We, the parents, students, alumni, and concerned members of the Westside High School and Houston community, strongly oppose the recommendation to terminate Ms. Karina Barbosa, a dedicated teacher, librarian, and debate coach.

Ms. Barbosa is being unfairly targeted for exceeding HISD’s 10-day absence policy by just two days—a policy that fails to adequately recognize the compensatory time she rightfully earned through her exceptional dedication and service to her students.

Here's what HISD's own HR policy says:
“Regular status exempt employees are eligible to earn and accumulate up to five (5) compensatory days... In emergencies of the district, the Superintendent of Schools may grant up to three (3) additional days… Compensatory time is intended for use in recognizing work beyond the normal scope of duties required by the position.”

Ms. Barbosa has gone above and beyond her job duties:
✅ Her commitment to her students' debate success was and is unwavering. She dedicated herself to over 21 weekend tournaments this school year alone, often working late into Friday nights, well past 9 or 10 PM, only to be up again at 6 or 7 AM for full days of competition that didn't conclude until 10 PM. She tirelessly supervised and coached her students through every round.
✅ Sponsored three student clubs, each meeting weekly after school throughout the school year.
✅ Provided constant academic and emotional support through the library and beyond her contracted hours.

Despite all this, she is now facing the possibility of termination — not because she failed her duties, but because she fulfilled them to an exceptional degree.

We believe this is not only a misapplication of policy, but a failure to recognize the unpaid, uncredited labor so many teachers like Ms. Barbosa provide to their students every single week.

 
We demand that:
1. Westside High School Principal Dr. Alisa Zapata, Associate Principal Mr. Tyrone Davis, and HISD leadership immediately rescind the recommendation for Ms. Karina Barbosa’s termination.
2. Westside High School fully review her compensatory time and workload.
3. HISD commit to applying its HR policies equitably and transparently.
 
Ms. Barbosa has inspired, coached, and guided hundreds of students. Losing her would be a devastating blow to our school community.

Sign this petition to demand fairness, respect, and justice for one of Westside’s most committed educators.

#JusticeForBarbosa #SupportOurTeachers #HISD