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HISD Proposes Closing or Co‑Locating 12 Campuses in 2026–27, With Feb. 26 Vote Pending

A Feb. 26 board vote will decide the plan following steep enrollment losses.

Overview

  • State‑appointed Superintendent Mike Miles presented a list to shutter 12 schools across 11 sites, including Alcott, Briscoe, Burrus, Franklin, Henderson, Port Houston, Ross, Cage, Fleming, McReynolds, Hobby and Middle College at HCC Gulfton.
  • District leaders cited enrollment down 7,900 this year and an anticipated $50–$60 million annual state funding hit alongside aging, underused facilities and costly rebuild needs.
  • If approved, closures would take effect June 4, with detailed co‑location and transition plans, most student moves kept to about a mile, and teachers in good standing assured jobs within HISD.
  • Nearly all targeted campuses operate under the New Education System and enroll primarily low‑income Black and Hispanic students, with average enrollment around 240 and many well below capacity.
  • Elected trustees and community members objected to the rapid two‑week timeline and limited engagement as the district frames the proposal within its Accelerate Houston restructuring plan.