Following a rejected $4.4 billion school bond proposal on Election Day, the Houston Independent School District (HISD) is looking to potentially offload real estate assets, amounting to nearly 20 district-owned properties. During a recent board meeting, with legal advice in tow, board members deliberated on the fate of these properties. However, no clear course of action was outlined following the closed-session discussions. The community’s distrust of both the state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles and the Board of Managers has been highlighted, with community members voicing their concerns. “We tried to warn you that the community would not pass your $4.4 billion bond,” a speaker highlighted at the meeting, according to
KHOU.
Some of the properties being considered for sale were previously designated for future career and technical education schools as part of the now-defunct bond initiative. Sarah Terrell from Community Voices for Public Education fiercely questioned the logic behind declaring these properties as surplus, telling
KHOU
, “If they were valuable enough to be useful as working property, why are they suddenly now surplus?”
The school district’s decision-making process continues to generate discussions, both regarding property sales and a notice about seeking armored car services. Corina Ortiz of the Houston Federation of Teachers raised concerns about the district’s transparency, as quoted by
ABC13
, “Once and for all, let the truth flow out. It’s going to set you free.” This sentiment reflects calls for HISD to ensure greater transparency in its operations and financial decisions.
Additionally, recent changes in district policy have sparked concern, as the funds from sold school properties are now funneled into the general fund and no longer earmarked specifically for facility and maintenance—granting broader spending discretion to Superintendent Mike Miles. “That’s the danger now. What are you going to do with that money?” Ortiz emphatically questioned in the
ABC13
report. The ambiguity surrounding the call for armored car services is similarly worrying residents, with some wondering if taxpayer money might be inappropriately allocated for personal security purposes, a usage which has yet to be clarified by HISD representatives despite inquiries.
The concerns of community members, educators, and stakeholders emphasized the need for HISD to rebuild trust. Board members, administrators, and district officials are tasked with addressing immediate fiscal challenges while also working to restore credibility and confidence with the public.
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