If you ask any student what makes Lanier Middle School so special, they'll more than likely say it's the vanguard program.
Seventh grader Mariel Alquisira said, "I feel more excited about school and what I'm learning."
Parents we talked to feel the same.
"Vanguard is a great opportunity for all students, no matter what your economic background is to be successful no matter what your background is and to be college driven," said parent Chrysi Polydoros.
HISD currently has 15 schools district wide that offer the vanguard program designed to meet the needs of G/T students, or students who excel in intellectual ability. But a recent proposal to cut some of the programs funding has many upset.
Mariel said, "I think it's awful."
Parent Elaine Mut said, "It's frightening that Dr. Grier doesn't value the highest level of academics in his community, some of the most successful programs in HISD."
HISD says the cuts are on a case by case basis, but for a school like Lanier, their current magnet funding of over $121,000 would be cut by $68,000 or about half.
HISD spokesperson Sheleah Reed said, "The vanguard programs aren't going away."
HISD officials say the idea is to shuffle the money to other schools.
"There are some schools that don't receive any funding and we would really like to do is find a way to equalize," Reed explained.
Joyce Zamer, who has a grandchild in the vanguard program and another in a regular school, likes the idea.
She said, "It's OK if the money goes towards the weak to be helped and advanced a little bit."
The proposal could cut $3 million that would be reallocated to other schools to fund a variety of programs. HISD points out this is only one option they are considering. The issue is expected to be up for a vote at the school board meeting in June.
