HOUSTON — Dozens of students, parents, and teachers are expected to gather outside Pershing Middle School on Wednesday morning to protest recent changes at the school.
Organizers said the protest stems from concerns about what some are calling instability within the Houston Independent School District.
Organizers said they’re seeking more support for teachers and want a voice in some of the recent changes made by the district.
Organizers claim that six school leaders have been let go within the past year. Most recently, they say four assistant principals were removed and replaced without any explanation from the district's board of managers.
They also said these changes have left students feeling stressed and overwhelmed, while teachers are afraid to speak out. Many feel burdened by curriculum changes that were made without their input.
So how is the district responding?
State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles has stood by his vision for the district and the changes implemented at several HISD schools in recent months. He cites improved achievement scores, widespread reform, and data-driven teacher and principal evaluations as evidence of progress.
Meanwhile, organizers are calling on HISD to prioritize stability, provide robust support for teachers, and adopt a more collaborative approach to future changes at Pershing Middle School.