Houston Independent School District (HISD) is making significant efforts to address the needs of families facing poverty and other challenges. Many residents have expressed concerns about the accessibility of these resources, especially with recent changes to the district’s primary support offerings. Najah Callander, Senior Executive Director of External Engagement at HISD, provided insights into these initiatives during a meeting at Edison Middle School.
In the previous year, HISD introduced “Sunrise Centers,” a network of sites offering essential services such as food, clothing, hygiene products, and mental health support. Despite the potential benefits, only a small fraction of families in need have utilized these centers. Some community members believe that the centers’ off-campus locations hinder access for those without cars.
HISD also reduced its on-campus support staff, known as “wraparound specialists.” From approximately 280 specialists, the number was reduced to 60. Previously, most high-needs schools had at least one wraparound specialist. Now, each specialist covers five to ten schools. This decision was part of an effort to address a $500 million budget shortfall caused by declining enrollment, the end of pandemic stimulus funds, and costly new programs introduced by state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles in 2023.
This fiscal situation led to a significant reduction in spending for both wraparound services and Sunrise Centers. HISD’s current expenditure is about $6 million on wraparound services and $7 million on Sunrise Centers, a decrease from $20 million and $9 million, respectively, the previous year. Community members have protested these cuts, arguing that the district should have prioritized other areas for budget reductions.
Despite launching Sunrise Centers last fall, more families continue to seek help from wraparound specialists than from these new resource hubs. Sunrise Centers served around 23,000 families last year, whereas the wraparound department supported approximately 107,000 students.
Najah Callander explained that the district does not view Sunrise Centers as a replacement for wraparound specialists. Instead, the goal is to create a continuum of care that combines on-campus services with those offered by the Sunrise Centers. The district believes this approach addresses both immediate and long-term needs, thereby supporting students’ overall well-being and educational success. The funding for wraparound specialists was largely supported by pandemic stimulus dollars that are no longer available, impacting the district’s ability to continue these services at previous levels.
To expand the reach of Sunrise Centers, HISD is actively working to raise awareness among families about the available services. This includes promoting opportunities for English and workforce skills improvement, which are also offered at the centers. The district is focusing on engaging with families that have already sought assistance, ensuring their ongoing needs are met.
Transportation remains a significant barrier for many families. HISD collaborated with Rice University’s Houston Education Research Consortium to study accessibility. Despite being strategically located, there are areas where the centers are out of reach. HISD has introduced initiatives like “Sunrise to You,” which brings services to communities where transportation is a challenge. The district also provides bus passes and gas cards to facilitate access.
Currently, there are seven Sunrise Centers, and the district recognizes the need for additional locations. However, expanding involves financial considerations and establishing partnerships, which are not simple undertakings.
For families lacking transportation, HISD recommends contacting school representatives or completing Student Assistance or Sunrise Center intake forms available online. Wraparound specialists, counselors, or nurses review these forms to address immediate needs and refer families to Sunrise Centers for further assistance. In cases of transportation challenges, the centers offer solutions like bus passes.