Houston ISD Wraparound Services Department to be Discontinued
Houston ISD has announced that it will be shutting down its wraparound services department, which provides students with essential resources such as free school supplies, food, clothing, and more. According to the district, the program’s model no longer fits the current needs of the students.
Reasons for Discontinuation
The decision to discontinue the wraparound services department was made to maximize scarce resources, as the program relied heavily on one-time federal funding that is no longer available. Najah Callander, HISD’s deputy chief of family and community partnerships, explained that the wraparound specialist model was designed for a very different version of HISD, and the district now has a higher level of coordination and integration.
Shift to Sunrise Centers
Although the wraparound services department is being eliminated, the district is not cutting services to students. Instead, the services will be shifted to the district’s seven Sunrise Centers, with an eighth center set to open next school year. The Sunrise Centers offer a range of services, including medical and mental health care, clothing, a food pantry, and student and parent enrichment programs.
Access to Services
Students can still access services by filling out the Student Assistance Form (SAF) to request help. This form allows students to reach out for support with various needs, ensuring that they continue to receive the assistance they require.
History of Wraparound Services
The wraparound services program was initially designed to provide a comprehensive approach to student support, aiming to develop the physical, mental, cognitive, and social-emotional development of students. The program provided students with access to free food pantries and clothing closets, among other resources.
Changes Under State-Appointed Superintendent
The department’s staff had dwindled under state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles, with the district’s Homeless Service Office shrinking from 40 employees to 12 last year. Additionally, over 100 staff members were let go across the department, according to the Houston Landing.
Challenges with the Current Model
Callander noted that while wraparound specialists did important work in identifying student needs, there were consistent gaps in service delivery, making it impossible to ensure those needs were met. Specialists were often asked to fill other roles, such as monitoring lunch periods and car-line duties, which further highlighted the challenges with the current model.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the wraparound services department marks a significant change in the way Houston ISD provides support to its students. While the district is shifting services to the Sunrise Centers, it is essential to ensure that students continue to receive the assistance they need. By understanding the reasons behind the discontinuation and the new services being offered, students and parents can navigate the changes and access the support they require.
