The Houston Independent School District (HISD) is making big changes to how it supports students’ needs outside the classroom. The district recently announced it will close its Wraparound Services department, which has helped students and families with challenges like mental health, housing, and food since 2020. Instead, HISD plans to focus on expanding “Sunrise Centers” and a new “integrated support model.” Let’s break down what this means for families and why the shift is happening.
What Was the Wraparound Services Department?
Created in 2020, the Wraparound Services team aimed to address barriers affecting students’ success, like unstable housing, hunger, or lack of counseling. The department worked with community groups to connect families to resources, ensuring kids could focus on learning. For example, they helped students access free meals, mental health care, or even temporary housing. The goal was to support the “whole child,” not just their academic needs.
Why the Change?
HISD says the shift is about streamlining help and reaching more families. By closing the department, the district plans to save money and avoid “overlapping” services. Instead, resources will go toward expanding Sunrise Centers. These centers are hubs located at certain schools offering healthcare, counseling, and other supports. The district plans to place support teams directly in schools. This will be done through its new “integrated model.” In this model, staff like counselors and social workers will work together to address student needs.
What’s Next: Sunrise Centers and Integrated Support
Sunrise Centers aren’t new—they already exist in some HISD schools. Under the new plan, these centers will grow to offer more services, including medical care, tutoring, and job training for parents. Meanwhile, the integrated support model means each school will have a team dedicated to connecting students with help, whether it’s a counselor for mental health or a social worker for housing assistance. HISD believes this approach will make support faster and easier to access.
Mixed Reactions from the Community
Not everyone is convinced the changes will work. Critics worry closing Wraparound Services could leave gaps, especially for vulnerable families who relied on the department’s specialized help. Community groups fear staff layoffs (some jobs will be cut, while others move to new roles) might disrupt trust built with families. On the other hand, supporters argue the new model could help more students by embedding support directly into schools. HISD leaders say no services will be lost—just delivered differently.
Looking Ahead
HISD’s changes reflect a bigger debate in education: how best to support kids facing tough challenges outside school. While the district promises better efficiency and wider reach, the true test will be whether families feel the new system meets their needs. For now, the focus is on transitioning smoothly—and ensuring no student falls through the cracks.
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