HISD moves forward with plan to close 12 campuses after lengthy and tense public meeting

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — After a lengthy and tense meeting, the Houston Independent School District is moving forward with a plan to close 12 of its campuses, citing declining enrollment and increasing maintenance costs.

In a meeting on Thursday, HISD’s Board of Managers decided to close the campuses in a unanimous 9-0 vote.

SEE ALSO: HISD parents brace for school closures, while some experts said more may be necessary

According to HISD, the district will implement a comprehensive transition plan to assist affected students, families, and staff. This involves direct outreach to affected families to discuss student placements, staff reassignment, transportation, and ongoing community engagement for a smooth transition into the 2026-2027 school year, HISD said.

Dozens of parents and community members showed up to speak out against the closures, many saying the decision was sudden and lacked sufficient community input.

After the first public comment period, several district officials presented findings, including enrollment data and facilities conditions, that they said justified the closures.

Then came a second public comment period, where more parents and community members spoke out.

During that time, one person was escorted from the building after standing on a podium after her time to speak ran out. The board declared a recess but soon returned.

Throughout the meeting, HISD Superintendent Mike Miles addressed the audience, sternly telling them to maintain decorum.

District officials said they held more than 20 meetings with parents of affected schools before the appointed board’s decision.

Officials added that contracted staff at affected schools will not be laid off and will be guaranteed a job at a different location in the district pending regular contract renewals.

Miles previously released a statement when the district first revealed its plan to close the 12 schools:

“I understand this news is difficult. Schools are more than buildings. They are places filled with history, relationships, and pride. This decision was not made lightly, and our focus remains on ensuring every student has access to a strong, supportive, and opportunity-rich learning environment.”

This is a list of the schools HISD said it will close:

• NQ Henderson Elementary School

• Port Houston Elementary School

• Franklin Elementary School

• Briscoe Elementary School

For more on the closures, visit HISD’s webpage.