The students who are part of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) serve as the backbone of our community, representing a diverse range of opinions, experiences, and ideas. These valuable perspectives are often overlooked in decision making processes. Therefore, we are requesting that the HISD's principal and school leadership establishes a Student Advisory Committee, ensuring that students have a direct line of communication.

This committee would meet monthly to provide input on school policies and address ongoing student issues, bringing the student voice to the heart of HISD. According to the National Youth Leadership Council, student voice initiatives result in improved academic outcomes and greater satisfaction among students.

By signing this petition, you are advocating for a stronger, more inclusive education system where everyone's voice matters. Enhance the educational experience of countless students by advocating for their right to be heard. Sign this petition to call on school leadership at HISD to establish a Student Advisory Committee.

Why This Matters:

• Community Concerns: According to KHOU, the TEA’s appointment of new leadership was conducted "behind closed doors by the state with little or no input from parents, teachers, or local community leaders." This lack of transparency has fueled distrust and frustration within the community.

• Advocacy for Inclusion: According to an open letter from Latinos for Education, there is a growing demand for improved communication and transparency. The organization noted that "concerns that families have expressed thus far stem from a lack of communication, or miscommunication," highlighting the need for a more inclusive decision-making process.

• Student Activism: As reported by the Houston Chronicle, recent student-led "sickout" protests reflect growing dissatisfaction and the urgency for student voices to be represented in policy decisions. The protests underscore the broader issue of students feeling excluded from decisions that directly affect their education and school environment.

Our Proposal:

To address these concerns, we are calling on HSID’s principal and leadership to create a Student Advisory Committee that meets monthly to provide direct student input on school policies and issues. This committee would give students a structured platform to voice their concerns, offer solutions, and ensuring that the people most affected by school decisions finally have a seat at the table.