Houston Independent School District (HISD), the largest in Texas and the eighth-largest in the United States, has sparked controversy by eliminating librarian positions and converting some libraries into disciplinary centers in 28 of its schools. The decision is part of a new reform program called New Education System (NES), which aims to improve student outcomes and close achievement gaps. However, many parents, teachers, librarians, and city officials have criticized the move as detrimental to students’ learning and well-being.
State Takeover and New Superintendent
The library closures come after the state of Texas took over HISD in June 2023, following years of poor academic performance, allegations of misconduct by school trustees, and changes in state law that made it easier for the state to intervene in low-performing districts. The Texas Education Agency appointed Mike Miles, a former Army Ranger, State Department diplomat, and founder of a charter school network, as the new superintendent of HISD. Miles has no official certification for the job, but has a reputation for being a reformer and a disruptor.
Miles announced his NES initiative in July 2023, which involves overhauling 28 original schools and 57 additional schools that opted into the program. The NES schools will receive more resources, training, and support from the district, but will also have to follow a strict curriculum, assessment, and accountability system. Miles said he wants to create a “new education system” that will “eradicate the persistent achievement and opportunity gaps” in the district.
Libraries Turned Into Discipline Centers
One of the most controversial aspects of Miles’ plan is the elimination of librarians and libraries in the NES schools. According to Miles, libraries are outdated and underused, and students can access books and information online or through mobile devices. He said he wants to repurpose the library spaces into “team centers”, where students can work individually or in groups on projects, or receive disciplinary interventions if they misbehave in class.
However, many critics have argued that libraries are essential for students’ literacy, creativity, and curiosity, especially in low-income communities where access to books and technology may be limited. They also said that librarians play a vital role in helping students find books that match their interests and needs, as well as teaching them research and digital skills. Moreover, they expressed concern that turning libraries into discipline centers will send a negative message to students that reading is not important or enjoyable.
Mayor Condemns District’s Move
Among the most vocal opponents of the library closures is Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner, who grew up in one of the neighborhoods affected by the decision. Turner said he was “outraged” by the district’s move and called it “unacceptable”. He said he supports providing additional support to students who need it, but not at the expense of closing libraries and removing librarians.
Turner also accused Miles of creating a two-tier system within the district, where some schools have libraries and others do not. He said this would widen the existing disparities between students of different races and socioeconomic backgrounds. He urged Miles to reconsider his decision and to listen to the voices of the community.
District Defends Its Decision
In response to the backlash, HISD issued a statement defending its decision to eliminate librarians and libraries in some schools. The district said it understands the significance of certain programs associated with libraries and will strive to maintain those valuable offerings. It also said it will provide students with access to books through mobile carts, online platforms, and partnerships with public libraries.
The district also said that the team centers are not meant to be punitive spaces, but rather places where students can continue their learning in a different setting. It said that students who are sent to the team centers will rejoin their class in a virtual setting to maximize their access to ongoing instruction. It also said that students will still be able to use the library spaces before and after school hours.
The district did not indicate whether it would reverse or modify its decision based on the feedback from the public.
