More HISD job cuts stun employees who serve low-income students: ‘No one is really safe’

Houston ISD recently delivered unexpected news to a group of employees, informing them of job cuts as part of efforts to address a $450 million budget deficit in the district.

The affected employees are wraparound resource specialists who support economically disadvantaged students by addressing poverty-related issues. Their services encompass a range of vital support, including transportation, clothing, shelter, special needs assistance, mental health resources, food pantries, and telehealth services.

Speaking anonymously to out of fear of reprisal, one specialist expressed sadness over the impact of the layoffs on vulnerable families who rely on these services, often accessible only through schools.

“It’s heartbreaking. These families, the most vulnerable to HISD, depend on the support provided on campus because they lack access to resources elsewhere. The school serves as a sanctuary for them, and now it’s being taken away. This will affect their education,” the specialist lamented.

Most specialists, including the interviewee, were notified of their impending termination via Zoom call last Thursday, catching them off guard after assurances from superiors that their positions were secure.

“There was speculation about HISD budget cuts, but whenever we asked our superiors, they reassured us not to worry. We were blindsided by this news. It’s a sign of uncertainty,” the employee remarked.

Superintendent Mike Miles attributed the budget shortfall to financial decisions made by the prior administration, as well as declining student enrollment, depletion of COVID relief funds, and a lack of increased public school funding from the state since 2019.

In response, an HISD spokesperson explained that the wraparound support positions at the campus level were previously funded by COVID aid, which is now ending. Consequently, these positions will be consolidated at the division and district levels for the upcoming school year.

Despite efforts to minimize impacts on students and classrooms, the district acknowledges the necessity of difficult budget decisions. Many departments, including HISD, are undergoing workforce reductions, with support offered to affected employees seeking positions elsewhere within the district.

For families like Jessica Sanchez’s, who heavily rely on these specialists, the impending loss of services raises concerns about accessing essential support.

“I don’t know what we’ll do without this help. It was so convenient to have it right at the school,” Sanchez expressed in Spanish.

HISD did not disclose specifics regarding the number of specialist positions affected or details of future budget cuts. Those facing job loss are slated to conclude their roles by June 28.