Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner Speaks Out Against Houston Independent School District’s Library Closure Plans

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is set to hold a news conference to voice his opposition against the Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) proposed plans to convert campus libraries into student disciplinary centers. The Mayor will be joined by over three dozen faith leaders and elected officials at the news conference.

The conference is scheduled for Monday, July 31, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Houston City Hall.

In the previous week’s city council meeting, Mayor Turner strongly criticized the proposal to close campus libraries and urged HISD Superintendent Mike Miles to visit City Hall and elucidate the proposed conversion plan.

In response, Superintendent Mike Miles stated, “I’m aware of Mayor Turner’s planned press event. I cannot and will not govern the state’s largest school district by press conference or press release. The time for politics is over, and we will not be distracted by intentional misinformation.”

He added, “I will work with anyone who is serious about improving the learning and life outcomes of HISD students. I have extended an invitation to the Mayor to come see these schools in action and to learn more about the NES model, which is designed to provide the most support to Houston’s most disadvantaged children.”

Miles extends a similar invitation to other elected officials and community leaders to witness firsthand the impact of high-quality instruction on the district’s students.