Houston families brace for upheaval as HISD considers closing schools

Parents and community members fear lasting damage as district plans to shutter 12 campuses next year

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Houston Independent School District is considering closing 12 schools next year, citing lower-than-expected enrollment and aging facilities. The proposal has sparked outrage from parents and community members who say the closures will shutter several high-performing, tight-knit schools and cause lasting damage to communities across Houston. Parents have raised concerns about the impact on their children's education, transportation, and special needs, as well as the loss of community hubs that have served generations of families.

Why it matters

School closures can have significant negative impacts on student achievement, and their effects can last into adulthood. Many of the schools slated for closure are A or B rated and serve predominantly low-income, Black, and Hispanic communities, raising concerns about equity and the district's commitment to improving academic performance in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

The details

HISD's Board of Managers will vote on the proposal to close 8 campuses and relocate 4 others on Thursday, just two weeks after the announcement. The district says the decision is necessary due to a decade-long drop in enrollment, including the loss of nearly 4,000 immigrant students since last school year. However, parents argue that many of the targeted schools are high-performing and serve as vital community hubs, and they feel the district did not provide enough time or opportunity for input before making the decision.

  • In November 2025, HISD had pledged not to close any schools next year.
  • On February 12, 2026, HISD Superintendent Mike Miles announced the plan to close 12 schools.
  • On February 23, 2026, HISD held private, parents-only meetings to discuss the proposed closures.
  • On February 26, 2026, HISD's Board of Managers will vote on the proposal.

The players

Mike Miles

HISD's state-appointed Superintendent who announced the plan to close 12 schools, citing lower-than-expected enrollment and aging facilities.

Viviana Mireles

A parent whose family has attended Briscoe Elementary for four generations and is now facing the potential closure of the school.

Arthur Crooks

A parent of three students at Nat Q. Henderson Elementary, one of the schools slated for closure.

Cindy Cura

The parent-teacher organization president at Port Houston Elementary, a school that has previously faced closure threats.

Jasmine Alvarez

A parent at Cleme Manor Apartments, whose child attends the nearby N.Q. Henderson Elementary, which is proposed for closure.

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What they’re saying

“For them to just throw it up on us and then to say, 'Hey, ... We're going to finalize it within this time frame,' I feel like they didn't give us enough time to even try to fight for the school, or even enough time to say, 'Hey, let us see what we can fix that you guys are saying is wrong,'”

— Arthur Crooks, parent of three Nat Q. Henderson Elementary School students (Houston Chronicle)

“It's a good school. So why shut it down? They're closing schools that actually have good ratings, and they're just throwing it away because they can't fix something.”

— Kelly Ramirez, parent at Franklin Elementary (Houston Chronicle)

“Community is a big thing. Everybody helps everybody, and not every school is going to be like that.”

— Kelly Ramirez, parent at Franklin Elementary (Houston Chronicle)

“Other areas' schools are in the same condition that aren't being closed. Why is it just these schools being targeted?”

— Quincy McDonald, father of a second- and a fifth-grader at Alcott Elementary (Houston Chronicle)

“It's very sad because generations have come here, grandchildren, children, and it's over. It's very important for the neighborhood and the Hispanic community … our children, their first language is Spanish, and they come here to learn English.”

— Pablo Diaz, parent at Cage Elementary (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.