Convenience Big Store: HISD to close 12 schools in 2025-26, Miles says

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Hello Houston,

Houston ISD has recommended closing 12 schools before next fall, state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles announced Thursday.

Seven schools are set to close, and five will be consolidated into existing schools. The proposal came after HISD abruptly announced that it would not close schools in the 2026-27 school year — but potentially consider some consolidations — in November.

Miles said the decision "was not made lightly" and that faster-than-expected enrollment losses and aging buildings caused the district to reverse course.

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Claire Partain, HISD reporter

Claire.Partain@houstonchronicle.com

Students protest outside Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center High School in support of Mauro Henriquez, a fellow student detained along with his father by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, calling for his release so he can return home and graduate with his class in Houston, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026.

Photo by: Houston Chronicle

Exclusive: HISD has lost nearly 4,000 immigrant students amid ICE crackdown

One main driver of school closures is falling enrollment. This week we published exclusive data showing HISD has lost nearly 4,000 immigrant students this year — a more than 22% decline.

Many of those students still live in Houston, experts told us. They're just scared to go to school.

The reason: Houston has been a hotbed for ICE activity since early 2025. Advocates say it's swept up not just the "worst of the worst" criminals, but also immigrant students and parents. Mauro Yosueth Henriquez, a soccer captain at Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center, has been detained with his father in Conroe for nearly two months, sparking one of several student walkouts.

Last fall, Miles warned enrollment losses could force HISD to cut key programs and staff. Now, the district is fast-tracking a dozen school closures and consolidations.

The impact goes beyond facilities.

Studies show immigration enforcement can affect the learning and mental health of all students. Over time, experts say, it could create a group of undereducated Texans who have limited job prospects.

Reporter's Notebook

After the public announcement of school closures, several HISD community members criticized the district for what they called lack of communication and engagement, with just two weeks before final approval.

The board plans to vote on the proposed closures on Feb. 26., when parents will have a formal chance to weigh in on the closures.

Here's the list of schools:

• Nat Q. Henderson Elementary School
• Port Houston Elementary School
• Ross Elementary School
• Burrus Elementary School
• Franklin Elementary School
• Alcott Elementary School
• Briscoe Elementary School
• Fleming Middle School and McReynolds Middle School (co-location with Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men)
• Hobby Elementary School (co-location with Lawson MS and MLK Jr. Early Childhood Center)
• Middle College High School at HCC Gulfton (co-location with Liberty High School)
• Cage Elementary School (co-location with Lantrip Elementary School)

If you send your child to any of these schools, please reply to this email. We want to hear your thoughts on the proposal, and what it means for your family.

- Megan Menchaca

What Else Happened This Week

Keisha Johnson teaches her class at HISD's A.A. Milne Elementary School in Houston, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

HISD board approves final 2026-27 school calendar

Houston ISD's school board has approved the final draft of the calendar for the 2026-27 school year. Here's when the district plans to start and end classes.

Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles addresses the school board and attendees of their meeting about school closures at the Hattie Mae White Building in Houston on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

HISD to convert two elementary schools into AI-focused 'Future 2 Schools'

HISD Superintendent Mike Miles will pilot Gregg and Clemente Martinez elementary schools as Future 2 Schools.

HISD parents protest the ongoing state takeover at Lantrip Elementary in Houston, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

HISD families kick off student 'sickout' with protest at Lantrip Elementary

Around 15 HISD parents stood outside of HISD's Lantrip Elementary to protest the district's state takeover Thursday morning.

Houston Independent School District held a campus hiring event at Delmar Fieldhouse Wednesday, June 12, 2024 in Houston.

Photo by: Kirk Sides, Staff Photographer

HISD looks to Puerto Rico to recruit bilingual teachers amid shortage

Dallas ISD and the charter network YES Prep have also recruited teachers from Puerto Rico. HISD will hold a districtwide hiring fair Feb. 28.

A member of Church of Christ Apostolic makes a note in his Bible during a service at Fountain Blu Event Center in Pasadena on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. The sanctuary received major damage from a fire on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

Houston-area school boards reject daily prayer periods: 'Logistical nightmare'

Senate Bill 11 requires school boards to vote by March 1 on whether to establish a district-wide period of prayer. So far, Cypress-Fairbanks, Pearland and Spring ISDs have voted no.

The Calendar Ahead

• Feb. 13 & 16: No class, staff development and Presidents Day
• Feb. 14: Valentine's Day
• Feb. 18 & 25: Virtual teacher recruitment information session, 4:30 p.m.
• Feb. 21: HISD Pre-K Festival, Wheatley High School, 9 a.m.
• Feb. 21: Saturday Academy - AP, IB and OnRamps Practice, 9 a.m.
• Feb. 26: Yates Centennial Reception, Jack Yates House, 4 p.m.

Meet The Team

Photo by: Brady Stone

Our HISD coverage is fueled by reporting from Megan Menchaca, Nusaiba Mizan, Claire Partain and Taylor Nichols. 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.