HOUSTON—Statement from Houston Federation of Teachers President Zeph Capo on the swearing in of Houston Independent School District Board of Education members:
“Last fall, Houston families and voters sent a clear message that they value the voices of educators and will stand with candidates who embrace community-driven solutions to the challenges that face our schools. With the installation of the new Houston Independent School District school board members, we see enormous potential for progress and improvement in our public schools.
“In the past, this district has experimented with a failed corporate reform agenda that starved, shamed and shuttered our public schools, obsessed over testing, and required less accountability and more room for profit. The community-driven hiring of Superintendent Richard Carranza and the recent election of pro-public school board members give HISD an opportunity to forge a new direction that is focused on constructive dialogue with all stakeholders and education reforms that have a successful track record. Houston families and the new school board share a goal of investing in community schools that bring social, healthcare and housing services to disadvantaged families, especially those affected by Hurricane Harvey. The HFT stands ready to work with Superintendent Carranza, the HISD board, community partners and Houston families to strengthen our schools in this new, exciting era.”