Parents in the Houston Independent School District are organizing a 'sick-out' for tomorrow in a bid to protest the state takeover of the district by the Texas Education Agency. Participants are planning to keep their children out of school for either the entire day, after attendance is taken, or after lunch. "I am asking for the reinstatement of an elected school board. We are asking for authentic instruction," an HISD parent and protest supporter explained to FOX 26 Houston. This measure serves as a strategy to ensure their grievances are acknowledged, as prior methods—such as appealing to the school board—have gone seemingly disregarded.
The conditions for the end of the HISD takeover include the absence of schools with consecutive years of failing grades, compliance with special education requirements, and undefined improvements in district governance as deemed by the state. One parent, in expressing their determination to reverse the takeover, admitted to KHOU, "I have to use the power that I possess as a parent to oppose the state takeover."
While the HISD administration has shown signs of progress—highlighted by Superintendent Mike Miles mentioning improved test scores—it seems this has not satisfied some parents and activists. They are demanding further changes beyond the academics, targeting the overall culture and impact on students within the district. "Our schools, our communities, our students are more than test scores. Test scores only tell one piece of data," HISD parent Fred Woods conveyed to KHOU. The planned 'sick-out' reportedly includes students from over 115 HISD schools.
Concurrently with the 'sick-out,' parents have also scheduled a protest at Wharton Dual Language Academy for the same day. The organizing group's efforts signal a strong desire to regain control over their children’s education through the reinstatement of an elected school board. Parent Kelly Blikre stresses the need for accountability, asserting, "First thing, of course, is to get an elected school board back. We need to have accountability for our tax dollars," Blikre said in a statement obtained by KHOU. HISD, for its part, did not respond to a request for comment regarding the upcoming actions.
