73Hornet

Thanks! I knew that I would get knowledgable and insightful answers here...

We moved to Bellaire to take advantage of HISD's "Exemplary" schools. Our son is in 1st grade at Horn Elementary, and we are having serious doubts about how "Exemplary" the school really is compared to Spring Branch ISD schools. Our biggest concern is the complete lack of adult supervision at drop-off and pick-up. The campus is a total zoo as the rude parents park in "No Parking" zones, speed, etc. in their race to get on to who-knows-where. I am getting no support from our principal as far as even acknowledging that this is a problem and potential liability. To me, knowing that my child is safe while at school (including the 10 minutes immediately before and after) is non-negotiable. The few other parents supporting our quest for safety have suggested that the principal make it part of the teachers' job description to help supervise the drop-off and pick-up on a rotating basis. Her response was that "they will never go for it..." We even suggested paying them a stipend if we had to go that far. Who is the leader here? I have had more support from principals at surrounding schools than at Horn.

Also, if this is how the administration acts regarding something as important as safety, what am I to expect when my child has an academic concern in the future? Furthermore, we have four children. So, we are talking about 10 more years dealing with these problems. We are seriously considering moving to Memorial over the summer. I need some input from those who have been in the same situation. Has anyone pulled their child out of HISD and transferred to Spring Branch ISD? Private school is not an option for us. We will be looking at homes zoned to Rummel Creek or Wilchester. Are they really that much better academically than, say, an "Exemplary" school in HISD? Or, is SBISD overrated? This is a big (and costly) decision for us. I want to be sure that we may not be better off just staying put. But, I also have concerns about Pershing Middle School. Any feedback is appreciated.