| Harris County Department of Education | |
| Motto: | Enhancing Educational Opportunities and Delivering Value-Added Services |
| Type: | Common School District |
| Grades: | Services for Pre-K to Adult Education |
| Country: | United States |
| Address: | 6300 Irvington Blvd, Houston, TX 77022 |
| Zipcode: | 77022 |
| Coordinates: | 29.8159° N, 95.3607° W |
| Budget: | $165,420,916 |
| Students: | 121,374 (2021-2022)[1] |
| Teachers: | 65,000[2] |
| Staff: | 1,038[3] |
| Superintendent: | James Colbert Jr. |
Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) is located in Northside, Houston and stands as Texas' last Common School District, distinct from an independent school district. HCDE offers a range of educational services to Harris County.[4]
For the 2021-2022 academic year, HCDE's services encompassed:
HCDE operates under Texas law and, as previously stated, is the state's final Common School District.[6] Governance of HCDE is entrusted to seven elected Harris County school trustees. These trustees serve on staggered terms, each lasting six years.
Historically, common school districts in Texas formed the cornerstone of public education. They primarily catered to the educational needs of rural communities.[7] Over time, influenced by legislative modifications, these common school districts evolved into today's independent school districts. This transformation was propelled by desires to decentralize school governance, amplify local control (notably in urban locales), and balance educational opportunities across both rural and urban regions.[7]
Guiding HCDE in its educational pursuits is the Board of Trustees. This body is responsible for policy formulation and promotes transparency by conducting open public meetings.[8]
| Position | Name | First Serving | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position 1, Precinct 2 | 2019 | |||
| Position 2, Precinct 4 | 2019 | |||
| Position 3, At-Large | 2019 | |||
| Position 4, Precinct 3 | 2017 | |||
| Position 5, At-Large | 2021 | |||
| Position 6, Precinct 1 | 2019 | |||
| Position 7, At-Large | 2021 |
The Board elects the County Superintendent to oversee the department's operations. They meet regularly on the third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. at 6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston, Texas. Special meetings can be convened as needed. Those wishing to speak during a meeting must register at the board room entrance, closing 10 minutes before the meeting's start.[8]
HCDE offers various educational services, with division presentations available online.[9]
The Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) oversees several facilities across Harris County, facilitating its educational services.
The principal office for HCDE is housed in the Ronald W. Reagan Administration Building, located in the Northside district of Houston.[10] [11]
Opened in July 2023, the Harris County Department of Education's (HCDE) Adult Education Center is located at 6515 Irvington Blvd, North Houston.[12] Constructed with a budget of $19 million, the center provides an array of educational services, including High School Equivalency certificates, U.S. citizenship preparation courses, English language classes, and vocational certifications in fields such as phlebotomy and nursing assistant training. The expansive facility, which spans 51,000 square feet across four floors, houses more than 20 purpose-built classrooms and labs, a versatile event space, and a dedicated community outreach area. Designed to foster learning and personal development, the center serves over 6,000 students yearly, pivotal in HCDE's commitment to adult education.[13]
HCDE's Maintenance & Operations division's responsibilities span cleaning, landscaping, repair works (including vehicles), energy conservation, security, custodial and room services, mail processing, and warehousing of supplies.[14]
HCDE operates four special schools—Academic and Behavior Schools East and West, Highpoint School East, and Fortis Academy. These schools serve students with severe emotional or physical disabilities, troubled or adjudicated youth, and those recovering from addiction.[15]
Academic and Behavior Schools East: Established in 1982, ABS East serves students aged 5–22 with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other significant health impairments. The school uses data-driven behavior management strategies that include Boys Town Behavior Management and various specialized programs to teach replacement behaviors. With low student-to-teacher ratios, ABS East focuses on academics, life skills, and behavior management to equip students for independent living.[16]
Academic and Behavior Schools West: Founded in 1998, ABS West offers a similar curriculum to ABS East and serves students with a range of intellectual, developmental, and behavioral disorders. The school emphasizes appropriate educational tasks, meaningful support, and knowledge of socially acceptable behaviors.[17]
Highpoint School East: Opened in 1995, Highpoint East provides a second chance to adjudicated or expelled youth. The program focuses on teaching self-discipline and better decision-making through individualized or small-group instruction in a structured environment.[18]
Fortis Academy: Established in 2018, Fortis is Harris County's first public recovery high school. The school features a culinary arts program and blends coaching, counseling, and academics into the learning environment. Students admitted to Fortis have completed a substance abuse or dependency rehab program and continue their education in a sober setting. The academy aims to reduce the risk of relapse and focuses on post-treatment care.[15] [17]
Enrollment in HCDE Schools: Students attending any of the HCDE special schools are referred by their home districts. [15] [16]
The Harris County Department of Education offers support services aimed at enhancing the educational experience for both educators and students. These services range from professional development for school staff to providing resources for school safety, records management, and more. Their key objective is to foster positive impacts on students, staff, and entire districts.[19]
This division offers both digital and physical records management services. Notable clients include the City of Houston and Harris County.[20]
Choice Partners Cooperative grants government entities, school districts, and non-profit organizations access to legal procurement and contracts, compliant with governmental procurement prerequisites.[21]
Focusing on school safety, this division steers conversations and training sessions concerning safety, security, school environment, and threat evaluation.[19]
The Harris County Department of Education offers a range of instructional programs to cater to individuals of all ages. Approximately 30,000 students have used these programs, which range from early childhood education to adult learning programs.[22]
HCDE's Adult Education division provides for students in areas like English as a Second Language (ESL), GED preparation, and workforce development programs.[23]
CASE for Kids provides a variety of after-school programs through educational institutions and private providers.[24]
CASE Debates is a distinct initiative within CASE for Kids, focusing on equipping high school students in Harris County with advanced debate training and access to elite speech and debate tournaments.[25] The program collaborates with local debate leagues to offer students free coaching and support. It uniquely offers both the World Schools Debate format and the more traditional Policy format.
This program is geared towards low-income students ranging from birth to 4 years of age, ensuring they receive foundational educational support and preschool education.[26]
Directly assisting students in the classroom setting, HCDE offers physical, occupational, and music therapy services within Harris County.[27]
Tailored to serve students with significant physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities.[28]
In 2019, an investigation alleged that a Trustee sexually harassed a female job applicant and spread unfounded rumors about her personal life, with the board subsequently censuring him.[33]