Overview
- The state-appointed HISD board approved the 1882 partnership contracts Thursday, shifting management of four A-rated high schools and district pre-K centers to designated nonprofits.
- The vote authorizes an application to the Texas Education Agency, with a 2026–27 launch if the state signs off.
- Named operators include HSPVA Friends for Kinder HSPVA, friends groups for Challenge Early, Energy Institute, and Houston Academy for International Studies, and Collaborative for Children for the pre-K centers.
- District leaders say the 1882 model can add about $700 to $1,500 per student because Texas ties funding to attendance, and it would grant campuses more control over staffing, curriculum, testing, hiring, evaluations, and calendars.
- Principals at Energy Institute and Kinder HSPVA endorsed the plan as a way to protect programs, while critics including elected trustee Maria Benzon questioned oversight, equity, and the use of newly formed nonprofits at high-performing schools.