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Harmony board approves handbook update, welcome‑box mailing, SHAC formation, Austin campus grade change and Houston lease renewal
Summary
The Harmony Public Schools board approved several policy and operational items on Jan. 31, including language added to the student/parent handbook about TEA's gang‑free zones, a 12,000‑unit welcome‑box procurement, formation of a School Health Advisory Council with initial appointments, a TEA non‑expansion amendment changing Harmony Science Academy—Austin to preK–2, and a lease renewal for Greater Houston facilities.
At its Jan. 31 meeting, the Harmony Public Schools Board of Trustees approved a package of policy and operational actions spanning student discipline language, enrollment marketing, health oversight and facility arrangements.
Handbook amendment: The board approved an amendment to the 2025–26 student and parent handbook that inserts state‑requested “gang‑free‑zone” language. Staff said Texas Education Agency guidance requires schools to state that certain criminal offenses committed in a gang‑free zone will be enhanced to the next highest category; staff told the board TEA does not supply a specific enumerated list of offenses and described the enhancement as applying to the most serious offenses (for example, drug offenses or assault). Board members sought clearer language and staff said they will pursue clarification and may bring an amendment later.
Welcome‑box procurement: The board approved a district proposal to produce and mail personalized “Harmony welcome boxes” to newly registered students. Staff described a 12,000‑unit program with individually addressed boxes that include a personalized card, brochure, a clear backpack, water bottle and school supplies; the vendor named in the presentation was Positive Promotions, which also powers the district online store. Staff reported internal data showing about 90% of recipients later complete enrollment, and said shipments start as registration batches are filled, with last‑year deliveries reaching late July.
School Health Advisory Council (SHAC): The board approved a resolution to appoint initial SHAC members and accept operating bylaws. Staff said the SHAC is required by Texas Education Code ch. 28 §28.004, will meet initially more frequently to meet reporting deadlines (then quarterly), and will post agendas and minutes. Staff proposed an initial membership of three central‑office staff and four parents drawn from multiple districts; several trustees urged expanding geographic representation and ensuring hybrid/virtual access for parents across the statewide network.
Harmony Science Academy—Austin grade‑level amendment: The board authorized staff to submit a non‑expansion amendment to the Texas Education Agency to change the Austin campus (campus no. 227816001) from preK–8 to preK–2 for 2026–27 so older students may attend higher‑performing nearby campuses. Staff said projected capacity for prek–2 would be about 400 students; exact student transfer counts were "not specified" in the presentation.
Houston lease renewal: After a closed session to consult with counsel about real estate and security matters, the board returned to open session and approved a lease renewal/extension/amendment for school facilities in the Greater Houston area; staff described the item as a district‑level facilities action.
All items were approved by voice vote with no recorded roll‑call names in the public transcript; staff indicated next steps for posting SHAC meetings and for following up on handbook language clarity.
