An item on the schedule at the most recent Houston ISD board meeting infuriated parents and other speakers by stating that the state-appointed board was debating whether or not speakers could provide their opinions both in person and via Zoom. Board members ultimately decided to allow speakers to use virtual video conferencing, and they will likely make a formal decision at the upcoming board meeting in January. Eight members supported the move to waive the board policy, while one member opposed it.
The board of managers later reexamined the agenda’s wording after originally approving the modifications made to the public comments at board meetings. The final conclusion will be determined by the second reading. Board members also talked about limitations on the topics that speakers can cover at meetings.
The question of how to do our task in the best possible way is always at the back of my mind, said board president Audrey Momanaee. We arrived at 1:02 am and are still working on the real tasks that need to be completed in order to ensure the success of our children. Board participation, in my opinion, is more than just sitting here listening to others speak to us. Engagement occurs when we genuinely speak with people and learn the underlying causes of their issues.
She went on to say that speakers also cover school-related matters that the board is ill-prepared to handle. Momanaee believes that the meeting time should be dedicated to board work and community engagement by speaking with those who are experiencing issues.
The point was to make our meetings more efficient, so we re not working on really hard issues like the budget amendment at 1:00 am, she said, adding people can reach out to the members.
After the community voiced strong opposition to Zoom’s removal, Board Vice President Ric Campo stated that he wanted to change the rules to allow speakers to continue using it.
Concerns regarding the potential optics of the policy change were voiced by Dr. Michelle Cruz Arnold, Ph.D., who participated in the discussion via Zoom.
At a time when the number of speakers at the meetings has drastically increased, this topic was extensively discussed. Speaking virtually for parents and community members who have prior commitments made sure their grievances and concerns were still heard.
There is also an issue of transportation in many minority communities. Taking away the Zoom option potentially removes the agency of those who cannot travel to board meetings, take off from work, or access childcare. In fact, 11.5% of Black residents in Harris Countydo not have accessto a private vehicle, and predominantly Black neighborhoods in Houston remain un-walkable and without sufficient public transportation, which means some roads are not suitable or safe for walking.
Also, almost 80% of the district comes fromeconomically disadvantagedbackgrounds. Several parents consider Zoom a more accessible option than traveling to the meeting.
This particular board has gone out of their way to make speaking before them as complicated as possible, said Yates HS alum and former HISD parentDr. Pamela Boveland. And now they want to add insult to injury and eliminate one of the main reasons some people are able to speak every month.
What the agenda said
The agenda hopesto limitwhat topics speakers can address and end Zoom calls during board meetings. This means the end of the Hearing of the Community, during which speakers can address any topic they want the board to note, even if it is not on the agenda. This part of the meeting takes place by 7:00 p.m., per the agenda.
It stated that speakers at the board meeting would be required to conform to a time allotted to public comment but would not be allowed to discuss matters being considered by the board. Students usually spoke before other speakers at the beginning of the meeting, a practice that may be subject to change per the agenda.
It also asks to modify language assistance services, meaning speakers will only receive extra time to translate a speech if they use a translator provided by HISD. Speakers needing assistance in other languages must now make that request in writing at least 48 hours before a meeting.
It also asked to remove the Complaints and Concerns section, saying it is included in other policies. A speaker can also comment on an agenda item but must register beforehand.
On disruption, the board said it would not tolerate any disruption from the audience. If anyone continues to disrupt the meeting by words or actions, law enforcement may be asked for assistance, the agenda said, and the person will be removed from the meeting.
What people said against this agenda
A majority of the attendees believe this move is a retaliatory act.
They re trying to take away the hearing of the community, said Michelle Williams, president of the Houston Education Association (HEA). They don t want the community to speak via Zoom, which has been a staple for us, and it creates accessibility .This is blatant retaliation because of the bond not passing.
HISD trustee Savant Moore said Zoom allows speakers to overcome personal barriers and voice their opinions.
Earlier this year, my aunt passed away. I was able to still be in attendance through Zoom because of that, Moore said during a HEA press conference. What s gonna happen if the board of managers are working and they have to be away for work, they re not gonna be able to be on Zoom. You say that you want to listen to the community, start moving in steps forward of listening to the community.
Sean Leader, a speaker and a Pershing Middle School alum, said students also use Zoom meetings to express their opinions.
You [addressing Miles and board members] are not from this community, Leader said. You don t wanna be a part of it. So why don t you wanna listen to us? You don t listen to us. You should leave.
Victoria Fradette, who also spoke on the same agenda item, said her job that allowed her the flexibility to leave work at 4:00 pm to arrive at the Hattie Mae White building by 5:00 pm, being able-bodied, a functional car, and her ability to afford after-school care for her daughter allowed her to speak at the meeting.
I m extremely privileged and fortunate that I have all these things that allow me to be here to speak, she said. By limiting the option to speak over Zoom, you are silencing the voices of the people who do not. Please stop firing our principals and fire Mike Miles.
An elderly speaker said the decision to stop Zoom speakers restricts speech and will be a setback in the district s attempt to improve community engagement.Christie Machelle Brewster, a retired school nurse who served in her role for 35 years, reminded the board of the recentbond failureand fundamentally disagreed with the revision of the public participation access to the board meetings.
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