IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHILDREN AT RISK is disappointed that the HISD bond proposal did not gain broader support from the Houston community. While this critical investment in education has been deferred, our commitment to the well-being, education, and future of Houston ISD’s 180,000+ students remains unwavering. This bond presented a critical opportunity to modernize aging school facilities and address urgent infrastructure needs, expand early childhood education access, and enhance career and technical education (CTE) pathways—each essential for the safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments our students deserve.

Though this outcome may delay these vital improvements, CHILDREN AT RISK and our partners will continue to advocate for investments that elevate the quality of education and learning environments that Texas students urgently need. Research from the EPA and CDC highlights that substandard facilities are directly linked to lower academic performance and increased absenteeism—issues HISD already faces with a chronic absenteeism rate of 23%. Our city cannot afford to postpone these advancements.

We urge the Houston community to come together to reaffirm our shared responsibility to support our children and economic future. As a nonprofit leader, CHILDREN AT RISK remains steadfast in its commitment to the well-being and future of Houston’s students. In the weeks and months to come, we will continue working toward solutions that ensure every student in Houston has the opportunity to thrive in a brighter future.