HISD board approves programming changes moving some CTE pathways to Barbara Jordan amid community protest
Summary
The Houston ISD board voted to approve programming changes that shift certain career and technical education (CTE) pathways from neighborhood high schools to the Barbara Jordan CTE Center after an extensive public comment period raising concerns about engagement, transportation and special-education impacts.
The Houston Independent School District board on Jan. 15 approved a controversial plan to reconfigure CTE offerings at several North- and Central-side high schools and expand the role of the Barbara Jordan Career and Technical Education Center.
Parents, students and teachers urged the board to table the item, saying community engagement had been insufficient and that moving programs would disrupt students’ schedules, extracurricular participation and special-education services. "What gives you the right to make decisions on what's best for our students without input from the school and our community?" asked Carmen Nuncio, a Northside parent during public comment.
Administration officials framed the change as an expansion of access to high-wage, high-demand programs not available at every home campus. Jill Quinn, executive director of CTE, told trustees, "Students will still take 32 credits," and that current high school students would finish their existing programs without change; the shift primarily affects incoming eighth graders. Quinn also said about 900 students currently use Barbara Jordan and that modeled full capacity could approach 4,000 with staggered shifts.
Trustees pressed staff on logistics, including on-time transportation, impacts on after-school activities and protections for students who receive special-education services. Administrators said scheduling flexibility and counseling would be used to minimize conflicts and that families retain program choice; they added that principals and counselors will coordinate individual schedules.
After the administration presentation and a board discussion, a motion to approve the programming changes for Heights, Kashmere, Northside and Waltrip High Schools passed. The board announced the motion passed; the meeting record does not include a roll-call tally for the vote.
Supporters argued the centers allow for more advanced, industry-aligned equipment and expanded employer partnerships. Opponents warned the changes could hollow out neighborhood school identity, create lengthy bus rides and worsen inequities if access and transportation are not reliably addressed.
The board will continue related budget and implementation discussions at a Jan. 29 workshop; administrators said construction and renovation planning for Barbara Jordan and a new South Side Launchpad are underway with the aim of breaking ground later in 2026.
The agenda item was approved during the open meeting following community testimony and an administration briefing on stakeholder engagement.
