Democracy is at stake
Regarding “Everything to know about the unprecedented HISD state takeover and the school district’s future,” (March 15): The Texas Education Agency has as many feared taken an, if not unwarranted, at least extremely unpopular action. Boiled down to its simplest terms, this Draconian action was spurred on by the poor performance of just one school (Phillis Wheatley High School). And, as I understand it, even that school has made great strides in this era of uncertainty. I am shocked that a state government can heavy-handedly overturn a school board put in place by the popular vote of the people. In a time of First and Second Amendment rights frequently and arbitrarily set aside or even dismissed out of hand, it would seem that democracy as we have known it is dangerously close to becoming nonexistent.
Harold Young, Cypress
Regarding “HISD takeover comes as Gov. Abbott touts legacy-shaping education reforms,” (March 15): There is absolutely no way anyone can convince me that the TEA decision to take over HISD is not part of an over arching plan to destroy public education in Texas and to provide a “reason” or “excuse” to support school vouchers and the privatizing (that is, Christianizing) of education in Texas. Barbara Clark, Houston
Public education is the cornerstone of our American society. Without an accessible and open educational system that is of benefit to all, our society is doomed.
It is no secret that our lawmakers in Austin have been bought and paid for by charter school dollars. “Choice” is another name for “charter.” This is just the first step in not only dismantling HISD but every single district across the state. School choice? Accountability? Accessibility? For those that are able to afford it and navigate the system, maybe. But for the working poor, our immigrant population, and children with disabilities whether physical, developmental, or mental, they will be left in the dust. Why? Because charters do not have to adhere to many mandates. They are privately run and privately operated. And extra-curricular activities? They are doomed. UIL (University Interscholastic League) will cease to exist under a charter umbrella.
Superintendent Millard House II has done an exemplary job attempting to manage HISD. He’s been put in a nowin situation. He isn’t a grandstander. He has consistently and without fail been there for the students and staff during his difficult tenure. So we are bringing in yet someone else? From Dallas? Not a smart move.
TEA isn’t a friend of education. Nor is Austin. HISD does not need to be managed by the state. And we definitely don’t need to become a state of privately funded charter schools. Yet that is exactly where we are headed.
Martha Anne Pierson, Seabrook
Ron Desantis is ahead in the polls, so Greg Abbott felt that he had to do something to get his name in the paper. The takeover of an entire school district for one underperforming school is a political decision and nothing else. The Houston district is rated higher than the Dallas district. And yet no takeover of Dallas or any other metropolitan district has been discussed. Got to own the Dems at all cost. Maybe this move will finally cost him his job, Houston’s minority voters will be outraged and vote against this and other attempted takeovers. Republicans have truly lost their way, everyone now believes in the abuse of power. I wonder who they learn these tactics from? Ronald Joubert, Houston