HOUSTON — A new policy to deal with misbehaving students at 28 Houston Independent School District schools identified by the district as underperforming continues to get blowback.
The district’s plan is to transform libraries at those New Education System schools into "team centers" to discipline students.
"How can you teach these kids if you don’t see the disparity in what you are doing?" Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said during a news conference on Monday.
State-appointed HISD Superintendent Mike Miles is calling on community leaders to step away from being in front of the press criticizing his plan to transform libraries into disciplinary areas.
Elected officials like Turner said they're not backing down.
"I don’t want unruly kids in the classrooms but the answer is not to close their libraries," Turner said.
In a statement, Miles who was previously the CEO of a network of charter schools, said he’s not interested in politics and "will not be distracted by intentional misinformation."
"I am serious about the learning and life outcomes of HISD students and I have been serious before this superintendent ever stepped on Houston’s grounds," Turner said.
Turner, flanked by national and local officials and pastors, said he was offended by the statement and actions of Miles.
"We are counting on the school district to change the trajectory of this community," Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia said.
In a school district with more than 60% of its students being Hispanic or Latino and more than 20% Black, the closures of libraries do not sit well with Houston leaders.
"And what do they fear, governor? Afraid that we’re going to get our hands on books to learn our history," District 1 Councilman Robert Gallegos said.
Miles said he’s willing to work with anyone "who is serious about improving the learning and life outcomes of HISD students."
Miles also invited elected officials to check out the NES schools, but some elected officials said Miles has not responded to them.
For those who gathered, they said they’re willing to work together for the children, but what they're calling the closures of libraries is a step too far.
Statement from Superintendent Mike Miles:
"I'm aware of Mayor Turner's planned press event. I cannot and will not govern the state's largest school district by press conference or press release. The time for politics is over, and we will not be distracted by intentional misinformation.
"I will work with anyone who is serious about improving the learning and life outcomes of HISD students. I have extended an invitation to the Mayor to come see these schools in action and to learn more about the NES model, which is designed to provide the most support to Houston's most disadvantaged children.
"I extend the same invitation to other elected officials and community leaders so they can see for themselves the difference high quality instruction can make for our kids."