What to know about HISD's plan to close or consolidate 12 schools
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Houston ISD's state-appointed board is set to vote Thursday on Superintendent Mike Miles' proposal to close or consolidate 12 schools for the next school year.
Why it matters: The proposal comes as the district grapples with steep enrollment declines and aging, underused buildings, Miles says.
- HISD said last fall it would not close campuses next school year, but acknowledged at the time that consolidations could be needed.
Zoom in: Eight schools would close and be absorbed into other campuses; four would be co-located, meaning students keep their school identity but share a building. These would be the affected 12 campuses:
- Elementary: Alcott, Briscoe, Burrus, Cage, Franklin, Hobby, Nathaniel Q. Henderson, Port Houston, Ross
- Middle: Fleming, McReynolds
- High: Middle College High School at HCC Gulfton
State of play: At a board meeting earlier this month, Miles said the selected campuses were based on poor facility conditions, low enrollment and unused building space.
- He told families most students would move to campuses "less than a mile away" and said the district would find ways to honor closing schools.
Yes, but: Most students displaced by closures would move to lower-rated campuses — even though many closing schools are A- or B-rated, per a Houston Chronicle analysis.
What they're saying: "These decisions are never easy. However, they are guided by the clear principle that students deserve a well-rounded educational experience in vibrant learning environments," Miles said in a statement.
- "Closure allows the District to focus investments where they will have the greatest impact—on instruction, student services, and future-ready opportunities."
By the numbers: HISD saw enrollment drop by about 7,900 students this school year, continuing a yearslong enrollment decline. Roughly 25% of campuses are at less than 50% capacity, Miles said.
- Rebuilding an elementary school costs about $75 million; renovations run roughly $40 million, per Miles' presentation.
The other side: Parents have said they feel blindsided by the announcement, with some protesting and calling for more engagement and clarity.
- Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard last week called on Miles to address the plan before council, saying families are seeking transparency and answers.
Zoom out: Districts including Austin, San Antonio, Aldine, Fort Bend and Spring are considering or have approved closures as they face declining enrollment, lower birth rates, charter competition and tight budgets.
What's next: Families have until noon Wednesday to register to speak at the Thursday meeting.