Houston ISD parents view bond proposal as referendum on superintendent

HOUSTON – The Houston Independent School District is holding several community meetings to try to gain support for the largest bond proposal in Texas history.

HISD, the state’s largest school district, wants voters to approve a $4.4 billion bond proposal. But some parents say that even if they support most of the proposal, they will vote against it.

“This bond is like our only opportunity to vote on anything related to the district,” said Jane Lesnick, whose son attends Herod Elementary School. “So how do you express what you think about the work someone is doing?” You can usually reject them or vote for their opponent. We can’t do this now. They won’t even listen to people. This is our only opportunity to say, “Give them a grade on how we think they’re doing.” »

Sitting next to Lesnick at Fioza Cafe on Chimney Rock is Andrea Randisi, who agrees.

“So many people just want to be heard and have their say,” Randisi said. “We haven’t had this opportunity yet. I believe it could very well be used in this way by parents.

The couple combed through available materials on the proposal with KPRC 2’s Rilwan Balogun.

The district called it “Renew HISD” with half the funds, $2.05 billion, if approved by voters, to rebuild or renovate existing elementary and middle schools.

About $1.3 billion would be spent on “investing in every school,” such as updating HVAC systems, an issue that forced the closure of several schools in May following severe storms.

Another $1 billion would go toward career and technical education, including expanding the district’s early childhood preschool program.

As the three read the district’s booklet on the proposal, Lesnick and Randisi said they had more questions.

“In principle, these things are good, but we’re not getting the details that anyone would ask for if they wanted to vote,” Lesnick said.

Both say they are hesitant to approve Superintendent Mike Miles’ money as the Texas Education Agency investigates allegations that Miles diverted money from Texas schools to his Colorado charter schools.

These are allegations that Miles says are “irresponsibly inaccurate.”

Miles said the report intentionally misrepresents the financial practices of Third Future Schools, where he has not worked in more than a year.

“I wish I could be sure that the people who are making these decisions have our children in mind and the right values ​​in mind. I think a lot of parents don’t feel that way right now,” Randisi said.

KPRC 2 reached out to HISD leaders Tuesday morning, but the district was unable to make anyone available to discuss the bond proposal.

However, the final community meeting is set for Monday, June 10 at Forest Brook Middle School from 6-8 p.m.