Houston ISD expects to run a budget deficit of about $250 million this year, and it wants to spend even more next year on new programs.
Asher Lehrer-Small
Asher Lehrer-Small is a K-12 education reporter for the Houston Landing. He previously spent three years covering schools for The 74 where he was recognized by the Education Writers Association as one of the top three education beat reporters in the nation working at a small newsroom. His work has appeared in The Boston Globe, Fast Company, The Guardian and others. He graduated from Brown University studying education policy and previously worked as a summer school math teacher in Providence, Rhode Island. Off the clock, you can find him tending to houseplants or frying up homemade donuts for a crowd.
HISD considering 4 options for lengthening 2024-25 school year, starting class earlier
Houston ISDâs calendar proposals show classes starting between Aug. 7 and 14, with 180 days spent in school, up from 172 this year.
Silent struggles: Grieving Houston-area students’ well-being at stake as COVID-19 funds fade
The imminent end of federal stimulus money will soon put educators and counselors in a bind as kids struggle with grief, anxiety and depression.
HISD opened 7 centers to provide food, clothes and more. Will they reach families in need?
Houston ISD officials hope the centers will become a community beacon for students and adults â once more people know about them.
Houston ISD board passes âDistrict of Innovationâ plan, setting up longer school year
Houston ISD can now extend the school year and begin it earlier after the state-appointed school board unanimously voted in favor of the plan Thursday.
Houston ISD is poised to enact a âDistrict of Innovationâ plan. Hereâs what it would do.
Houston ISD would see a longer school year and earlier start date if the districtâs board of managers votes Thursday to enact the proposal.
HISD board quietly abandons agenda review, giving public less time to consider proposals
Houston ISDâs state-appointed board has nixed monthly agenda review meetings, where community members could voice opinions well before votes.
Texas lawmakers urge Houston ISD to restore free Verizon internet program for students
Twelve Houston-area lawmakers sent a letter asking Superintendent Mike Miles to renew HISD’s Verizon program or find a free alternative provider.
HISD now has 6,000 fewer students, its steepest enrollment drop since the pandemic, data show
Roughly 6,000 fewer students now attend Houston ISD, prompting questions over the districtâs budget and whether school closures may be to come.
Conservative PragerU video questioning climate change shown in dozens of Houston ISD classes
The clip encouraged viewers to âdo your own research,â repeatedly citing examples that push back on the idea that humans have caused climate change.