Parents packed the HISD board meeting Thursday night to protest the district’s proposed special education restructuring plan, with some families saying the changes could uproot students with disabilities from schools where they finally feel safe and supported. Two parents were escorted out as emotions boiled over during public comment.
‘Our kids are not second-class citizens’: Parents erupt over HISD special education overhaul at board meetingFlood maps force Irvinton Village relocation as residents welcome chance to leaveMurders were the only major category that increased slightly, rising 6.3% from 95 cases to 101 cases through April 2025.
Houston violent crime was already trending down before Texas Repeat Offender Task Force launched, data showsHot Oil, Hammer, Homicide: Little Saigon bar employee killed on the job, suspect charged in gruesome capital murder Read full article: Hot Oil, Hammer, Homicide: Little Saigon bar employee killed on the job, suspect charged in gruesome capital murder– Tensions boiled over at the Houston Independent School District board meeting Thursday night as dozens of parents, students and community members spoke out against the district’s proposed special education restructuring plan. At one point during the meeting, two parents were escorted out after going over their allotted speaking time.
The emotional meeting centered around HISD’s proposal to centralize some special education services for roughly 5,000 students with higher needs at designated campuses across the district. This includes students in Early Childhood Special Education , Skills for Living and Learning , Structured Learning Classroom–Alternate , Structured Learning Classroom–Standard , and Behavior Support Classroom for 50% or more of their instructional day. Deputy Superintendent Kristen Hole said 16,000 other special education students are not impacted by the changes.
District leaders say the changes are designed to provide more specialized support and resources for students in self-contained classrooms. But many parents say the proposal is moving too fast — and could uproot children who rely heavily on routine, stability and familiar environments. Garcia said he got a letter stating Avril would be moved from Meyerland Middle School to Welch Middle School under the school’s new plan.
“I got very upset,” Garcia told KPRC 2 after the meeting. “Because you only have a minute to explain a whole lifetime. They’re not in your shoes. ”“She’s been crying nonstop,” Garcia said.
“She knows something big is coming. ”He says Welch Middle School is much farther from the family’s home than his daughter’s current campus and would require a separate transportation routine from his son, who also attends Meyerland Middle School. Families say they were blindsided after receiving letters last week informing them their children could be transferred to different schools next year.
Dina Kushaliyeva said her daughter currently attends Sinclair Elementary School in a self-contained learning classroom for students with significant disabilities. She said district officials have assured parents students’ individualized education plans, or IEPs, would remain in place. But when families contacted schools for details about staffing, training and support services, she says many campuses could not answer their questions.
“What reassurance do we have? We don’t,” Kusaliyeva said.
“What clarity do we have? There is no plan. ”“Is she going to be able to go to the bathroom? ” Kusaliyeva said.
“Is she going to go hungry again? ”Another parent, Noemy Torres, said her autistic son has finally begun thriving at his current school after years of adjustment.
“My son does not react well with changes,” said Torres. “Especially children do not act well with changes. ” Torres said she worries about whether a new campus would understand her son’s medical and behavioral needs, including food restrictions and ADHD medication routines. Superintendent Mike Miles said during Thursday’s board meeting that most of the community has responded positively to the new plans.
The backlash comes as the U.S. Department of Education investigates disability discrimination complaints involving Houston Independent School District. The Texas Education Agency has also confirmed it is reviewing complaints tied to the district’s proposed changes. How to save 20% at Blushington, River Oaks's newest beauty barBe nice to your local news people, we're trying OKAY!! HCSO investigating Klein football coach for alleged inappropriate relationship with Tomball student1:40This indicates why Houston summer is almost here!
HISD parents react to proposed special education changesAstros' struggles continue as injuries to star players impact lineupEmployee finds coworker dead inside business with blunt force traumaBEHIND THE SCENES: Part 2 coming soon on why Houston drivers paying toll roads, but stuck in traffic
School District Restructuring Self-Contained Classrooms Texas Disability Rights Houston Special Education Overhaul
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Anchorage Fire Department offers free car seat safety checks ThursdayThe Anchorage Fire Department will be holding a free car seat checkup clinic on Thursday from 2-4pm at the AFD Training Center at 1150 Airport Heights Dr.
Read more »
Vikings Schedule Tracker: Latest Leaks and Rumors Ahead of Thursday ReleaseWe will officially know the Vikings' entire 2026-27 schedule on Thursday night.
Read more »
Convicted Fraudster Fleeced Parents of Young Footballers Out of £27,000A convicted fraudster has been accused of fleecing parents of young footballers out of more than £27,000. Jay Austin, who also goes by the names James and Jamie, sold hundreds of girls aged under 12 the 'dream' of playing against big name clubs in front of talent scouts and at premier league stadiums. The 44-year-old - who said the allegations against him are false - told scores of enthused parents their daughters could take part in elite events, including the Paris International Cup. But it is claimed only a handful of the matches and tournaments Austin advertised actually went ahead, with dozens of parents reporting they were never refunded for cancelled matches. They were shocked to discover Austin failed to pay entry fees, while some of the tournaments never existed. In some instances, parents were even charged for tournaments that were sponsored by the hosting clubs and free to enter. Parents also shelled out for kits they did not receive, alongside hundreds of pounds in registration fees and monthly subscriptions to retain a place for their daughters in the team. And in the case of the Paris tournament, parents say they were pressured into collectively paying £8,500 upfront - only to find Austin never actually secured a place for RS Lionesses.
Read more »
“Changing the Narrative” With HISD’s CTE and Dual Credit ClassesListening to Ja’Bor Brisco O’Brien, is like hearing a CEO lay out a master plan. He got high grades. He took on dual credit college level subjects and
Read more »