Houston Independent School District parents, students, and community members will take part in a mass sickout to protest the ongoing state takeover of HISD and demand the restoration of local, democratic control.
Parents will also gather for a morning protest from 7:00–8:00 a.m. in front of Lantrip Elementary School. That evening, at least 25 elected officials are expected to speak at the HISD Board meeting, calling for an end to the state takeover and urging the district to take a strong public stance affirming that schools are safe for immigrant students.
“Families need to know their schools are places of trust, not fear,” said HISD parent Kelly Blikre. “Right now, this takeover has left too many parents wondering whether the district will stand up for our kids at all. Until local control is restored, we will keep speaking out.”
The parent sickout comes amid growing frustration over the leadership of state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles and what organizers describe as the devastating impact of Governor Greg Abbott’s 2023 takeover of Houston’s public schools.
“Our children are being left behind while good teachers – the ones our kids love and trust -are being pushed out the door,” said Melissa Yarborough, a parent of an HISD student and member of the Community Voices for Public Education organizing committee. “This isn’t about politics. It’s about our kids’ education and our right as Houston taxpayers to have a say in how our schools are run.”
Since the state takeover, HISD has experienced significant teacher turnover, with many experienced educators leaving the district citing low morale, lack of support, and disagreement with new policies. Parents report that beloved teachers who built strong relationships with students and families have been replaced with less experienced staff, disrupting continuity and academic progress.
Recent revelations have intensified concerns about Miles’ leadership and priorities. A January Houston Chronicle investigation found that Miles helped broker a nearly $1 million contract between a Texas charter school network and a consulting firm while also providing free access to HISD’s curriculum. Miles conducted these negotiations using his personal Gmail account, raising questions among education governance experts about transparency and how much time was diverted from his duties leading Houston ISD.
“Mike Miles is making money off our schools while things are falling apart for us, and our teachers,” said Aubrie Barr, an HISD junior. “Programs are being cut, teachers are leaving, and it feels like no one in power is listening to us.”
The coalition is calling for:
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The state to restore local control of HISD by reinstating the elected Board and removing Superintendent Mike Miles.
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HISD to take a strong public stance affirming that schools are safe for immigrant students.
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A commitment to oppose any future district bonds until local control is reestablished.
Organizers are urging parents, students, teachers, and community members to participate in the February 12th walkout by visiting this link: http://bit.ly/studentboycott
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