Houston GPS Executive Director Garcia: 'We face a setback in our efforts to meet the needs of thousands of students

Veronica Garcia, executive director of Houstonians for Great Public Schools (Houston GPS), described the defeat of the Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) bond proposal at the ballot box on Election Day as "a setback for the thousands of Houston students."

"We face a setback in our efforts to meet the needs of thousands of students," said Garcia. "This bond was a crucial investment in improving our schools' infrastructure and security. While this setback is disappointing, our commitment to supporting this bond and its goals remains unwavering."

The HISD bond proposals, Proposition A and Proposition B, sought to secure $4.4 billion in funding to address critical issues such as mold and lead contamination in public schools, enhance security measures, improve HVAC systems, and expand pre-kindergarten programs. Garcia noted that the last bond election prior to this one occurred 12 years ago.

Despite the setback, Garcia said that Houston GPS "will continue to advocate for issues and leaders that put students first."

Houston GPS was among seven civic organizations that recently issued a public letter urging registered voters to support the bond by voting "yes."