Lucio Vasquez / Houston Public Media
With the election less than two weeks away and early voting in full swing, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has shown her support for the divisive $4.4 billion Houston ISD bond.
In a social media post on Thursday afternoon, Hidalgo shared a statement in which she said a recent tour of an HISD school building has made her realize that more funding is needed despite the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) takeover of the district.
“I was alarmed to see that only a fence separates the outside and six classrooms,” she said. “The library’s HVAC system is so damaged the library smells musty and a loud noise fills the room. Every day, 24 classes take place in mobile units installed in 1990 designed with a 10-year lifespan. The small walkways and canopies are insufficient during rain, and heating or cooling classrooms is hard.”
Hidalgo also said that the TEA has not done enough in terms of accountability and that she believes it is anti-democratic.
“I’ve heard from parents, teachers, principals, students and other stakeholders who are deeply distressed by the changes imposed under the takeover,” she said. “Many have reported a troubling culture, puzzling or even counterproductive directives and feel there is well-founded alarm over the board of managers’ ability to impose sweeping changes without accountability.”
The TEA’s leadership shortcomings should not outweigh the needs of students, she said.
“I will continue to advocate for increased community involvement, meaningful engagement and, most importantly, the end of the TEA takeover,” she said. “At the same time, I believe crucial investments are needed in our schools and cannot wait. I don’t think those two things are in conflict. I see no downside to an investment in infrastructure.”
Over the past months, the bond — which is actually split across two propositions — has faced repeated criticism. Both the Harris County Republicans and Democrats have come out against the bond, claiming that the fund would be mismanaged by the current leadership.
Earlier this week, members of the Houston ISD bond oversight committee toured school campuses and raised questions on whether or not new buildings were necessary or if extensive remodels would suffice.