Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include comments from Houston ISD officials.

Houston ISD board managers approved the sale of five district-owned properties, totaling more than 230 acres of land, at the board’s Dec. 11 meeting.

The details

Board managers initially indicated the district’s intent to sell 17 properties in January, according to agenda documents.

Among the properties approved to be sold are:

  • 2.3 acres with unused office space located at 1102 Telephone Road, Houston
  • 3.3 acres with the former Harper Alternative School facility at 3200 Center St., Houston
  • 3.3 acres with the former Ryan Professional Development Center at 4001 Hardy St., Houston
  • 14.5 acres with the former Terrell Alternative Middle School at 4610 E. Crosstimbers St., Houston
  • 208 acres of undeveloped land dubbed the North Forest acreage.

HISD officials submitted the following statement when asked about how much money the district would take in from the sale and how the money will be used.

“Any properties approved for sale are still in the negotiation process, so there is no final sales amount to share at this time,” the statement reads. “Once transactions are finalized, revenue would go into either the district’s general fund or capital projects fund, consistent with board policy. Decisions regarding the specific use of any proceeds have not yet been determined.”

What they’re saying

While HISD board managers did not comment on the sale of the properties before voting to approve the item, newly elected HISD Trustee Maria Benzon questioned whether board managers, who were appointed along with Superintendent Mike Miles to lead the district in June 2023, should have the authority to sell district-owned property.

“Selling public land during a state takeover without elected oversight risks the permanent loss of community assets that belong to the students in our neighborhoods,” Benzon said. “You should not sell a single acre without transparent, democratic input and clear proof that the decision benefits students.”

While HISD’s board of trustees is still comprised of elected members, trustees currently have no voting power and serve largely in an advisory capacity.