As Houston ISD scrambles to prepare for the rapidly approaching school year, concerns from parents regarding unkempt campuses have stirred a community into action. With just days left before classes begin on August 12, reports from Click2Houston have highlighted overgrown grass and lingering storm debris as major points of contention at schools like Wisdom High School.

Superintendent Mike Miles admitted at a recent school board meeting the challenges being faced, stating to Click2Houston, "It's like they have been cutting grass for two weeks, guys. Come on." However, with hurricane season recently throwing a wrench into the maintenance schedule, Miles suggested that the weather had significantly disrupted their ability to swiftly analyze and respond to the staffing needs arising from the cuts made. One parent angrily countered that it had been a month and a half since the storm, questioning the delays in cleanup.

Meanwhile, the Near Northside Community Response Team stepped in to help at Marshall Middle School, where one parent had strong words about the district's efforts, bluntly calling it "lazy" in a statement obtained by ABC13. The volunteers worked to ensure the safety and presentability of the school, which they hold as a symbol of their investment in the children's future.

In response to inquiries, HISD officials highlighted their ongoing work to remediate storm damage at several campuses, including mold issues. To definitely address the concerns, the district has ramped up its efforts, with air quality assessments and professional mold remediation teams brought in to resolve health hazards. An HISD spokesperson was quoted in ABC13 stating, "Several of our campuses and facilities were heavily impacted by severe weather events in May and over the summer. Our facilities teams have been working around the clock to repair damages and keep our schools properly maintained and ready for students on August 12."