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    Opinion

    No excuses: Evaluating HISD super Terry Grier's State of the Schools address

    Ruthie Miller
    Feb 17, 2011 | 11:44 pm
    • When will the focus move from what adults want to what the kids need?
    • Terry B. Grier, Houston ISD superintendent

    In his second annual State of the Schools address, HISD Superintendent Terry Grier said all the right things, vowing to improve low-performing schools, get tough on academics, and place competent teachers in every classroom. He also outlined additional goals, things we’d certainly love for all children, such as free SAT tests for juniors, more advanced placement classes and stronger leadership from principals.

    After Grier lauded the same handful of schools on Thursday that garner praise year upon year, he waxed on the district-wide increases in student performance.

    But what he didn’t do was brush aside HISD’s vast shortcomings. He said, “We are a school district that for years has had problems with schools that aren’t performing even at minimal levels. Some of our employees really aren’t aligned with our core beliefs and values about education. More than 70,000 students (of about 200,000 in the district) are not reading on grade level. Our graduation rate is too low, and our dropout rate is too high.”

    Grier went on to say, “We may have to do more with less, but frankly we can't demand a no-excuses attitude from our students if we adults aren't willing to embrace that philosophy as well."

    Nothing could be more true, Dr. Grier: That no-excuses culture is exactly what our public schools need. What we get, however, is a culture of nepotism, corruption and justifications. Unions fighting to keep lackadaisical teachers, administrators misusing money and bidding scandals galore. In fact, low performance and mismanagement have lead to state sanctions which could cut HISD’s operating budget by more than $300 million next year.

    The prospect is devastating — but could this be the fodder that HISD needs to run a leaner, stronger business? To get rid of the low-hanging teachers, overlapping administrators and top heavy structure?

    Last week the Houston Chronicle’s Ericka Mellon tweeted that “HISD has at least 89 teachers on continuing contracts — meaning they can’t be fired — that don’t have teaching assignments next year.” Mellon said the cost to keep employing those 89 teachers next year is $5.7 million. It’s only a fraction, but it's certainly a start.

    It’s ironic that HISD, an organization designed to serve our city’s youth, is geared almost wholly toward adults. Decisions are made based on what the lobbies, teachers, administrators and parents want.

    Until we make decisions based solely on what is best for the students, and the students alone — disregarding the loudly clanging outside voices — our public schools will never substantially improve.

    Grier’s words convey his understanding. Let’s hope his actions reinforce his lofty goals. And no excuses, please.

    unspecified
    news/city-life

    Hot Headlines

    Houston's shuttered kosher steakhouse takes a new path in our top stories

    CultureMap Staff
    May 10, 2025 | 11:01 am
    Exodus Bar and Grill owner and chef
    Courtesy of Exodus Bar and Grill
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    Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week. There's a new beginning for a shuttered steakhouse and a thoughtful tribute to a late Houston musician. Plus, we round up 20-plus spots for Mother's Day. Read on for the five most popular Houston stories, then consult this guide for your weekend plans.

    1. Houston's shuttered kosher steakhouse reopens as a non-kosher neighborhood grill. Jason Goldstein is leaving the world of kosher restaurants behind. Although his Meyerland restaurant Genesis Steakhouse & Wine Bar closed on April 30, its space won’t stay empty for long. In its place, Goldstein will open a new restaurant called Exodus Bar and Grill. Unlike Genesis, Exodus will not be a kosher restaurant.

    2. New Houston restaurant will honor football legend turned car dealer. Another restaurant is joining the Energy Corridor dining scene — this time as an ode to a local football legend and entrepreneur.

    Kirkwood Restaurant Energy Corridor Bar renderingKirkwood's wraparound bar features automative details, a nod to Haik's business and passion for classic cars. Courtesy of Gin Design Group

    3. More than 20 Houston restaurants making memorable Mother's Day meals. Mother's Day is tomorrow, May 11, and those looking to treat mom to a special meal for Mother’s Day have plenty of options all over Houston, but book your table now.

    4. Veteran Houston chef steps in to EaDo barbecue joint. A veteran Houston chef has taken over the kitchen at J-Bar-M BBQ. Chef Arash Kharat began serving as the executive chef and pitmaster at the EaDo restaurant in April.

    5. Friends share memories of Houston musician Scott Gertner, who died this week. Scott Gertner, one of the most prominent figures in Houston’s music and nightlife scenes, passed away recently of natural causes.

    mothers dayscott gertnerpopular storiesmac haikopeningschefshot-headlines
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