An Observation: Houston independent school district closing
Transcription
An Observation: Houston independent school district closing
1 AN OBSERVATION: HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT CLOSING MINORITY SCHOOLS [Prepared By Dr. Reba Wright] March, 2014 INTRODUCTION @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 2 Students bear the most burdens once the decision is made to close schools. Houston Independent School District (HISD) proposal to close five schools (Dodson, Henderson, Port Houston Elementary, Fleming Middle School, and Jones High School), in predominantly minority communities, has many questioning equity. HISD justifications for these closures include: low enrollment, high transfers out, high budget cost per students, and changing demographics. “No matter the difficulties associated with closing schools, the tough decision has to be made,” argues Dr. Grier, HISD superintendent. “Students in low enrollment schools are not benefitting from programs offered at larger schools.” HISD has told its version of the story, but there is another version, another chapter in this discussion. I conducted an analysis of 24 of HISD high schools to determine the validity of HISD’s school closure report. Given the importance of keeping the doors open at Jones, this analysis sought to reveal the extent to which HISD’s justifications warrant closing an entire school, changing the face of a community, and dis-place hundreds of students. In analyzing HISD’s justifications, this analysis addresses six major questions: 1. Is current enrollment at Jones significantly different from HISD high schools? 2. Are high student transfers isolated to Jones? 3. Is the budget expenditure cost-per student significantly different at Jones compared to other schools? 4. Is the demographics changing in the area where Jones is located enough to warrant closure of the school? 5. Are there any other factors at Jones contributing to the school’s low enrollment status? 6. How does Jones students compare to students at proposed merger schools? Although HISD has targeted five schools for closure, Jones was the focus of this analysis. HISD used the same justifications to close all five schools; therefore, the findings from analyzing can apply to other schools. Jones is a historic neighborhood school located in South Park, a predominantly African American community. Closing schools doors of Jones will not only demoralize the community, @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 3 but can bring economic hardship on an already economically depressed community. Research conducted by Pew Charitable Trusts also suggests when school districts close schools, they often have problems repurposing or selling the buildings. The closed schools “cast a pall over neighborhoods and costly to maintain”. Advocates of charter schools also recognize that closing neighborhoods schools have negative impact on communities (1). This researcher used descriptive analysis to analyze the data. Twenty-four of HISD high schools were used in this analysis. Data was collected from the HISD Campus Population Demographic report prepared November 2013, HISD School Overview Scorecard and Profile, HISD 2013 - 2014 Adopted District Budget, The Texas Education Agency Schools Report Cards, and the City of Houston’s Super Neighborhood Demographic Profile. Chapter 1 HISD High School Enrollment @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 4 One of HISD’s justifications for closing Jones is, “the school has low enrollment”. analysis addresses the justification by answering two questions. This What is Jones current enrollment? Is Jones enrollment significantly different from other high schools? Table 1 highlights enrollment status of 24 HISD high schools. Data was collected from HISD Demographic report (2). The table highlights the total student zoned population surrounding the school, number of students who do not attend HISD schools, students who do attend zone home schools, transfers out, transfers in, and the home school’s potential enrollment. Table 1 Schools Total Zone Students Not in Population HISD Students Attend Students Attend HISD Home School Number of Transfers Out Number of Transfers In Current Net Transfers Enrollment Out/In 1 Austin 2,921 702 ( 24% ) 2,219 ( 76% ) 1,307 ( 59% ) 912 ( 41% ) 373 ( 22% ) 1,680 -539 ( -24% ) 2 Bellaire 3,457 152 ( 4% ) 3,305 ( 96% ) 2,703 ( 82% ) 602 ( 18% ) 888 ( 25% ) 3,591 286 ( 9% ) 3 Chavez 3,153 260 ( 8% ) 2,893 ( 92% ) 2,344 ( 81% ) 549 ( 19% ) 647 ( 22% ) 2,991 98 ( 3% ) 4 Davis 1,974 203 ( 10% ) 1,771 ( 90% ) 1,292 ( 73% ) 479 ( 27% ) 357 ( 22% ) 1,649 -122 ( -7% ) 5 Furr 1,643 565 ( 34% ) 1,078 ( 66% ) 701 ( 65% ) 377 ( 35% ) 220 ( 24% ) 921 -157 ( -15% ) 6 Jones 2,292 991 ( 43% ) 1,301 ( 57% ) 386 ( 30% ) 915 ( 70% ) 54 ( 12% ) 440 -861 ( -66% ) 7 Kashmere 2,148 888 ( 41% ) 1,260 ( 59% ) 413 ( 33% ) 847 ( 67% ) 87 ( 17% ) 500 -760 ( -60% ) 8 Lamar 3,483 1,456 ( 42% ) 2,027 ( 58% ) 1,441 ( 71% ) 9 Lee 4,655 1,761 ( 38% ) 2,894 ( 62% ) 1,317 ( 46% ) 1,577 ( 54% ) 31 ( 2% ) 10 Madison 4,305 1,473 ( 34% ) 2,832 ( 66% ) 1,860 ( 66% ) 972 ( 34% ) 155 ( 8% ) 2,015 -817 ( -29% ) 11 Milby 1,732 255 ( 15% ) 1,477 ( 85% ) 1,204 ( 82% ) 273 ( 18% ) 885 ( 42% ) 2,089 612 ( 41% ) 12 North Forest 2,409 1,386 ( 58% ) 1,023 ( 42% ) 860 ( 84% ) 163 ( 16% ) 171 ( 17% ) 1,031 8 ( 1% ) Schools Total Zone Students Not in Population HISD Students Attend Students Attend HISD Home School 586 ( 29% ) 1,783 ( 55% ) Number of Transfers Out Number of Transfers In 3,224 1,197 ( 59% ) 1,348 -1,546 ( -53% ) Current Net Transfers Enrollment Out/In @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 5 13 Reagan 1,508 114 ( 8% ) 1,394 ( 92% ) 1,085 ( 78% ) 14 Houston High 5,191 1,286 ( 25% ) 3,905 ( 75% ) 2,467 ( 63% ) 1,438 ( 37% ) 112 ( 4% ) 15 Scarborough 1,278 303 ( 24% ) 975 ( 76% ) 602 ( 62% ) 373 ( 38% ) 61 ( 9% ) 16 Sharpstown 3,673 998 ( 27% ) 2,675 ( 73% ) 1,195 ( 45% ) 1,480 ( 55% ) 156 ( 12% ) 1,351 -1,324 ( -49% ) 17 Sterling 3,234 1,327 ( 41% ) 1,907 ( 59% ) 720 ( 38% ) 1,187 ( 62% ) 98 ( 12% ) 818 -1,089 ( -57% ) 18 Waltrip 1,741 366 ( 21% ) 1,375 ( 79% ) 942 ( 69% ) 433 ( 31% ) 683 ( 42% ) 1,625 250 ( 18% ) 19 Washington 1,537 426 ( 28% ) 1,111 ( 72% ) 593 ( 53% ) 518 ( 47% ) 171 ( 22% ) 764 -347 ( -31% ) 20 Westbury 4,335 1,303 ( 30% ) 3,032 ( 70% ) 1,859 ( 61% ) 1,173 ( 39% ) 215 ( 10% ) 2,074 -958 ( -32% ) 21 Westside 2,692 456 ( 17% ) 2,236 ( 83% ) 2,024 ( 91% ) 212 ( 9% ) 721 ( 26% ) 2,745 509 ( 23% ) 22 Wheatley 2,492 599 ( 24% ) 1,893 ( 76% ) 710 ( 38% ) 1,183 ( 62% ) 134 ( 16% ) 23 Worthing 2,304 838 ( 36% ) 1,466 ( 64% ) 588 ( 40% ) 878 ( 60% ) 54 ( 8% ) 642 -824 ( -56% ) 24 Yates 2,113 605 ( 29% ) 1,508 ( 71% ) 814 ( 54% ) 694 ( 46% ) 147 ( 15% ) 961 -547 ( -36% ) Totals 66,270 18,713 ( 28% ) 47,557 ( 72% ) 29,427 ( 62% ) 309 ( 22% ) 1,101 ( 50% ) 18,130 ( 38% ) 9,304 ( 24% ) 2,186 792 ( 57% ) 2,579 -1,326 ( -34% ) 663 -312 ( -32% ) 844 -1,049 ( -55% ) 38,731 -8,826 ( -19% ) Jones High School Current Enrollment In reviewing Jones enrollment data, the total number of students zoned in Jones surrounding area is 2292. Of that total, 1301 (57%) attend HISD, while 991 (43%) attend other schools, such as Sanchez HS, Houston Can Hobby, Yes Prep, or Not in Public School. The 1301 students are potential enrollment for Jones. However, only 386 (30%) elected to attend Jones, while 915 (70%) transfers out to other HISD campuses. In addition, Jones received 54 transfers in from other HISD schools; resulting in Jones current enrollment 440 students. Jones enrollment is not much different from other schools. For instance, the total number of students zoned in Kashmere surrounding area is 2148. Of that total, 1260 (59%) attend HISD, while 888 (41%) attend other schools, such as Houston Can, KIPP, Victory Prep, or Not in Public School. The 1260 students are potential enrollment for Kashmere. However, only 413 (33%) elected to attend Kashmere, while 847 (67%) transfers out to other HISD campuses. Also, Kashmere received 87 transfers in from other HISD schools. @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 6 Resulting, Kashmere current enrollment 500 students. Jones has 60 students less than Kashmere. Also worth noting, HISD’s Carnegie Vanguard current enrollment is 590 students, which are only 150 more students than Jones. Howbeit, Carnegie was once Jones’ school-within-aschool (SWAS) program. If HISD had not removed Jones’ SWAS (Carnegie), Jones current enrollment would be 1030. High School with Less Than 1000 Enrollment Thee are other high schools in HISD considered low enrollment. Table 2 highlights schools with enrollment less than 1000 students. The analysis found 9 out of 24 (38%) schools with enrollment less than 1000 students. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 School Jones Kashmere Worthing Scarborough Washington Sterling Wheatley Furr Yates Table 2 Potential Total Enrollment 1,301 1,260 1,466 975 1,111 1,907 1,893 1,078 1,508 Current Enrollment 440 500 642 663 764 818 844 921 961 Chapter 2 @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 7 HISD Student Transfers A second justification HISD is using to close Jones is, “students are opting not to attend Jones”. HISD has an open campus policy in which students are permitted to attend schools outside their zones. According to HISD Student Transfer Office (3), students are allowed to transfer for a number of reasons, including magnet, out-of-district, escape low performing schools, space available, and special transfers (i.e. honors, JROTC, etc.). High Transfers Out Although all HISD high schools in this analysis have transfers out, Table 3 highlights schools that experienced greater than fifty percent transfers out. As noted, Jones had approximately 70% transfers out. The majority of Jones transfers out attended Milby (29%), Chavez (19%), Austin (10%), others (21%), etc. The ethnic make-up of the majority students transfers out were 21 African American and 77% Hispanic. However, high transfers out is not isolated to Jones. Kashmers has 67% of its student’s transfers out. Sterling, Wheatley, and Worthing had as much as 60% or more transfers out; while Lee had 54% transfers out. Table 3 Schools Jones Kashmere Lee Sharpstown Sterling Wheatley Worthing Potential Enrollment (Attend HISD) 1301 1260 2894 2675 1907 1893 1466 Transfers Out 915 847 1577 1480 1187 1183 878 % 70% 67% 54% 55% 62% 62% 60% High Transfers In @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 8 HISD has a few high schools that are experiencing high transfers in. Meaning students from all over the district are coming into their schools. Table 4 highlights those high schools with greater than two-thousand student enrollments and the number of transfers in. Table 4 Current Enrollment 3591 2991 3224 2015 2089 2186 2579 2074 2745 Schools Bellaire Chavez Lamar Madison Milby Reagan Houston High Westbury Westside Transfers In 888 647 1783 155 885 1101 112 215 721 % 25% 22% 55% 8% 42% 50% 4% 10% 26% Graph 1 further depicts enrollment distribution of these large schools. Three schools (Bellaire, Chavez, and Westside) have at least one-fourth of their enrollment due to transfers in. Three other schools (Lamar, Milby, and Reagan) have about one-half of enrollments due to transfers in. The other three large schools (Madison, Houston High, and Westbury) have about ten percent of enrollment due to transfers in. This analysis indicates that some schools are very competitive and need to acquire other schools’ zoned students in order to maintain the status of “large school”. Graph 1 4000 3500 3000 888 647 2500 112 1500 721 1783 2000 215 155 885 2703 1000 2344 1101 2467 1441 500 1860 1859 1204 2024 1085 0 Bellaire Chavez Houston Lamar Zone students Madison Milby Reagan Westbury Westside Transfers In students Comparison Transfers Outs to Transfers In @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 9 Graph 2 depicts both the transfer outs and transfers in. The graph is another representation showing that high transfers out is not isolated to Jones. The majority of high schools have more transfers out. Lee High School has the greatest number of transfers out; while Lamar has the greatest number of transfers in. Graph 2 2,000 1,800 1,600 1,400 1,200 1,000 Transfers In 800 Transfers Out 600 400 200 0 Schools with Negative Enrollment When more students transfer out compared to transfers in, the school experiences a phenomenon known as “negative enrollment.” The analysis found 16 out 24 (67%) HISD high schools have negative enrollments. Graph 3 highlights those schools with negative enrollment. Jones’s negative enrollment closely resembles Kashmere, Sterling, and Worthing. Graph 3 @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 10 -24% -15% -7% -29% -66% -31% -60% -32% -32% -57% -34% -56% -36% -49% -55% -53% Jones (-66) Kashmere (-60) Sterling (-57) Worthing (-56) Wheatley (-55) Lee (-53) Sharpstown (-49) Yates (-36) Houston High (-34) Scarborough (-32) Westbury (-32) Washington (-31) Madison (-29) Austin (-24) Furr (-15) Davis (-7) Graph 4 is another representation showing the number of schools experiencing negative enrollments. However, the graph further hints to the fact that HISD district, as a whole, has problems with negative enrollments. These urban schools are seeing more students opting not to attend their home schools. It may be reasonable to expect some students moving around to attractive schools. However, this graph points to a larger problem with the public schools. Jones, alone with proposed merger schools (Worthing and Sterling) is experiencing negative enrollments. Graph 4 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% -20% -40% -60% -80% @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 11 Schools with Positive Enrollments As mention, there are some schools in HISD with positive enrollments. Graph 5 shows that 8 out 24 (33%) high schools are experiencing positive enrollments; meaning, zoned students and students from other areas attending the schools. Schools with low and negative enrollments should ask, what are these schools doing to encourage positive enrollment? What is the maximal number of students these schools are allowed to enroll? Graph 5 9% 3% 1% Lamar (59) Reagan (57) 18% 59% Milby (41) 23% Westside (23) Waltrip (18) Bellaire (9) 41% 57% Chavez (3) North Forest (1) Student Transfers Out to “Others” HISD Another interesting observation relating to transfers was the fact that a number of students transfers out to “Others” receiving campus. Graph 6 depicts those “Others” transfers out. Sterling and Worthing have the highest transfers out to “Others”. Overall, the analysis found that 19% of all HISD high schools transfer out to “Others”. It is unclear what “Others” means? Graph 6 331 350 329 300 250 220 147 150 50 239 191 188 200 100 266 250 249 124 95 99 75 128 87 59 57 49 22 70 85 47 23 0 @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 12 HISD would be hard-pressed to frown upon any schools because of high transfers out! Transfers out is experienced at the district level. Recall Table 2, “Students Not in HISD”; these are students zoned to HISD’s surrounding school, potential enrollment for HISD schools, but opted not to attend HISD. The concept is the same as transfers out. Approximately, 28% of zoned students opted not to attend HISD, transfers out). Graph 7 2,000 1,800 1,600 1,400 1,200 1,000 1,761 800 1,456 1,473 1,386 600 991 400 702 1,303 998 888 838 565 200 0 1,327 1,286 152 260 203 255 303 366 426 456 599 605 114 Zone Population, But Do Not Attend HISD @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 13 Chapter 3 Budget Cost per Student Another justification HISD is touting, “it cost twice as much to educate students at Jones… HISD is spending over twelve thousand dollars per student at Jones, and the district needs to allocate resources more effectively.” Each year HISD allocates budgets to schools based on student population, average daily attendance, and counted weights to reflect the relative importance of different population groups. The budget data was retrieved from HISD 2013-2014 Adopted District Budget School’s Section (4). Table 5 summarizes HISD high school budgets to show Jones’ total budget operation expenditure per student is $12,096. However, Kashmere expenditure per student is $12,235. HISD statements are misleading the community into believing that Jones is the only school in which HISD is spending high dollars per student. Table 5 Schools Operation Expends per Student Resource Allocation Other General Special Revenue Funding Formula Fund Funding Total Preliminary Campus Funding % Enrollment to Total Budget 1 Austin $6,798 7,068,961 1,719,622 289,410 9,077,993 4.94% 0.15% 2 Bellaire $5,676 13,339,501 1,890,935 272,630 15,503,066 8.43% -1.79% 3 Chavez $5,779 10,092,810 2,365,790 415,506 12,874,106 7.00% -1.51% 4 Davis $6,657 6,109,905 1,739,280 288,474 8,137,659 4.43% -0.27% 5 Furr $7,269 3,442,449 1,972,895 152,226 5,567,570 3.03% 0.41% 6 Jones $12,096 2,205,356 1,698,831 69,804 3,973,991 2.16% 0.91% 7 Kashmere $12,235 2,173,173 1,749,189 72,144 3,994,506 2.17% 0.75% 8 Lamar $5,506 12,588,605 1,779,024 250,145 14,617,774 7.95% -1.23% 9 Lee $7,364 4,949,580 2,644,079 176,389 7,770,048 4.23% 0.39% 10 Madison $6,765 8,128,721 1,988,697 289,386 10,406,804 5.66% -0.08% 11 Milby $6,427 8,059,200 1,689,855 304,962 10,054,017 5.47% -0.48% 0 0 0 0 0.00% 0.00% 12 North Forest $0 0 @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 14 Schools 13 Reagan Operation Expends per Student Resource Allocation Funding Formula $6,317 Other General Fund Special Revenue Funding Total Preliminary Campus Funding % Enrollment to Total Budget 8,145,811 1,909,115 257,910 10,312,836 5.61% -0.61% 0 0 0 0 0.00% 0.00% 14 Houston High $0 0 15 Scarborough $8,012 3,039,862 1,215,788 110,094 4,365,744 2.37% 0.49% 16 Sharpstown $9,272 5,038,353 2,533,378 223,500 7,795,231 4.24% 0.39% 17 Sterling $7,671 3,633,314 1,343,775 136,722 5,113,811 2.78% 0.45% 18 Waltrip $6,400 6,731,542 2,721,961 242,466 9,695,969 5.27% 0.65% 19 Washington $8,520 3,389,945 1,373,558 127,626 4,891,129 2.66% 0.49% 20 Westbury $6,050 7,778,917 2,049,950 302,646 10,131,513 5.51% -0.39% 21 Westside $5,638 10,425,248 1,889,952 220,016 12,535,216 6.82% -1.00% 22 Wheatley $7,995 3,475,222 2,400,380 139,794 6,015,396 3.27% 0.87% 23 Worthing $8,811 3,029,034 2,111,029 100,668 5,240,731 2.85% 1.02% 24 Yates $8,979 3,998,511 1,630,778 134,610 5,763,899 3.14% 0.40% Compare Budgets: Schools Enrollment Less 1000 to Schools Greater than 2000 The table below is another observation regarding the budget. Table 5 shows budgets of schools with less than 1000 students. Table 6 shows budget of schools with enrollment greater than 2000. In viewing these budgets, it appears as enrollment increases, the expenditure cost per student tend to decreases. There is an inverse relationship between enrollment numbers and expenditure cost. Table 6 Schools (<1000 Enrollment) Jones Kashmere Worthing Scarborough Washington Sterling Wheatley Furr Yates Operation Current Expends per Enrollment Students 440 $ 12,096.00 500 $ 12,235.00 642 $ 8,811.00 663 $ 8,012.00 764 $ 8,520.00 818 $ 7,671.00 844 $ 7,995.00 921 $ 7,269.00 961 $ 8,979.00 Total Preliminary Campus Funding $ 3,973,991 $ 3,994,506 $ 5,240,731 $ 4,365,744 $ 4,891,129 $ 5,113,811 $ 6,015,396 $ 5,567,570 $ 5,763,899 @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 15 Secondly, when HISD states that it takes twice as much to educated per students at Jones. The question is, which schools is HISD comparing Jones? The statement lead one to believe that HISD is comparing Jones to campus whose expenditure per student cost is somewhere around $6000 (i.e. Bellaire). This comparison is illogical since variables (schools’ enrollment numbers and campus budget funding are so dis-similar. Table 7 Schools (>2000 Enrollment) Madison Westbury Milby Reagan Westside Chavez Lamar Bellaire Current Enrollment 2015 2074 2089 2186 2745 2991 3224 3591 Operation Expends per Students $ 6,765.00 $ 6,050.00 $ 6,427.00 $ 6,317.00 $ 5,638.00 $ 5,779.00 $ 5,506.00 $ 5,676.00 Total Preliminary Campus Funding $ 10,406,804 $ 10,131,513 $ 10,054,017 $ 10,312,836 $ 12,535,216 $ 12,874,106 $ 14,617,774 $ 15,503,066 Compare Allocated Budget to Enrollment Graph 8 also depicts the proportion of enrollment to allocated budget. The ideal world would equal enrollment proportion to allocated budget. Meaning, the budget line on Graph 8 falls directly on the top of the enrollment line (Austin closely resembles this scenario). However, when budget lines fall above enrollment, budget has been allocated compared to enrollment (Worthing closely resemble this scenario). When budget lines fall below enrollment, the school may not be allocated budget to sustain enrollment (Bellaire resembles this scenario). Graph 8 12.0% 10.0% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 0.0% Enrollment Budget @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 16 Chapter 4 Demographics Changes HISD also stated the demographics surrounding Jones is changing. school should be closed! Therefore, the This is another misleading statement. South Park, where Jones is located, is growing like most areas in Houston. According to the City of Houston Super Neighborhood Demographic and Income Profile (5), the African American population will increase to 2% and Hispanics 46% by 2014. It is significance to understand the growing population of Hispanics in South Park and zoned to Jones. One, 77% of students transferring out of Jones is Hispanics. Therefore, Jones and HISD should identify why this growing population is not coming into the school. Comparatively, African American population will increase in South Park, while this population will decrease in Kashmere. Matter of fact, African Americans population will decrease in Kashmere. Table 8 Super Neighborhood 2000 2009 Inc / Dec (2000-2014) 2014 South Park Blacks 17,898 18,114 1% 18,313 1% 2% Kashmere Blacks 9,247 8,955 -3% 8,908 -1% -4% South Park Hispanic 3,536 4,526 28% 5,173 14% 46% Kashmere Hispanic 1,830 2,250 23% 2,536 13% 39% Based on the census’ numbers, the increased populations would be a justification for keeping this neighborhood school open. In my opinion, HISD has defended Jones’ closure because the increased Hispanic population would also account for (77%) of Jones’ transfers. @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 17 Chapter 5 High School Program Design Are there any factors at Jones that contributing to low enrollment? Dr. Grier said, “It hurts students because they are being robbed of the opportunity of advanced educational programs that schools with larger enrollment have.” What Dr. Grier did not share is the fact that HISD has robbed Jones of programs. There are a number of reasons why students are not coming into Jones, which have contributed to the school’s low enrollment. One of the primary reasons why student and parents are opting out of Jones is because of programs offered at other schools and limited options at Jones. Table 9 displays the programs offered at Jones and other high schools. Reviewing programs, the analysis found the following. 1. Data retrieved from HISD School Overview Scorecard and Profile (6) indicates that Jones does not have the programs to attract parents and students. Jones only has 13 programs compared to other schools who may be offering up to 20 programs. 2. Out of the 13 programs offered at Jones, about 6 programs are geared toward supporting special services, supporting life skills or multiple impaired studies. Thereby, the opportunities for students are limited even further. 3. However, Jones has one program that uniquely sets the school apart from other schools, the Science, Technology, Engineer, and Math (STEM). This program focuses on math and science, and is a good program. But the program is designated as “School Wide Program (SWP)”. This means that every student who attends the school (whether zoned or transfers in) must enroll in either engineer or architecture. Students have no choice but to take one of these programs. 4. Jones is the only high school in the district designated as SWP. Other high schools are designated as “School Within A School (SWAS)”. Meaning, in addition to their magnet or specialty programs, students have other options and opportunities to take other programs. 5. Jones does not have the programs or competitive advantages to attract students and parents. Other schools, even those with low enrollment, have more programs to offer. Jones is at a disadvantage with its limited and restrictive program structure. It is unclear whether the design of Jones program has lead to the 915 transfers out. @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 18 6. Jones is also an Apollo school. Jones is one of 8 Apollo high schools (Furr, Jones, Kashmere, Lee, Sharpstown, Waltrip, Wheatley, and Worthing) in HISD. Apollo was launched in 2010 to increase performance and close the achievement gap. The program has 5 strategies (hire effective principal and teachers, more instructional time, use data to drive instruction, in school tutoring, and a cultural of high expectation). Although Apollo appears to be a good program, many in the school and community believe the program drove as many as 300 students away from Jones. Parents and students were not attractive to Apollo because of the vigorous instructional component and longer school hours. 7. Jones also lost hundreds of students when the HISD removed the Vanguard program. Vanguard had been part of Jones for many years, and was a success on the campus. Jones’ previous magnet (know Carnegie) was the school’s SWAS and competitive programs that attracted students to the school. 8. Another problem Jones has encountered is the continually target of HISD. For the past couple of years, HISD has had Jones on its radar for closure. Last year HISD announced the closure of Jones. And because of these threats, Jones has lost about 30 additional students. 9. Lastly, Jones has been unstable for the past few years because the school has had at least 5 Principals. This instability is the result of HISD Administration hiring practices, and not placing the right people at Jones. I agree with Dr. Grier, when he said, “it hurts students when schools do not have program opportunities…” However, I do not agree with Dr. Grier’s decision to close Jones because it is not the fault of Jones, the students, or the community that enrollment is low at Jones. It is HISD’s fault! Some of HISD’s adverse decisions affecting Jones include: removing its Vanguard program which attracted hundreds of students, replacing the Vanguard with a restrictive SWP program which further limits student enrollment. Additionally, HISD’s continual threats to kill the school discourages new enrollment and encourages student bail out. Worth noting: If HISD had not removed Jones’ Vanguard program (currently known as Carnegie) of the campus, Jones current enrollment would be 1,030 students! As noted, Table 9 highlights Jones programs compared to other high schools. Noticeably, Jones has no significantly limited programs compared to others schools, which limits Jones enrollment. @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 19 Table 9 Programs Pre-AP/AP Vanguard Neighborhood Information Technology Science, Tech, Engineer, Math Science, Tech, Engineer, Math - STEM (SWP) English As A Second Language Behavior Support Class (BSC) Services Co-Teacher Services Community-Based Vocational Instruciton Resources Services Skills For Learning And Living (SLL) Speech Therapy Services Preparing Students For Independence (PSI) Agiculture, Food & Natural Resources Architecture & Construction Arts, A/V Tech & Communications Aviation Science (SWAS) Business Management & Administrationn Business Management & Administrationn (SWAS) Career Development Career Preparation Communication (SWAS) Computer Tech (SWAS) Content Mastery Deaf Education Engineer Professions (SWAS) Environmental Science (SWAS) Finance Fine Arts Coalition Essential Schools (SWAS) Health Science Hospitality & Tourism Human Services IB-MYP Int'l Baccalaureate Interated Tech (SWAS) Landscaping & Architectural Design (SWAS) Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security Leadership (SWAS) Manufacturing Marketing Math, Science & Tech (SWAS) Media For Culinary, Hotel/Restaurant (SWAS) Meteorology & Space Science (SWAS) Modern Humanities (SWAS) Music & Fine Arts (SWAS) Researcdh & Tech (SWAS) Science Institute (SWAS) Structured Learning Class (SLC) Support Facilitation Teaching Professions (SWAS) Technology Careers (SWAS) Technology & Fine Arts (SWAS) Transportation Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics World Languge (SWAS) NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PROGRAMS EXCEEDS JONES BY % Jones 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Austin 1 1 Bellaire 1 Chavez 1 1 1 Davis 1 1 1 Furr 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Kash 1 1 1 1 Lamar 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Lee 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Mad 1 1 1 Milby 1 1 1 Reagan 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 13 9 -31% 1 19 46% 19 46% 20 54% 15 15% 14 8% 20 54% 17 31% 19 46% 19 46% @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 17 31% 20 Table 9 (cont’d) Programs Pre-AP/AP Vanguard Neighborhood Information Technology Science, Tech, Engineer, Math Science, Tech, Engineer, Math - STEM (SWP) English As A Second Language Behavior Support Class (BSC) Services Co-Teacher Services Community-Based Vocational Instruciton Resources Services Skills For Learning And Living (SLL) Speech Therapy Services Preparing Students For Independence (PSI) Agiculture, Food & Natural Resources Architecture & Construction Arts, A/V Tech & Communications Aviation Science (SWAS) Business Management & Administrationn Business Management & Administrationn (SWAS) Career Development Career Preparation Communication (SWAS) Computer Tech (SWAS) Content Mastery Deaf Education Engineer Professions (SWAS) Environmental Science (SWAS) Finance Fine Arts Coalition Essential Schools (SWAS) Health Science Hospitality & Tourism Human Services IB-MYP Int'l Baccalaureate Interated Tech (SWAS) Landscaping & Architectural Design (SWAS) Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security Leadership (SWAS) Manufacturing Marketing Math, Science & Tech (SWAS) Media For Culinary, Hotel/Restaurant (SWAS) Meteorology & Space Science (SWAS) Modern Humanities (SWAS) Music & Fine Arts (SWAS) Researcdh & Tech (SWAS) Science Institute (SWAS) Structured Learning Class (SLC) Support Facilitation Teaching Professions (SWAS) Technology Careers (SWAS) Technology & Fine Arts (SWAS) Transportation Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics World Languge (SWAS) NUMBER OF PROGRAMS PROGRAMS EXCEEDS JONES BY % Jones 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Scars 1 1 1 Sharps 1 1 1 Sterling 1 1 1 Waltrip 1 1 1 Wash 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Westbury Westside Wheatley Worthing 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Yates 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 13 14 8% 15 15% 15 15% 17 31% 18 38% 20 54% 19 46% 20 54% 17 31% @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 18 38% 21 Chapter 6 High School Academic Performance Has anyone asked, what will happen to the students when dis-placed from Jones? Hopefully, HISD is not just looking at the dollars and cents, given that their primary business is educating! Additional data was reviewed included the Texas Education Agency highlighting the performance of Jones’ students. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) produces a report card on all schools (7). TEA rates schools accountability on four performance indexes (student achievement, student progress, closing performance gap, and post-secondary readiness). Other areas measured are “all subjects, reading, math, writing, science, social studies”. Jones Compared to Schools Less Than 1000 Enrollment Table 10 is a comparison of Jones’ STAAR tests and accountability performance with school’s enrollment less than 1000 students. The shaded areas indicate Jones’ students scored equal or higher than other schools. Noticeably, Jones outperforms Kashmere, Worthing, and Wheatley in most areas. Jones shows strong performance amongst the other schools in student progress; reading (meeting expectation) and math (meet/exceed expectation). School Enrollment Jones 440 Kashmere 550 Worthing 642 Scarsborough 663 Washington 764 Sterling 818 Wheatley 844 Yates 961 Furr 921 Student Achievement (50) 51% 44% 46% 61% 62% 53% 48% 63% 63% Student Progress (17) 24% 14% 14% 16% 16% 16% 16% 20% 24% Closing Performance Gaps (55) 53% 42% 45% 59% 64% 53% 53% 67% 65% Post Sedcondary Readiness (75) 69% 85% 78% 78% 77% 81% 71% 87% 85% All Subjects 51% 44% 46% 61% 62% 53% 48% 63% 63% Reading 50% 44% 51% 61% 64% 54% 49% 64% 62% Reading (meet expectation) 53% 29% 33% 49% 44% 36% 38% 46% 55% Reading (exceed expectation) 2% 0% 2% 5% 1% 1% 2% 3% 4% Math 65% 58% 49% 62% 68% 63% 59% 73% 82% Math (meet expectation) 35% 14% 7% 0% 10% 11% 0% 26% 29% Math (exceed expectation) 9% 4% 1% 0% 1% 1% 0% 4% 2% Writing 27% 25% 25% 38% 35% 25% 30% 31% 36% Writing (meet expectation) 38% 38% 43% 41% 40% 40% 52% 34% 53% Writing (exceed expectation) 0% 0% 0% 0% 1% 1% 0% 0% 1% Science 59% 49% 50% 77% 76% 66% 56% 81% 73% Social Studies 54% 42% 23% 62% 62% 55% 46% 63% 64% @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 22 Jones Compared to Schools Greater Than 1000 Enrollment Table 11 below is a comparison of Jones’ test and performance with school with enrollment greater than 1000 students. Jones meets or out performed Chavez, Milby, Westbury and Madison in student progress. The most noticeable was the fact that Jones out performed half of these schools in student progress, and outperformed all (except Bellaire) in Math (meet expectation). Jones also out performed Chavez and Madison in reading (meet expectation). And Jones out performs all schools, except Bellaire, in math (meet expectation). Table 11 School Enrollment Jones 440 Bellaire 3,591 Lamar 3,224 Chavez 2,991 Westside 2,745 Milby 2,089 Westbury 2,074 Madison 2,015 Student Achievement (50) 51% 86% 67% 66% 84% 61% 64% 60% Student Progress (17) 24% 37% 27% 21% 29% 24% 21% 17% Closing Performance Gaps (55) 53% 82% 86% 68% 81% 62% 69% 59% Post Sedcondary Readiness (75) 69% 84% 93% 82% 87% 82% 78% 84% All Subjects 51% 86% 87% 66% 84% 61% 64% 60% Reading 50% 85% 90% 67% 85% 64% 66% 65% Reading (meet expectation) 53% 69% 69% 53% 66% 56% 61% 53% Reading (exceed expectation) 2% 20% 14% 6% 10% 4% 5% 4% Math 65% 90% 90% 75% 86% 68% 70% 66% Math (meet expectation) 35% 42% 30% 24% 32% 22% 14% 6% Math (exceed expectation) 9% 11% 5% 5% 5% 3% 2% 0% Writing 27% 70% 69% 45% 62% 30% 34% 37% Writing (meet expectation) 38% 55% 41% 47% 43% 51% 42% 41% Writing (exceed expectation) 0% 4% 1% 1% 2% 1% 0% 0% Science 59% 93% 93% 75% 92% 69% 79% 67% Social Studies 54% 89% 90% 68% 89% 63% 67% 58% Jones Recognized by TEA Another recognition Jones received was from TEA when they visited the school in 2012. TEA recognized Jones as one of the most improved school in the district. “In Spring 2012, members of TCDSS and TEA visited Jones to video rapid transformation that the TIPPS grant has fostered. This video highlights some of Jones’ outstanding practices in the areas of climate, data driven decision making, parent involvement and other effective strategies…” @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 23 Jones Recognized by HISD HISD also recognized Jones in their growth quintiles report in 2012. Table 8 shows that Jones performed in the top quintile in Algebra, second highest in biology, writing fell in the middle quintile, but reading and world geo fell in second lowest quintile. Table 12 Algebra I Biology Writing 1 Reading World Geo Growth Quintile for HSO Schools 2011-2012 Second Second Top Highest Middle Lowest Bottom X X X X X According to researchers from the University of Chicago’s Urban Education Institute, if students are sent to similarly under-performing school, test scores will remain low. Moreover, students are more likely to jump around between schools after their first school is shuttered, and may stop attending school altogether. Considering all these facts, it is no wonder why the community is alarmed by HISD proposed closure of a school that is making progress? What is outrageous is HISD sending Jones’ students to schools they are outperforming? @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 24 Chapter 7 Findings and Discussion The intent of this analysis was to address HISD’s justifications for closing schools, by comparing data related to high school enrollment data, budget, demographics, school programs, and academic progress. During my research, I discovered SIX major findings. Findings 1. Jones’ enrollment is not much different than other high schools. Case and point: Jones current enrollment of 440 students is only 60 students less than Kashmere 500 current enrollment. Jones enrollment is not remarkably different from Carnegie Vanguard 590 enrollment. As a matter of fact, 38% of the high schools have an enrollment population of less than 1,000 students. 2. Jones has 915 transfers out, meaning there are over nine hundred children zoned to Jones who have opted to attend other schools. However, Jones’ transfers are not much different from other high schools in the district. At least six other high schools: (Lee, Houston High, Sharpstown, Sterling, Westbury, and Wheatley), have over a thousand transfer requests. Meaning more students are opting not to attend their home schools. Jones and other high schools are experiencing a phenomenon known as “negative enrollment.” 3. Another justification that HISD is touting “it cost twice as much to educate students at Jones… HISD is spending over twelve thousand dollars per student at Jones, and the district needs to allocate resources more effectively.” These statements are misleading the community into believing that Jones is the only school in which HISD is spending high dollars per student. On the contrary, Jones’ total budget operation expenditure @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 25 per student is $12,096. However, Kashmere expenditure per student is $12,235. Other high schools have similar expenditure cost per student. 4. HISD stated, “The demographic is changing in the area.” South Park, where Jones is located, is growing like many areas in Houston. According to the census, the AfricanAmerican population will increase 2% and Hispanics 46% by 2014. Based on the census’ numbers, the increased populations would be a justification for keeping this neighborhood school open. 5. Dr. Grier said, “It hurts students because they are being robbed of the opportunity of advanced educational programs that schools with larger enrollment have.” Jones has 13 programs (at least six geared toward supportive services) compared to popular high schools such as: Bellaire with 19 programs, Lamar 20, Chavez 19, Milby 19, etc. Jones has a STEM, (science, technology, engineer, and math), program that uniquely sets the school apart from other schools. However, STEM is designated as a SWP (school-wide program). Meaning, all students who enter through the doors of Jones must enroll in either architecture or engineer. On the other hand, other high schools are designated SWS (school within a school); meaning, along with specialty or magnet programs, these schools have other options and opportunities for students. 6. Additional data reviewed included the Texas Educational Agency that noted Jones’ students scored equal or higher than schools HISD is proposing to merge. Most noticeable, Jones out performs low enrollment schools in student progress and math, Recommendation: SWOT Analysis Since HISD stated that is a business decision, this researcher recommends HISD do not close Jones are any other schools. HISD should assist Jones to help increase enrollment. One suggestion would be to do a SWOT analysis to identify Jones’ strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats. Table 9 is an example of some SWOT analysis for the continual success of Jones High School. @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 26 Table 9 1 Out performed other schools in Student Progress 2 Out performed other schools in Math 3 Strong in Biology STRENGTH 4 Acceptable in Writing 5 Received recognition from TEA as one most improved schools 6 Historical neighborhood schools, more than bricks. It is a landmark & anchor 7 Demographics increase in the area 1 Limited and restrictive programs (SWP) 2 Have no competitive edge in attracting students and parents 3 Administrators not boasting about improvements WEAKNESS 4 Old building in need of renovations 5 HISD not interested in the success of the school 5 Removed Vanguard program off Jones campus 6 High administration turn-overs 1 Redesign Jones programs from SWP to SWAS 2 Recognize Jones as competitive in Math and Science (STEM) 3 Demographics expected to increase, so prepare for new students OPPORTUNITIES 4 HISD should identify 900+ zoned transfers out students, so Jones can reach out 5 Mobilize community and alumni involvement 6 Hold Dr. Grier and Board to their contractual obligations 7 Neutralize the continual threats and attacks on Jones 1 HISD repeated threats to close Jones THREATS 2 Uninformed community negative comments about the school 3 HISD provided instability at Jones (continual change in administration) 4 Send Jones performing students to schools not performing Conclusion Based on the findings, HISD justifications for closing Jones are misleading and without validity. Without verifying and comparing the data, the community was misled to believe Jones was the only high school with low enrollment. Jones had the highest budget expenditure per student. The demographics were changing in the area where Jones was located that warrant school closure. On the contrary, Jones enrollment is not significantly different from Kashmere. Jones’ budget cost per student is lower than Kashmere. Jones is academically out performing several other schools. Both African American and Hispanic populations are growing in South Park @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 27 where Jones is located. In addition, the Board members must take ownership in the part they played in undermining Jones enrollment, when they removed Vanguard (Jones’ SWAS) and replaced it with a restricted SWP. Based on these findings, the analysis concludes that HISD has not valid justifications to close Jones. But leaves an even bigger question in the community, WHY JONES? @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected]. 28 Work Cited (1) Kirkpatrick, D.W. (2014). Small Schools Achieve Better Results. The U.S. Freedom Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.freedomfoundation.org. Retrieved March, 2014. (2) Houston Independent School District, Demographics Campus and Zone Population. Retrieved from http://www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/ Domain/32468/Campus%20Demographic%20and%20Enrollment%20Report %202013%202014.pdf. Retrieved February, 2014. (3) Houston Independent School District, Student Transfers. Retrieved from http://www.houstonisd.org/Page/75083. Retrieved March, 2014. (4) Houston Independent School District, 2013-2014 Adopted District School Budget. Retrieve from http://www.houstonisd.org/site/deflut.aspz? (5) City of Houston, Super Neighborhood Demographics. Retrieved from http://www.houstontx.gov/. (6) Houston Independent School District, Find A School, School Overview Scorecard & Profile. Retrieved February 20, 2014. Retrieved from http://www.houstonisd.org/site/deflut.aspz? Page ID=1. (7) Texas Education Agency (TEA), 2012-2013 School Report Cards. Retrieve from http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/src/2013/campus.srch.html. @2014, Dr. R.W. Wright. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from Dr. R.W. Wright at email: [email protected].