Convenience Big Store: HISD settles suit over alleged use of student's preferred pronouns

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Hello Houston,

This may be an unpopular opinion in Texas, but I'm thrilled for Houston's cold front this Saturday. I love seeing my colleagues break out oversized sweaters and winter boots that have been hiding in their closets all year.

My favorite part of winter, however, is spending more time with friends and family during the holidays, whether I'm visiting Houston's over-the-top Christmas restaurants or eating a ridiculous amount of tamales. With winter break approaching, I hope you all get to enjoy the season, too!

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Must-reads:

HISD plans to launch early college programs at five new high schools in the 2027-28 school year, allowing more students to earn college credit.
A 7-year-old HISD student was killed on Thanksgiving near a pedestrian death 'hotspot.' What can be done?

Megan Menchaca, Houston ISD Reporter

megan.menchaca@houstonchronicle.com

Education Secretary Rod Paige talks to reporters during a hastily called news conference at the Department of Education in Washington Wednesday, April 9, 2003, regarding his comments favoring schools that appreciate 'the values of the Christian community.' Paige said he wasn't trying to impose his religious views on others and said 'I don't think I have anything to apologize for. What I'm doing is clarifying my remarks.' (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) HOUCHRON CAPTION (02/26/2004): U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige talks at a news conference in April in Washington, D.C.

Photo by: AP

Remembering former HISD Superintendent Rod Paige's legacy

Rod Paige, former U.S. Secretary of Education and architect of the "Houston Miracle" as HISD superintendent, died Tuesday. He was 92.

As the district's top administrator from 1994 to 2001, Paige built a national reputation for education reform and improving student outcomes.

"The world's going to be a different place without him," said Terry Grier, a former HISD superintendent.

HISD remembered him as a "transformative leader who made a profound impact." The district continues to uphold his legacy at Roderick R. Paige Elementary School, which was named in his honor in 2007.

While many of his reforms have been changed, Paige said in a Chronicle op-ed that he believed the current "Houston experiment should serve as a national case study in bold education policy innovation."

Reporter's Notebook

This summer, I covered the lawsuit from two parents who said Bellaire High School employees violated their religious beliefs and parental rights by using their child's preferred name and pronouns.

HISD recently settled that lawsuit, agreeing to require all Bellaire staff to address the student only by their given name and female pronouns while they are a minor.

The parents, Sarah and Terry Osborn, said employees used a masculine name or male pronouns for two years despite their objections. The district denied all the parents' allegations and admitted no wrongdoing.

However, while the lawsuit has resolved, we'll still be monitoring the Texas Education Agency's investigation that Gov. Greg Abbott ordered over the parents' allegations.

What Else Happened This Week

Juan Garcia works with his third graders one a reading lesson at HISD's A.A. Milne Elementary School in Houston, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. HISD's Milne Elementary School is second most improved elementary schools in the Houston area according to Children At Risk's annual rankings.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

HISD School Choice applications are now open. Here's what to know.

Applications are due by Feb. 27, and parents will be notified of their results on April 8.

Maren Eaton and Lawrence Granda build a robot at The Woodlands High School, Wednesday, April 21, 2022, in The Woodlands. The school's robotics team, the Rigatoni Pastabots, won first in the Tech Challenge Group II during the UIL Robotics State Championships in Houston.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

HISD robotics team gets last-minute approval for state competition

Parents initially received emails that the district didn't approve the robotics team's request to travel for a state competition.

Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles presents the latest STAAR report to the board members during a board meeting at Hattie Mae Educational Center in Houston, Thursday, June 12, 2025.

Photo by: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle

HISD to sell more than 230 acres with three abandoned schools

HISD has approved the sale of several vacant elementary and middle schools and more than 200 acres in the North Forest neighborhood.

U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige (center) picks up a book with Aldine ISD's Evelyn S. Thompson Elementary School third graders Eric Olivars (right 9yrs) and Jonathan Deams (left 9yrs) May 09,2003.Paige was on hand for a speach annoucing that Texas schools will recieve $532 million dollars in federal support over the next six years. James Nielsen

Photo by: James Nielsen, Special To The Chronicle

Opinion: Former HISD Superintendent Rod Paige leaves behind legacy

"Paige changed the way we do education in Houston — so much so that President George W. Bush made him the United States Secretary of Education," write former HISD board members.

Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath met earlier this month with a top official of Turning Point USA to discuss creating new chapters of the organization in every Texas high school. It is unclear whether they formally agreed on a partnership.

Photo by: Scott Stephen Ball For The Texas Tribune

Beaumont schools face a state takeover. What can they learn from Houston ISD?

HISD has faced "wholescale systemic reform" and appointed leadership since its state takeover began in 2023.

The Calendar Ahead

• Dec. 18: HISD Board of Managers employee hearings at Hattie Mae White at 5 p.m.
• Dec. 22-Jan. 2: Winter recess
• Jan. 5: Staff professional development; no classes for students
• Jan. 13: District Advisory Committee meets at 5:15 p.m.
• Jan. 13-15: NWEA MAP Growth exams in math, reading and science

Meet The Team

Photo by: Susan Barber

Our HISD coverage is fueled by reporting from Megan Menchaca, Nusaiba Mizan and Claire Partain. Laura Isensee is our education editor, and Jennifer Radcliffe is local news editor.

You can reach out to any of them by emailing them at their firstname.lastname@houstonchronicle.com, filling out this survey or by replying directly to this email.