HOUSTON — From late Thursday night when over 200 people signed up to speak at the HISD trustee meeting to all day Friday, Houston ISD parents and students aren't backing down.
Dozens of families gathered at Herod Elementary where they say the principal and at least 12 teachers and staff members received termination letters. They say it's created an environment of fear and instability.
"It's heartbreaking to see good, qualified teachers be treated like they're dispensable," parent Michelle Nassar told us.
"We're all not sleeping well. There's a lot of anxiety. My kids are having panic attacks," parent Sarat Mujuluri said. "And it's all because of the lack of transparency at the school and not knowing what's happening and why."
There were also protests at Lantrip Elementary School and Hamilton Middle School in the Heights.
"They’re taking away librarians, they’re taking away wrap around, they’re obviously firing custodians and plant managers and asking them to reapply,” said parent Ivonne Aguirre.
"And my hope for the future is that the board of managers fire Mike Miles,” said parent Brooke Longoria.
Organizers said they’re protesting the harm they believe HISD Superintendent Mike Miles is doing to teachers and the community.
That’s been the message at schools across the district for the last couple of weeks.
Parents have also been fighting the termination of several beloved principals.
About two dozen students walked out of Carnegie Vanguard High during the lunch break.
RELATED: Parents protest outside another HISD school over principals, teachers reportedly being forced out
“I’m walking out today in support to my fellow students, even though I’m graduating, because we don’t believe that Mike Miles and what the TEA is doing is right for our schools,” CVHS senior Ariel Brown said.
Several other planned walkouts elsewhere failed to materialize.
There is another protest supposedly happening Saturday morning at Houston City Hall.
Houston ISD sent this statement late Friday afternoon:
HISD is aware of the student walkouts planned at certain campuses today. We respect our students right to express their first amendment rights , however, students’ safety during the day and anytime they are in our care is and must always be our top priority. Additional personnel have been assigned to monitor walkout activities and ensure students and staff remain safe. Missed days or classes will be treated like any other unexcused absence. We also understand that staff transitions are difficult for a school community, and we appreciate everyone’s investment in their schools. We respect our families right to make their voice heard, we will continue to manage these events so they don’t interfere with the campus operations.