Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) is located in Northside, Houston and stands as Texas' last Common School District, distinct from an independent school district. HCDE offers a range of educational services to Harris County. Its central mission is to bolster educational opportunities while delivering value-added services.[4]
For the 2021-2022 academic year, HCDE's services encompassed:
Adult Education for 6,467 students
The CASE for Kids program, serving 18,430 students and educators
Head Start program with 2,330 attendees
Special Schools, catering to 1,154 students
Therapy Services, benefitting 12,953 individuals
The Center for Safe and Secure Schools, aiding 79,564 educators and students[5]
HCDE operates under Texas law and, as previously stated, is the state's final Common School District.[6] Governance of HCDE is entrusted to seven elected Harris County school trustees. These trustees serve on staggered terms, each lasting six years.
History of Common School Districts
Historically, common school districts in Texas formed the cornerstone of public education. They primarily catered to the educational needs of rural communities.[7] Over time, influenced by legislative modifications, these common school districts evolved into today's independent school districts. This transformation was propelled by desires to decentralize school governance, amplify local control (notably in urban locales), and balance educational opportunities across both rural and urban regions.[7]
Elected Trustees
Guiding HCDE in its educational pursuits is the Board of Trustees. This body is responsible for policy formulation and promotes transparency by conducting open public meetings.[8]
The Board elects the County Superintendent to oversee the department's operations. They meet regularly on the third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. at 6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston, Texas. Special meetings can be convened as needed. Those wishing to speak during a meeting must register at the board room entrance, closing 10 minutes before the meeting's start.[8]
HCDE offers various educational services, with division presentations available online.[9]
The "Team of 8," consisting of Richard Cantu, Erica Davis, Board President Eric Dick, Andrea Duhon, Amy Flores Hinojosa, Danyahel (Danny) Norris, David W. Brown, and Superintendent James Colbert Jr, embodies a harmonious blend of both Democrat and Republican perspectives.
Facilities
The Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) oversees several facilities across Harris County, facilitating its wide-ranging educational services.
Address: Ronald W. Reagan Building, 6300 Irvington Blvd., Houston, TX 77022
Phone: 713-694-6300
Adult Education Center
Opened in July 2023, the Harris County Department of Education's (HCDE) Adult Education Center is located at 6515 Irvington Blvd, North Houston.[12] Constructed with a budget of $19 million, the center provides an array of educational services, including High School Equivalency certificates, U.S. citizenship preparation courses, English language classes, and vocational certifications in fields such as phlebotomy and nursing assistant training. The expansive facility, which spans 51,000 square feet across four floors, houses more than 20 purpose-built classrooms and labs, a versatile event space, and a dedicated community outreach area. Designed to foster learning and personal development, the center serves over 6,000 students yearly, pivotal in HCDE's commitment to adult education.[13]
Maintenance & Operations
HCDE's Maintenance & Operations division plays a crucial role in ensuring the optimal conditions of its premises. Their responsibilities span cleaning, landscaping, repair works (including vehicles), energy conservation, security, custodial and room services, mail processing, and warehousing of supplies.[14]
HCDE Facilities Locations
Academic and Behavior Schools East: 7710 Office City Drive, Houston, TX 77012
Warehouse and Records Management Center: 6005 Westview Dr., Houston, TX 77055
North Post Oak Building: 6005 Westview, Houston, TX 77055
Schools
HCDE operates four special schools—Academic and Behavior Schools East and West, Highpoint School East, and Fortis Academy. These schools serve students with severe emotional or physical disabilities, troubled or adjudicated youth, and those recovering from addiction.[15]
Academic and Behavior Schools East: Established in 1982, ABS East serves students aged 5–22 with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other significant health impairments. The school uses data-driven behavior management strategies that include Boys Town Behavior Management and various specialized programs to teach replacement behaviors. With low student-to-teacher ratios, ABS East focuses on academics, life skills, and behavior management to equip students for independent living.[16]
Academic and Behavior Schools West: Founded in 1998, ABS West offers a similar curriculum to ABS East and serves students with a range of intellectual, developmental, and behavioral disorders. The school emphasizes appropriate educational tasks, meaningful support, and knowledge of socially acceptable behaviors.[17]
Highpoint School East: Opened in 1995, Highpoint East provides a second chance to adjudicated or expelled youth. The program focuses on teaching self-discipline and better decision-making through individualized or small-group instruction in a highly structured environment.[18]
Fortis Academy: Established in 2018, Fortis is Harris County's first public recovery high school. The school features a unique culinary arts program and blends coaching, counseling, and academics into a supportive learning environment. Students admitted to Fortis have completed a substance abuse or dependency rehab program and continue their education in a sober setting. The academy aims to reduce the risk of relapse and focuses on post-treatment care.[15][17]
Enrollment in HCDE Schools: Students attending any of the HCDE special schools are referred by their home districts. Parents interested in enrolling their child should contact their respective home school district for more information.[15][16]
Support Services
The Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) offers a plethora of support services aimed at enhancing the educational experience for both educators and students. These services range from professional development for school staff to providing resources for school safety, records management, and more. Their key objective is to foster positive impacts on students, staff, and entire districts.[19]
HCDE Service Divisions
Center for Educator Success
The Center for Educator Success endeavors to reshape educator talent pathways. They collaborate directly with school districts to develop a comprehensive approach to educator recruitment, advancement, growth, and leadership. Their overarching goal is to inspire new generations of educators who can provide effective instruction and generate tangible outcomes for all students.[20]
Records Management
This division offers both digital and physical records management services to numerous entities. Notable clients include the City of Houston and Harris County.[21]
Choice Partners Cooperative
Choice Partners Cooperative grants government entities, school districts, and non-profit organizations instant access to high-quality, legal procurement and contracts. These contracts are fully compliant with governmental procurement prerequisites, ensuring these entities save both time and money.[22]
Center for Safe and Secure Schools
Focusing on school safety, this division steers conversations and training sessions concerning safety, security, school environment, and threat evaluation.[19]
Instructional Programs
The Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) is dedicated to offering a diverse range of instructional programs to cater to individuals of all ages. Approximately 30,000 students benefit from these offerings, which range from early childhood education to adult learning programs.[23]
HCDE’s Five Pillars
Adult Education
HCDE's Adult Education division is prominent in Texas, providing courses for students in areas like English as a Second Language (ESL), GED preparation, and workforce development programs.[24]
CASE for Kids
Dedicated to enhancing out-of-school time, CASE for Kids provides a variety of after-school programs through educational institutions and private providers.[25]
CASE Debates is a distinct initiative within CASE for Kids, focusing on equipping high school students in Harris County with advanced debate training and access to elite speech and debate tournaments.[26] The program collaborates with local debate leagues to offer students free coaching and support. It uniquely offers both the World Schools Debate format and the more traditional Policy format.
World Schools Debate, a combination of various international debate formats, encourages students to concentrate on the practical consequences of their arguments, enhancing critical thinking and public speaking skills. This innovative approach not only appeals to students but also contributes to their college readiness and overall academic success. Studies have shown that participation in debate programs is correlated with higher GPAs, increased chances of graduating high school, and improved college readiness.[27]
Head Start
This program is geared towards low-income students ranging from birth to 4 years of age, ensuring they receive foundational educational support and preschool education.[28]
School-Based Therapy Services
Directly assisting students in the classroom setting, HCDE offers physical, occupational, and music therapy services within Harris County.[29]
Special Schools
Tailored to serve students with significant physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities, HCDE's Special Schools ensure that every student receives a comprehensive educational experience, irrespective of their challenges.[30]
Financial Overview
Awards and Transparency Recognition
In 2016, the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) was honored with the Texas Comptroller Leadership Circle Platinum Award for Financial Transparency.
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts initiated the Texas Transparency Stars program to recognize transparent local governments. The program highlights entities that:
* Share extensive financial data including finances, contracts, economic development, pensions, and debts.
* Make available comprehensive financial data through varied means like documents, visual representations, and downloads.[31]
HCDE bagged three stars from the Comptroller's Office for its commitment to transparency.
Financial Reporting
HCDE's fiscal year runs from September 1 to August 31.
The HCDE website provides insights into financial details like tax-supported debt for FY 2022, SEC filings, bond ratings, and the HB 1378 Annual Debt Report.[32]
Financial Summary
HCDE, a special purpose district, employs 883.10 full-time positions.
Expenditures for 2021-2022: $114,845,976 ($24.29 per capita).
Total revenue for 2021-2022: $96,475,066 ($20.40 per capita).
Property tax revenue: $25,368,044 ($5.37 per capita) — Data from Houston Population Estimate.
Projected budget for 2022-2023: $173,474,436.
The Department categorizes funds as Proprietary, Fiduciary, and Governmental. Proprietary funds specifically cater to activities where fees are charged for services or goods.[33]
Debt Obligations and Commitments
HCDE prioritizes maintaining strong bond ratings and assuring investors.
The Department supervises the Harris County Department of Education Public Facility Corporation (PFC Capital Projects Fund).
They boast a clean slate, never defaulting on bond payments, with interest rates ranging from 3.50% to 5.75%.
While HCDE has no debt service rate, it upholds a maintenance tax rate of $0.01.[34]
Notably, since January 2015, the PFC doesn't have a continuous disclosure obligation as per USSEC Rule 15c2-12 for its current debt.[34]
The Connector
The Connector serves as a critical communication channel between the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) and the Board of Trustees, showcasing the department's extensive community involvement. This weekly newsletter plays a vital role in keeping the Board informed about HCDE's various initiatives and activities.[35] Through its pages, The Connector emphasizes HCDE's dedication to building robust connections within the community via educational partnerships, corporate collaborations, and social service engagements. These initiatives collectively aim to enrich both the educational and social spheres of Harris County, ensuring that the Board remains up-to-date and well-acquainted with the department’s efforts in these domains.
Volume 1, Issue 1
Released in December 2014, the first issue of The Connector offers an insightful look into HCDE's diverse community engagement activities.[36] The publication delves into a wide array of initiatives, covering educational collaborations, corporate partnerships, and social service outreach. It highlights significant ventures such as children’s entrepreneurial programs, partnerships with faith-based organizations, support initiatives for homeless shelters, and involvement in philanthropic activities. Additionally, the newsletter showcases HCDE's collaborations with local school districts, food banks, religious institutions, early childhood education centers through grants, as well as cultural and arts organizations. It also focuses on literacy programs, environmental initiatives, student counseling and intervention services, and college readiness efforts, all of which underscore HCDE's unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving educational and social environment in Harris County.
Volume 1, Issue 10
Dated February 16, 2015, the tenth issue of The Connector continues to document the strides made by HCDE in education and community engagement.[37] This edition acknowledges the exceptional contributions of the Academic and Behavior Center-East staff and highlights the Superintendent's new executive role within a children and youth alliance. The newsletter ensures that governance activities, including subcommittee meetings, policy discussions, and upcoming board meetings, are transparently communicated to the Board. Additionally, it covers leadership meetings for educators, student enrichment programs at an alternative learning center, and a career fair intended to motivate students. Furthermore, updates on Therapy Services' recruitment initiatives, showcases of student accomplishments, and information on community partnerships and grant awards for Head Start programs are also included, painting a comprehensive picture of HCDE’s continuous dedication to educational leadership and community connectivity.
Volume 1, Issue 11
Published on February 23, 2015, the eleventh installment of The Connector illustrates the influential work of the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) in education and community development.[38] The issue highlights the Scholastic Art & Writing program’s success with over 1,300 attendees and student advancement to Carnegie Hall. CASE for Kids, HCDE’s youth services division, calls for innovative program proposals, promising a thorough review and recommendations for the Board of Trustees. Educator training sessions and the School Finance Council’s CPE training are featured, demonstrating HCDE’s commitment to professional development. A meeting for Harris County special education directors is presented as an opportunity for collaborative learning, while the Board of Trustees focuses on governance aligned with HCDE’s goals during a retreat. The Therapy Services division showcases its influence with state-level presentations, and the CASE for Kids Energy City of the Future 2050 challenge highlights HCDE's dedication to nurturing students' problem-solving skills. This issue ensures the Board of Trustees is well-informed about HCDE’s comprehensive educational and community engagement activities.
Controversy
In 2019, an investigation alleged that a Trustee sexually harassed a female job applicant and spread unfounded rumors about her personal life, with the board subsequently censuring him.[39]
