Enrollment decline, lunch cuts, bus routes: Houston ISD begins school year with new changes

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- More than 160,000 students are expected to return to Houston Independent School District classrooms as the new school year begins, but the district is starting the year with fewer students and less funding.

HISD projects enrollment will be down about 2.4%, or roughly 4,000 students, from last year.

The decline comes as the district prepares for a projected $50 million reduction in funding and implements several changes, including school consolidations, new bus routes and changes to its free lunch program.

"We're concerned about that because that could always indicate some teachers aren't needed," said Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers.

The district closed 12 schools it said were underutilized and costly to maintain. Students from those campuses are being integrated into other schools, resulting in changes to some bus routes.

"There are going to be some moving parts with that, and it's sad our enrollment has gotten to the point where we have to close schools," Anderson said.

Some HISD students also will see changes to their school meals this year because of new federal SNAP eligibility requirements.

The district said the changes mean fewer students qualify for free meals, forcing HISD to end universal free lunch at 33 schools.

Families will now need to submit an income application to qualify for free lunch. Breakfast remains free for all students.

Anderson said the district should look for community partners or other sources of funding to ensure students have access to free meals.

"I think the district needs to get partners that are able to provide those lunches for free to students," Anderson said. "If they can't get the money from the federal government, they should be looking to get that money from somewhere. A hungry child cannot learn."

HISD is also facing competition for students from Texas' new school choice voucher program, which provides taxpayer funding for private and home-school education.

Mark Jones of Rice University said public schools are likely to face increased competition from private schools as the voucher program expands.

"It's very likely (HISD) would face more competition from private schools," Jones said.

Anderson said parents should remain engaged with their children's education and stay informed about changes within the district.

HISD is entering the fourth and final year of state control. The Texas Education Agency took over the district in 2023 and appointed a new board of managers to oversee its operations.

Anderson said the district must focus on students' academic and personal needs as it navigates the changes.

"Let's make sure we provide students with everything they need; emotionally, physically, and make sure their bodies are well-nourished," Anderson said. "Because in the end, the teacher is the one that's going to be blamed if something goes wrong."