05:57 PM CST on Thursday, March 9, 2006

By Wendell Edwards / 11 News

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The Houston ISD school board discussed whether several schools should be closed at a meeting Thursday.

As a result, it voted unanimously to hold public hearings over the next few weeks.

At those meetings, parents can come forward to say what they think about five schools that are scheduled to close. The five schools have small enrollments that officials say just don't measure up.

KHOU-TV

This boy's grandmother is not happy about her grandson's school possibly closing.

Some parents say it's the children who will be hurt by the plan.

Grandma Leola Jarmon said she doesn't understand or agree with the proposal that would close the school where her three grandsons attend.

"My heart is with this school and I don't think they should close it. It's a unique school and I think the kids get individual attention, which they really need," she said.

The enrollment at the TSU HISD Laboratory School is about 118 students, which is not enough to keep it open, according to HISD spokesman Terry Abbott.

"The very same services will be provided at the new location, it's just a matter of getting into a different place and combining it with another program to make better use of the resources," said Abbott.

Also on the list is the Kay Ongoing School for Pregnant Teens, where there are about 160 students.

The School at Post Oak is also on the list, with about 187 students.

Parents of students at this school said they were glad to see the change coming, as they think the school has outgrown the space leased from the YMCA.

This is the third year in a row the board will consider closing schools.

District officials said it was a necessary risk to make sure the district runs efficiently.

To Jarmon, it's just an excuse that just doesn't fly. "We are like a family here and I would like for it to stay that way," she said.

The other two schools on the list are alternative elementary disciplinary schools, Mt. Hebron Academy and Kazi Shule Academy which have student bodies of less around 15 students total.

Parents said it's not about the numbers, it's about the kids.

The HISD board will make the final decision on the schools next month.