The Houston Economic Development Committee meeting on September 17, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and community engagement in education.

During the meeting, a participant raised concerns about HISD, stating that the city council should investigate the district, as they believe the public is not receiving the complete picture regarding its operations. This complaint was highlighted as part of a federal court filing aimed at drawing attention to the issues within HISD.

Felicity Pereira, the incoming HISD trustee for District 1, also addressed the committee. She expressed her pride in being an HISD alum and a parent of a future student at Jefferson Elementary, which is classified as a Nationally Eligible School (NES). Pereira, who has extensive experience in community engagement, emphasized the importance of involving underserved communities in educational discussions. She noted that research supports the need for effective engagement strategies to improve educational outcomes.

The meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue about the role of education in Houston's economic development and the necessity for transparency and community involvement in school district matters. The committee's next steps may involve further investigation into HISD's operations and strategies to enhance community engagement in education.