year-round school?

Houston Independent School District considers year-round classes for 2020-2021 school year

Could classes be online-only next year.

Photo courtesy of Pixlr

Houston seniors will officially engage in a virtual graduation ceremony on June 14. But what of the thousands of returning students who are in limbo due to COVID-19 concerns? The Houston Independent School District has presented a course of options for next year’s scholastic calendar, including online-only instruction.

In a statement, the district said it was mulling over “all options” for 2020-2021. “The district will be prepared to continue educating all students virtually through distance learning, if necessary,” reads the statement.

“Additionally, if COVID-19 conditions allow and guidance from local, state, and federal health officials is provided, the district will be prepared to welcome students back to campuses or operate in a hybrid model, with both distance and in-person learning occurring simultaneously.”

At a press conference on Friday, May 15, HISD interim superintendent Grenita Lathan said that year-round classes are being considered, as well as classes being extended to 30 minutes each day. Lathan also outlined recommendations to waive minimal attendance for class credit. Such changes to the academic calendar would need to be approved by the HISD Board of Trustees.

Since March, 95 percent of the 240,000 HISD students have been contacted by the district, as CultureMap news partner ABC13 reports. When schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, district staff deployed wireless hotspots and 14,000 laptop computers to students. The district will deploy 25,000 more laptops for students, Lathan said.

HISD also noted in a statement that its options regarding school year start date are limited because it has not adopted the District of Innovation or Year-Round System designation under state law under the Texas Education Agency. The agency offered three options for the future: move to a year-long model, add 30 days to a traditional 180-day calendar, or spread the school year out with intermittent breaks.

While the district adapts to this new normal going forward, Lathan added that seniors weighed highly on her mind. Holding a virtual ceremony for graduating students was one of the hardest decisions of Lathan’s career, she said. “I determined it was not feasible to hold 45 graduation ceremonies and to put our families at risk.”

education city-news-roundup

a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

rodeohouston houston livestock show and rodeo