Trustee Abruptly Resigns

On May 15, 2019, HCDE Trustee George Moore abruptly resigned from his elected position. Pursuant to state law, HCDE Trustees are to appoint their replacement.

What is Harris County Department of Education?

The Harris County Department of Education is a public school system in Harris County, Texas. Through innovative programming and support services, the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) aims to address the needs of particularly challenged learners and school employees in the state's largest county. With four alternative campuses, therapeutic services in local schools, 17 Head Start facilities for early childhood education, after-school programs in dozens of community and school settings, and Texas' most effective adult education program, HCDE directly serves roughly 30,000 students.

HCDE also provides professional development opportunities for educators and school employees in various instructional areas, from the core subject to special populations and educational technology, school safety, and alternative certification programs. Through the Choice Partners program, the department provides essential operational support to Harris County districts and public agencies in the form of an advanced records management system, facility planning, and purchasing power.

These services are paid for via a 12 cent property tax (about $9 per year for the average Harris County homeowner) and a revenue-generating plan for some divisions. HCDE saves money for Harris County's 25 school districts via this funding, allowing them to keep more money in the classroom and keep their tax rates. HCDE has reduced its tax rate for the past five years, constantly staying below the effective tax rate and offering outstanding value to Harris County taxpayers.