Our Beliefs

by Debbie Hall

We believe in the power of books to change lives.
We believe that all students need access to books and that a zip code or school campus should not determine access to libraries.
We believe that Superintendent Millard House has a plan to improve HISD schools and he should be allowed to follow through with his vision.
We believe our school board is focused on the best interests of students.

We believe that a TEA takeover is an unwarranted power grab.
The two problems identified as problematic (school board and Wheatley) have been resolved. Also evidence shows that school takeovers do not provide an effective solution. 

Now is the time to let HISD leaders focus on the task at hand. 

Our Students Need Libraries In HISD advocacy group believes that our elected officials represent the best interests of the students, the schools, and the community. We are appalled by the actions of the TEA and know that this cloud hanging over the school district must end. 

We believe in our board and our new superintendent, Millard House. We would like our readers to know that we have written letters to the editor of the Houston Chronicle to document that support. We have also written to the Chronicle education reporter, Rebecca Carballos, in support of HISD's position. 

There are numerous articles documenting the failure of school takeovers to fix problems in schools. Here are just a few:

• Barnum, Matt. “Struggling schools don’t get a boost from state takeovers, study shows.” 8 June 2021, Chalkbeat. Tags: School districts; state takeovers; academic success; research studies.
• Mahnken, Kevin. “Do State Takeovers of School Districts Boost Student Learning? It Depends on Where They’re Tried, Research Suggests.” 17 Aug 2021, The 74. Tags: School Takeover, Student Learning, New Research.
• Schueler, Beth E. and Joshua Bleiberg. “Evaluating Education Governance: Does State Takeover of School Districts Affect Student Achievement?” Annenberg Brown University EdWorkingPaper No. 21-411. Examines data 2011-2016.

Let the HISD leadership move forward to improve the education of all students. TEA needs to mark this matter resolved.