Some HISD magnet programs in jeopardy

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Houston Independent School District is making changes within its magnet program.

The district released a preliminary review of its magnet program. Three schools are slated to lose their magnet programs starting next school year, and 15 other schools are on a probation list.

Ellecia Knolle is a mother of three. Her oldest daughter attends an HISD magnet school.

"I love our magnet program," Knolle said. "Our magnet program has been a tremendous gift to our family academically."

However, Knolle is concerned that some of the district's magnet programs are not doing as well. Magnet schools on the preliminary elimination list are not meeting either academic or enrollment standards.

Programs on that list include Betsy Ross Elementary's STEM program, Scarborough High's architecture program and Long Academy's gifted program. The Futures programs for both Scarborough and Long Academy will remain.

Knolle says this is a chance for district leaders to ask themselves serious questions.

"Is it a leadership issue? Is it an academic issue," Knolle says. "Is it just that people just aren't interested in this specialty program that you are offering?"

Magnet programs on the preliminary probation list include the following:

Elementary: Burbank, Roosevelt, Carrillo, Twain, Elrod, Roberts, Wainright, Garden Villas, Cook

Middle: Gregory-Lincoln Education Center, Fleming, Burbank, Hartman, Marshall, Welch

HISD expects to lift probationary status for MacGregor, Pugh and Helms elementary schools; all three schools met state academic standards this year.

The district will finalize the preliminary elimination and probation lists in a few weeks.