Houston Newsmakers Sept. 13: HISD Superintendent Grier resigns

Voices for survivors, salute to Vietnam-era veterans

HOUSTONHouston Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier resigned this week, effective March 1, 2016.

Prior to making his announcement, Grier sat down with Khambrel Marshall for an exclusive interview to talk about why he's stepping down.

"Children only have one time in school," he said when asked about his reputation as a "change agent" with little or no patience. "How long do you want a child to sit in a classroom with a poor teacher? How long do you want a child to sit in a school with a leaky roof? Kids have one time and I am impatient."

Grier takes on a wide range of topics, including his relationship with the school board, potential problems with the $1.9 billion school bond, complaints about his management style and much more.

You can see the entire interview by click on this link: Dr. Terry Grier Newsmakers Interview

Alissa Jones was sexually assaulted at the age of 11 and kept quiet about it and carried the scars of that attack for 23 years.

She said when she opened up and told her story, she was surprised by how many others had a similar experience. That was the idea that led her to found the Survivor with Voices Foundation and in turn the Voice Your Visible Wounds Conference now in its second year.

"Any survivor who has gone through any traumatic experience and will tell their story helps empower the next survivor," Jones said.

The two-day conference is Sept. 25 and Sept. 26 at the Norris Conference Center in Houston. The contact information is below, but you are encouraged to watch Houston Newsmakers for her amazing story.

Salute to Veterans 2015, highlighting Vietnam-era vets

Kevin Barber is the founder and president of Veteran Energy. He is also a veteran and as a member of the Houston West Chamber of Commerce will help sponsor the Salute to Veterans 2015 on Friday, Nov. 6.

Barber is a guest on Houston Newsmakers and tells Marshall about the importance of the event and especially for the Vietnam vets.

"Veterans today stand on their shoulders," Barber said. "It's our opportunity to make up for some of the welcome home and thanks they didn't get many years ago."

Houston Newsmakers airs at 10 a.m. Sunday right after "Meet the Press" on KPRC Channel 2.

More Information:

• Terry Grier, HISD Superintendent, 713-556-6000.
• Alissa Jones, Founder-Voice Your Invisible Wounds Conference, 832-298-3834
• Kevin Barber, Founder-Veterans Energy/ Salute to Veterans 2015, 713-785-4922