Before the board met in executive session, a gathering of prominent Hispanic leaders met in front of HISD headquarters to express their concern over the future of Superintendent Abe Saavedra. The main focus of the meeting was a training session for trustees, but the meeting agenda that drew the attention of Saavedra supporters was a closed door discussion of the superintendent’s performance.
Dr. Laura Murillo, president of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, spoke before the board.
“The timing of this board could not be worse. Dr. Saavedra is leading the school district from recovery from Hurricane Ike. The entire city is recovering from the hurricane. The last thing this city needs now, is instability with the superintendent of this city. This very board has nominated him as region-4 superintendent of the year for his work.”
Jorge Mancilla a recent graduate of the University of Houston said Saavedra has helped to create a college bound attitude for students leaving high school.
“Participation has grown during his tenure and with what we’re doing, you could see a definite change in attitude and hope for these students, so they achieve things that they want. The departure of Dr. Saavedra and his leadership would be a massive void not only for the educational system but also for our community.”
The school board must notify Saavedra by tomorrow if it decides not to extend his 300-thousand dollar contract.
Pat Hernandez, KUHF, Houston Public Radio News