MEATAXE MIKE MILES GETS EARFUL FROM OUTRAGED STUDENTS PARENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS
In a recent turn of events, MeatAxe Mike Miles got an earful from students, parents, and teachers about his plan to turn libraries into student discipline centers. And let me tell you, it was a read-in at the board meeting that will go down in HISD history.
First off, can we just take a moment to appreciate the name "MeatAxe Mike"? I mean, it's like he was destined to be a villain in a cheesy '80s movie. But I digress.
So, MeatAxe Mike's plan was to replace librarians with social workers and other staff members who would handle student discipline issues. And while he argued that the plan was necessary to address rising disciplinary problems, the community wasn't having it.
Parents, teachers, and students alike protested the plan, arguing that libraries are essential learning spaces for students and that turning them into discipline centers would deprive students of access to books, computers, and other resources. Plus, let's be real, who wants to be disciplined in a library? That's like getting grounded in Disney World - it just doesn't make sense.
And the protests didn't stop there. The community held "read-ins" in the libraries, chanting slogans and turning their backs on MeatAxe Mike during public meetings. They even filed lawsuits challenging the plan. It was like a scene out of a rebellious teen movie, but instead of fighting against a strict principal, they were fighting against a superintendent with a questionable nickname.
But let's not forget about the board meeting where the protesters really brought the heat. They showed up with books and signs to show their support for librarians and libraries. And some even disrupted the meeting, causing delays in the agenda. It was like watching a group of high schoolers take over the student council meeting - except this time, they were fighting for something important.
And let's not forget about the other controversial measure on the board meeting's agenda - increasing MeatAxe Mike's independent spending power from $100,000 to around $1 million. The protesters were quick to point out that he should focus on making sure all libraries have the resources they need instead of spending money on other things. It's like they were saying "Hey MeatAxe Mike, we'd rather have books than your fancy new office chair."
But the protesters didn't back down. They vowed to continue their fight until the district reversed its decision and restored libraries and librarians at all HISD schools. And honestly, I'm here for it. It's like watching a group of underdogs take on the big bad superintendent and come out victorious.
In conclusion, MeatAxe Mike may have thought he could turn libraries into discipline centers, but he didn't count on the community standing up for what's right. And while we may never know why he earned such a questionable nickname, we do know that he won't be messing with our libraries anytime soon.
Big Education Ape: MEATAXE MIKE MILES GIVES LIBRARIES A WACK AND TURN THEM INTO DAYTIME DETENTION CENTERS https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/07/meataxe-mike-miles-gives-libraries-wack.html
HISD parents, teachers hold ‘Read-in’ to protest superintendent’s decision to repurpose libraries https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2023/08/10/hisd-parents-teachers-hold-read-in-to-protest-superintendents-decision-to-eliminate-librarians-and-libraries/
Big Education Ape: HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM AND HIS NAME IS MEATAXE MIKE MILES https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/08/houston-we-have-problem-and-his-name-is.html
Houston libraries update: Protesters cause disruptions at HISD board meeting - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo0uT-yP7Ug
Mike Miles gains power as Houston ISD Board of Managers approves major policy changes, union files grievances and community members protest - Houston Public Media https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/education-news/hisd/2023/08/11/459309/mike-miles-gains-power-as-houston-isd-board-of-managers-approves-major-policy-changes-union-files-grievances-and-community-members-protest/ via @GoogleNews
HISD board approves superintendent’s $2M budget, and hiring of non-certified assistant principals https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2023/08/11/hisd-board-approves-superintendents-2m-budget-and-hiring-of-non-certified-assistant-principals/
THE DEFT DIVE
FROM BARD AI
The recent controversy surrounding Houston ISD's decision to turn libraries into discipline centers and the protests that have erupted in response:
* **What is the controversy?**
In July 2023, Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles announced a plan to turn libraries at 28 schools into "team centers" for student discipline. Under this plan, librarians would be replaced with social workers and other staff members who would be responsible for handling student discipline issues. The libraries would also be used for academic support and tutoring.
Miles has argued that the plan is necessary to address the district's rising disciplinary problems. He has said that libraries are often underutilized and that the team centers will better serve students who are struggling academically or behaviorally.
However, many parents, teachers, and community members have criticized the plan. They argue that libraries are essential learning spaces for students and that turning them into discipline centers will deprive students of access to books, computers, and other resources. They also worry that the plan will disproportionately impact students of color and students with disabilities.
* **What are the protests about?**
In response to the plan, there have been a number of protests at Houston ISD schools and at the district's headquarters. Protesters have held "read-ins" in libraries, chanted slogans, and turned their backs on Miles during public meetings. They have also filed lawsuits challenging the plan.
The protests have been met with a mixed response. Some people have praised the protesters for speaking out against the plan, while others have criticized them for disrupting school activities.
* **What is the future of the plan?**
It is unclear what the future holds for the plan. Miles has said that he is committed to the plan, but he has also said that he is willing to listen to feedback. The district is currently reviewing the plan and is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks.
The controversy over the libraries is just one of many challenges facing Houston ISD. The district is facing a number of financial problems and has been under state control since 2012. The district is also struggling to improve academic achievement for its students, who are disproportionately low-income and minority.
The controversy over the libraries is a reminder of the importance of libraries in schools. Libraries provide students with access to books, computers, and other resources that can help them succeed in school and in life. They also provide a safe and welcoming space for students to learn and grow. It is important to protect libraries in schools and to ensure that all students have access to them.
FROM BING AI
A summary of the situation in Houston regarding the libraries and the protests:
- - The Houston Independent School District (HISD), the largest public school system in Texas, announced its plan to eliminate 28 school libraries and repurpose them as places for administrators to discipline students¹². The plan is part of Superintendent Mike Miles's "new education system" initiative, which he launched after being appointed by the Texas Education Agency in June².
- - The decision to close the libraries and get rid of designated librarian roles has drawn criticism from city leaders, community members, and current and former students, who argue that libraries are essential for students' learning and access to books, especially in underserved neighborhoods¹²³. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said: "You cannot have a situation where you are closing libraries for some schools in certain neighborhoods and there are other neighborhoods where there are libraries, fully equipped" ².
- - On Thursday, August 10, 2023, protesters held a "read-in" at HISD's central office ahead of the board of managers meeting to challenge the changes being made to the libraries⁶. They brought books and signs to show their support for librarians and libraries. Some protesters also disrupted the meeting and caused delays in the agenda⁷. At least one person was detained by police after being asked to leave for repeated disruptions⁹.
- - The board of managers meeting also discussed another controversial measure that would increase Miles's independent spending power from $100,000 to around $1 million⁶. Protesters said Miles should focus more on making sure all libraries have the resources they need instead of spending money on other things⁶.
- - The protesters vowed to continue their fight until the district reverses its decision and restores the libraries and librarians at all HISD schools⁶. They said they will hold more rallies and demonstrations in the coming weeks. One protester said: "I'm just coming here to support my students, that are going to stay in HISD because they need the same freedoms I had when I was a student – I think libraries are important" ⁶.
Bing, 8/11/2023
- (1) School plan in Houston to repurpose libraries into discipline centers draws fire. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/school-plan-in-houston-to-repurpose-libraries-into-discipline-centers-draws-fire/ar-AA1evtCO.
- (2) Houston school district to turn libraries into disciplinary centers .... https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/29/houston-school-district-libraries-book.
- (3) Some HISD libraries could be librarian-less, used for discipline centers, but the city pushes back. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/some-hisd-libraries-could-be-librarian-less-used-for-discipline-centers-but-the-city-pushes-back/ar-AA1eCeF8.
- (4) Protesters at HISD board meeting hold 'read-in' | khou.com. https://www.khou.com/article/news/education/houston-isd-board-meeting-read-in/285-3ab5be45-77ea-4891-a806-20b054da1ab8.
- (5) Houston libraries update: Protesters cause disruptions at HISD board .... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo0uT-yP7Ug.
- (6) HISD holds 2nd public meeting since TEA takeover | khou.com. https://www.khou.com/article/news/education/hisd-board-meeting-budget/285-97eb2f9d-1bb4-40ba-9ad6-be2870773e7c.
- (7) School plan in Houston to repurpose libraries into discipline centers .... https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/07/28/houstin-isd-turns-libraries-in-part-into-student-discipline-centers/70487604007/.
- (8) Houston ISD to convert libraries into disciplinary centers. https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2023/07/29/houston-isd-convert-libraries-disciplinary-centers/1941690669650/.
- (9) Protesters decry new HISD superintendent at board meeting - Houston Landing. https://houstonlanding.org/hisd-houston-isd-protest-board-meeting/.
