Thread by @HISDParents

Jan 10 #HumbleISD Board Meeting thread:

You can watch along with me at humbleisd.net/boardmeetingli….

Meeting agenda is available here: go.boarddocs.com/tx/hisd/Board.…

Meeting started with a performance from the @HumbleISD_HHS Orchestra.

Students are inviting the community to attend the Humble ISD Livestock Show & Auction. More info is available at humbleisd.net/Page/71636.

January is TASB’s School Board Appreciation Month. What’s the over/under on mentions of that tonight?

It’s Public Comment [PC] time. Still at the 1-minute limit.

[PC-1] Wants to bring financial figures to Board's attention. Says that the amount of the Bond is over the limits prescribed. Wants a public response from the Board.

[PC-2] AHS senior. Students stressed w/ school & outside issues. Says barriers to library materials has unnecessary censorship.

(My note - that minute went FAST.)

[PC-3] Senior @ AHS. Says she’s been there to talk about diversity in book availability and is back again. “Banning… books… is nothing more than an attempt to exclude certain students,” which violates anti-discrimination policy. Wants students to be included in decisions.

[PC-4] Student again. Also speaking about books that are being limited. Says parents should discuss issues w/ books with their students rather than restricting access to everybody. Wants students to be part of the conversation.

[PC-5] Junior @ AHS. Shocked to see banned books in library. Says she found comfort in books with representations similar to her. Says books that are part of English curriculum are more offensive than the books that are banned.

[PC-6] “There are no banned books.” Has examples of books in the library that are “perverted.” “You should be fired, Dr. Fagen, because you approved this.” Is now reading excerpts from books that… um… I’m not going to type.

[PC-7] Thanks Board for service. Says she is following up on complaint from a couple months ago. “My complaint has been handled by an attorney from the very beginning.” Has a hearing on 1/25, requested for it to be open, but it’s closed. Says reason is false. Wants it to be open.

[PC-8] Defines classical education. Says changes due to Morath got in office. The experiment of computers in the classroom has been a dismal failure. Our forefathers were taught classically, and classical education works, so HISD should return to this practice.

[PC-9] Says AHS has rule that ‘verbal disagreements’ require 3-day suspension. Says that’s “a bunch of crap.” Says you can’t reach AHS. Had an emergency, could not get ahold of anybody at the school.

That’s it from the public… now for comments from the Board.

Parker: Congratulates Cunningham for winning election. Welcome back, have a great Spring.

Scarfo: January is the best mtg of the year. Thanks for all the gifts. Kudos to the Concierge Program. Thanks the students that spoke during PC time. Speaks again about the 1-minute limit. He’s brought this up before. Says we could afford a 2-minute limit for 10 speakers…

…wants to know why we have the 1-minute limit. Welcomes everybody back.

Kirchhoffer says he’ll defer to his committee time.

Sitton: This is favorite time, not just because of School Board Appreciation Month, but also the Rodeo. Welcome back to everybody. Let’s finish strong.

Morisson: Favorite time of the year. Thanks for gifts. Compliments students who spoke during PC time.

Lemond Dixon: Welcomes new Associate Counsel. Thanks to Humble ISD PD for all they do. Thanks public commenters, makes notice of students. Congressional Recognition certificate from Sylvia Garcia.

Fagen: Humble ISD inspires to partner with parents and students when making difficult decisions. Ex.: parents can see what books students are checking out in HAC, so they can intervene if they feel strongly about something. Looking forward to a great semester.

[Fagen, cont’d] Recommends community attend Rodeo & Auction. Happy Board Appreciation Month. Appreciates working with a Board that wants what is best for every student.

I didn't notice until the committee speaking, but Marques Holmes is not in attendance.

One of the consent items that was just approved was the below resolution:

The 2023-2024 Calendar was pulled for discussion. Fagen said she has some slides. She says HISD was asked to look at Forney ISD a few years ago. Has a breakdown of calendars.

621 parents sent in comments on the calendar.

These were the top comments from parents.

These were the top comments from staff.

Fagen is going through each top-3 topic individually explaining why they’ve made the decisions they’ve made.

Proposed calendar passes unanimously 6-0.

The motion for our Humble ISD Board Election (positions 2, 6, & 7) passes.

Meeting is adjourned. #SendTacos

@threadreaderapp unroll