resolution Regarding Chaplains in Schools (approved as amended)
- Approval of Vendor Awards for purchases costing $1,000,000 or more
- Ratification of amendment to 2023-2024 Code of Student Conduct exempting mandatory DAEP placement for e-cigarette possession
- Authorization to negotiate, execute, and amend an Agreement of Affiliation with Harris County Hospital District
- Adoption of Resolution to designate Investment Officers and amend authorized representatives at TexPool and Lone Star Investment Pool
The HISD School Board approved a resolution regarding chaplains in schools after amending it, and also approved personnel actions including terminations and suspensions from closed session. All votes were unanimous. The board also accepted a monitoring report, completed quarterly self-evaluations, and approved a consent agenda covering vendor awards, student conduct policy changes, and other routine items.
- Approved organization of board and selection of officers for 2024 (9-0)
- Approved amended resolution regarding chaplains in schools (9-0)
- Approved consent agenda including $1M+ vendor awards, code of student conduct amendment, and other items (9-0)
- Accepted board monitoring update on goal progress measures (8-0)
- Completed and approved quarterly board self-evaluations (8-0)
- Approved closed session personnel actions including terminations, suspensions, and contract actions (8-0)