Video: KRIV 26 News
Laura Isensee, KUHF Public Radio
For the second time, the Texas Education Agency wants to shut down North Forest Independent School District and merge it with the Houston district. But U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, along with North Forest leaders, announced a different plan today.
“Good morning Congresswoman Lee. And all of you. We hope you enjoy your visit at Shadydale University, home of the Rams. Do we need to close the doors on these children? No. I can’t hear you. No!”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is fighting for the second time to keep the North Forest Independent School District open. It’s a district with a history of academic and financial problems.
“So today we announce an offer to the state of Texas, something that is highly unusual. And we have reviewed across the nation, and it come back to us that this will be the first. This will be the first: a partnership with public charters and the North Forest School District.”
Those schools are high-profile national operators with roots in Houston: KIPP, Yes Prep and Harmony charter schools.
There are already partnerships between charters and traditional public schools in Houston, New Orleans and other places.
Take North Forest. For the last three years the district has hosted YES Prep, and its teachers at one of its schools.
But this proposal takes the idea to a new level as former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige says.
“I think this is very unique. Unique in the fact we have three of the nation’s best, most recognized, most successful charter organizations partnering with a traditional school district. I’m not aware of that occurring anywhere else in the United States of America.”
If the plan goes forward, Paige would join the board of the new group.
(More of this story is at KUHF Public Radio)
- Charter schools want to save North Forest ISD (Houston Chronicle)
- Charter schools make pitch to run North Forest ISD (Chron.com)
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