Submitted by Traci Riley

Sinclair Elementary recently had an expansion planned that was going to have a significant environmental impact and we are happy to share that HISD reconsidered and scaled back its oversized temporary expansion plan for Sinclair Elementary. Although not a perfect solution, the revised plan allows the project to move forward as scheduled and strikes a balance between providing additional classroom space for zoned students and preserving trees on campus. The project will now include one large modular classroom structure (originally two), one restroom building, and the removal of between 8-12 mature-growth trees on the north side of the campus.

Members of the TMCC Board sat on the Principal’s Advisory Committee that met with HISD leadership during the evaluation discussion. As a community, we will be formally reaching out to the school and HISD leadership to request participation in the decision-making process of future development projects at Sinclair, as is required by Texas law, so that our residents’ voices can be part of the conversation.

One of our Shady Acres neighbors was quoted in The Leader, and they are words I feel reflect the tone of the situation well: “Taxpayers are buying an expensive project for Sinclair that sacrifices quality for expediency. Absent in this reactive process is a cohesive long-term plan. Disjointed, stopgap projects, such as Sinclair’s expansion, have been HISD’s default solution for years. We must continue to advocate for a comprehensive long-term plan for our area public schools.”

We need to continue to be mindful that there is not currently a long-term plan that supports the student growth in our area.

Thank you to all residents who sent emails, made calls, wrote letters, and joined Zoom calls. You were heard and your voice matters. If you have questions or would like to have greater participation in the future regarding education happenings in our area, please keep an eye on the Timbergram and email sinclairfriends@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list.