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Huntsville ISD board renews Hornet Success Academy flexible-school-day waiver
Summary
Trustees approved renewal of the Optional Flexible School Day waiver to continue the Hornet Success Academy, which provides a four-hour flexible pathway for students with barriers to graduation; staff reported 402 HSA graduates since 2019 and high college/career readiness outcomes.
The Huntsville Independent School District board voted to approve the Optional Flexible School Day waiver for the Hornet Success Academy (HSA) for the 2026–27 school year, following a staff presentation describing the program’s role as an alternative pathway to graduation.
Dr. Shironda Johnson, director of HSA, told trustees the program serves students who face attendance, employment, parenting, health or housing challenges and offers flexible pacing, individualized supports and four-hour full-time schedules that can be AM, PM or all-day sessions. “We exist because every kid needs a champion,” Johnson said, describing how HSA students set monitored postsecondary goals and receive mentorship, internships and industry certifications.
Johnson said HSA has graduated 402 students from 2019 to 2026, with about 85% graduating within a year of entry, and noted that full-time HSA students in recent years have earned CCMR (college, career or military readiness) points tied to district accountability. She cited partnerships with Sam Houston State University, local employers (including Bank of America internships) and Walker County Workforce Solutions as key supports.
Board members praised the program’s results and community partnerships. One trustee said the program’s work with students experiencing homelessness led directly to a recent graduate obtaining a cosmetology license and employment. After brief comments, Miss Owens moved to approve the waiver and Miss Stout seconded; the board approved the recommendation by voice vote.
The approval authorizes the district to submit the required application to the Texas Education Agency to continue operating HSA under the Optional Flexible School Day rules. No roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.
