Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Houston ISD Eliminates Wraparound Services Department, Shifts Support to Sunrise Centers

The district dissolves its campus-level specialist model, reallocating resources to existing staff and off-campus hubs as part of a budget-driven restructuring.

Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Houston ISD has officially eliminated its Wraparound Services Department and cut all remaining campus-level specialists, citing funding constraints and service delivery challenges.
  • Key student support functions will now be handled by existing campus staff, including counselors, nurses, and parent liaisons, rather than dedicated specialists.
  • The district is expanding its network of Sunrise Centers, with an eighth center approved to open next academic year to provide services such as telehealth, food pantries, and enrichment programs.
  • The wraparound model, introduced before HISD's state takeover, relied heavily on expired one-time federal funding and faced gaps in service delivery, including frequent reassignment of specialists to non-core duties.
  • While some families have expressed concerns about accessibility to off-campus Sunrise Centers, HISD emphasizes that the restructuring aims to maximize limited resources and maintain support for vulnerable students.