Overview
- The state-appointed Board of Managers voted unanimously on Nov. 21 to uphold nonrenewal for Mandarin Immersion teacher Jamie Russo, ending her employment.
- A Texas Education Agency–appointed hearing examiner had concluded the district lacked sufficient evidence and determined that one of Russo’s emails was protected speech.
- District officials cited six grounds for nonrenewal, and HISD’s attorney argued Russo failed to consistently use the required Multiple Response Strategies and sent a policy-violating email to parents through the HISD system.
- Russo’s attorney countered that every student in her class showed academic growth and argued she was penalized for speaking about district leadership.
- Parents and elementary students spoke in her defense during public comment, and Russo plans to appeal to the Texas Education Agency as the district declines to answer detailed questions about the decision.