Board signs off on elementary flooring and sidewalks, approves PowerSchool transition

The Houston Public Schools board on June 6 approved facilities work and a planned student‑information system change. Facilities committee members presented an elementary sidewalk and playground project funded from Long‑Term Facilities & Maintenance (LTFM) funds; the board approved Option 2 (treated 2x12 timber edging rather than poured concrete) and authorized moving forward with the contract.

Board discussion clarified LTFM rules (funds are for like‑for‑like replacement) and noted that the sidewalk/playground costs were already included in the approved budget and therefore not an additional appropriation. A board member asked about the district’s share of such projects; a presenter stated the district typically pays roughly 88–90 percent of certain costs under existing arrangements.

The board also approved replacing elementary flooring (tile and carpet in the lower level) after prior-month discussion and directed facilities staff to schedule abatement and installation in coordination with other projects. Administration reported that asbestos abatement work is scheduled for late June in coordination with flooring work.

Administrators explained a planned transition from Infinite Campus to PowerSchool (the district observed that PowerSchool and Schoology are owned by the same company), saying the move should streamline grade syncing and improve parent access while providing estimated recurring savings of about $15,000 per year. Staff emphasized data will remain district‑housed during the migration and that implementation planning is underway.

Next steps: facilities will finalize contracts and schedules and provide project updates to the facilities committee; the district will present PowerSchool implementation logistics in upcoming meetings.