HOUSTON – Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard is asking Mayor John Whitmire to formally invite Houston ISD’s Superintendent Mike Miles to appear before City Council following the district’s recent proposal to close 12 schools.
In a letter sent to the mayor, Pollard said the closures have sparked significant concern among residents, especially given the district’s current state-appointed leadership.
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In a Facebook post, Pollard said many parents were caught off guard by the announcement.
“I recently sent a formal letter to Mayor Whitmire about the Houston Independent School District’s decision to close 12 schools without prior public notice,” Pollard wrote.“With the district under state-appointed leadership, many residents feel they lack elected representation and are seeking accountability from City Council. Given the impact on students and neighborhoods, transparency is essential.”
In his formal letter to Whitmire, Pollard emphasized that because HISD is governed by a state-appointed board, families cannot turn to elected school board trustees for answers.
“As a result, they often turn to their City Council members for information, clarity, and advocacy on school-related issues,” Pollard wrote.
Pollard said his office has received multiple inquiries from his constituents from families seeking more information about the data behind the closures, the decision-making process, and transition plans for affected students.
Given the scale of the closures, Pollard said he believes it would be “appropriate and beneficial” for Miles to publicly address city council and answer questions in an open forum.
“Schools are foundational to the vitality of our communities and the future of our city,” Pollard wrote. “Ensuring that families have access to timely information and a venue for public dialogue will help maintain trust and stability during this transition.”
Pollard formally requested that Mayor Whitmire consider inviting the superintendent to speak at an upcoming council meeting.
KPRC 2 News reached out to the mayor’s office for comment.
HISD Announces 12 Schools Will Close
The request comes after HISD Miles announced that 12 campuses will close beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, if the board of managers approve.
The campuses slated to close are:
- Alcott Elementary School
- Briscoe Elementary School
- Burrus Elementary School
- Cage Elementary School
- Fleming Middle School
- Franklin Elementary School
- Hobby Elementary School
- McReynolds Middle School
- Middle College High School at HCC Gulfton
- Nathaniel Q. Henderson Elementary School
- Port Houston Elementary School
- Ross Elementary School
Miles cited declining enrollment and the cost of maintaining aging facilities as key reasons behind the decision.
“When students are spread across underutilized buildings in need of significant repair, it limits the resources and opportunities we can provide,” Miles said in a district video. “Decisions like these are difficult but necessary to ensure we are using our resources responsibly and focusing on what matters most, which is our students.”
What Happens Next
HISD’s board of managers ultimately will determine whether to approve the closure plans. They will vote on Thursday, February 26.
As of now, it is unclear whether Mayor Whitmire will extend a formal invitation for Superintendent Miles to address City Council.