HOUSTON – Houston Independent School District superintendent Richard Carranza will deliver his annual State of the School address Wednesday morning at the Hilton Americas-Houston.
Carranza’s speech focused on the district’s efforts to strengthen academic and fine arts programs, improve equity in schools and create a world-class district.
“I am here to tell you that we must invest in every child,” Carranza said. “Regardless of where they live, where they were born, the color of their skin, their religion, or the language they speak. Every child at every school deserves a high-quality education that prepares them for a successful future ... They are our future leaders, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, computer programmers. They are the fulfillment of Houston’s enormous potential.”
The speech hosted by the HISD foundation had many guest speakers including the HISD board president Wanda Adams. Adams and Carranza delivered their messages to more than 2,000 guests Wednesday.
“Every child should have the opportunity to learn the skills they need to succeed, to discover their career path, and to have fun doing it,” Adams said. “Our investment in our students is this board’s top priority. We set goals to improve student achievement in under-performing schools; to ensure that magnet programs are available for all students who wish to attend our specialty schools; and most importantly, to ensure that all children will be reading on grade level.”
Since taking on the role as the district leader this school year, Carranza addressed some of HISD's challenges when it comes to finances, but he said despite set backs he is committed to ensuring all students will learn the skill they need, to be successful.
The event also featured the districts inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award. The award was presented to journalist and author Roland Martin, a graduate of Yates High School, and BP vice president of operations, Gulf of Mexico, Aleida Rios, a graduate of Milby High School.
“There are countless HISD students just like me who started dreaming thanks to the hard work and support of their teachers,” Rios said upon accepting her award from Milby senior Tabitha Cerda, who will be a first-generation college student this fall at Northeastern University to study civil engineering. “HISD needs our support, and we need HISD to inspire and develop the next generation of innovators.”