HISD takeover is center stage as American Federation of Teachers convention begins in Houston [Video]

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The state takeover of HISD is center stage as educators from across the country flock to Houston for the American Federation of Teachers national convention.

The convention kicks off Monday at the George R. Brown Convention Center, but the AFT organized a pre-convention panel discussion on Sunday.

During the discussion, the HISD takeover was universally panned.

“This is a power grab,” Zeph Capo, president of the Texas American Federation of Teachers, said.

“We had a wonderful school community and it has been torn apart,” Jessica Campos, whose three daughters attend HISD schools, said.

Campos said she’s watched helplessly as the state-appointed superintendent makes changes without an elected school board to push back.

“Parents are not allowed to have communication with the teachers. We lost our library,” Campos said.

In June, Superintendent Mike Miles celebrated the strides he said he’s made since taking the reins at HISD, pointing to improvements in high school test scores.

“If we keep up growth …