Houston ISD Parents Organize Sickout to Protest Leadership Changes

Parents from more than 100 Houston Independent School District (HISD) campuses are organizing a 'sickout' protest against Superintendent Mike Miles' policies, scheduled for February 5. This protest aims to highlight concerns over the Texas Education Agency's takeover of HISD and the perceived negative impact on children's education. Many parents are demanding the reinstatement of an elected school board and authentic instruction, believing their voices have been ignored despite previous protests. Up to 3,000 students are expected to participate, either by taking a full-day absence or being picked up early from school. HISD has responded by reaffirming its commitment to student privacy and safety, while facing criticism over staffing changes and a testing-focused approach to education under Miles. Parents emphasize that their actions reflect deep-seated frustrations regarding the district's leadership and the future of public education in Houston.