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Houston ISD Sets Feb. 26 Vote on Plan to Close or Relocate 12 Schools as Parents Seek Clarity

The move follows a sharp enrollment drop that district leaders say threatens $50 million to $60 million a year in state funding.

Overview

  • State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles proposed seven closures and five co-locations for 2026–27, reversing November assurances that no campuses would close next year, with many affected schools in Northeast Houston.
  • Campus meetings are underway through Feb. 25 as families press for specifics on student reassignments, transportation under the two-mile busing policy, and academic programs at receiving schools.
  • Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard asked Mayor John Whitmire to invite Miles to brief council publicly, citing residents’ concerns and limited local recourse under state-appointed governance.
  • District data show HISD lost 7,900 students this year, including nearly 4,000 immigrant students, while 96 campuses have critical facility-condition ratings and about a quarter of schools operate below 50% capacity.
  • Miles estimates consolidations could save roughly $1 million to $1.5 million per campus, and the state-appointed Board of Managers—rather than elected trustees—will decide the proposal on Feb. 26.