As the new year begins, the Harris County Department of Education looks back at the many successes they were able to celebrate in the previous year while cultivating an atmosphere that felt a lot like family.
The Houston Chronicle reported in November that what many at HCDE already know is that the department is among the best places to work in the region. After first being ranked as a top firm continuously from 2019–2020, HCDE won a spot on the Chronicle's Top Workplaces list for the fourth time.
Employee comments and polls point to the respect HCDE staff members have for their work in serving Harris County students and their families, as well as the sense of value they experience. Through many department initiatives and staff appreciation activities, HCDE leadership supports team members.
As the new year begins, Eric Dick and the board highlights 2024's best events and what makes HCDE the place to be:
January – Board Honored During School Board Recognition Month
Honoring the achievements of its Board of Trustees, HCDE staff kicked off the new year. The reception was HCDE's chance to express gratitude for the efforts of its Board of Trustees toward improving the department.
February – Barrett Station Early Head Start Opens
Opening the brand-new 32-student Barrett Station Early Head Start Center in February, HCDE's Head Start Division Apart from new students, expansion in HCDE offers more chances for Harris County families and new employees.
March – Regional Scholastic Award Winners Announced
Reviewing more than 15,800 art and writing entries from kids in Harris, Galveston, and Fort Bend counties, HCDE is the second-largest regional sponsor of the esteemed Scholastic Art & Writing Awards — many of which were Department personnel members. The program keeps expanding; about 3,000 more entries than last year.
Eight hundred thirty-three entrants obtained gold keys and another 1,141 silver keys overall. Exhibits and two events at UH's Cullen Performance Hall honored the young writers and artists.
April – HCDE Staff Celebrated with Picnic in the Parking Lot
HCDE's annual Picnic in the Parking Lot can be described in three words – fun, fellowship, and food. The four-employee appreciation events transform the Irvington and North Post Oak parking lots into lively spaces with tents, games, food trucks, and music. The event grew to accommodate separate picnic events for staff at Head Start, NPO, Irvington, and School-Based Therapy.
Department leadership thanked employees for their hard work and dedication. Colbert even took the time to visit with as many staff members as possible before expressing his gratitude at the end of each Picnic.
May – Celebration of Excellence
HCDE's Celebration of Excellence in May is the only better way to honor the end of the school year. Honored in front of peers and loved ones were forty-one staff members from the department's instructional divisions as well as the 2023–2024 Employees of the Month.
June – Adult Education Graduation
Families and HCDE employees crowded the Irvington Conference Center in June when Adult Education graduates arrived, eager for their moment and flashing pride and smiles.
During the 2023–2024 academic year, #Team HCDE honored more than 100 Adult Education students who obtained their high school equivalency diplomas (HSE), once known as GED.
July – Colbert's National Public Relations Presentation
Introduced on the national scene last summer at the National School Public Relations Association Seminar in Bellevue, Wash., the "Secret Sauce for Success" debuted. Leading a 90-minute class, County Superintendent James Colbert and Chief Communications Officer Danielle Clark discussed how experts in communication might effectively establish a relationship with their superintendent and execute organizational projects.
The topic and content Chris Coffey, West40 Intermediate Service Center's communications and media relations manager in Chicago, hosted Colbert on "Shift Everything," a West40 podcast examining the presentation and leadership approaches, which really intrigued him.
August – First Day of Classes for Special Schools, Head Start
Starting the next school year fresh is turning the page to August. Professional development was given to instructional staff as buildings were ready to greet workers and students.
While HCDE's four special schools and other Head Start sites welcomed students two weeks later, Dogan and Fonwood Head Start centers started classes Aug. 12.
September – HCDE Lowers Property Tax Rate
Showing the department's dedication to financial openness, HCDE's Board of Trustees agreed unanimously in September to reduce the tax rate for the 11th running. For the 2024–2025 fiscal year, trustees opted for the advised rate of $0.004799 per $100 of taxable property value.
October – Head Start Celebrates 25 Years
October saw one of HCDE's biggest divisions honoring its past, present, and future. The 25th anniversary of Head Start featured a moving tribute film and quotes gathered from more than 20,000 children and their families across 12 centers since 1999.
November – Houston Chronicle names HCDE 2024 Top Workplace
Colbert said in a celebratory holiday greeting to HCDE employees that the department was designated a 2024 Houston Chronicle Top Workplace, therefore attesting to a fourth consecutive honor. In keeping with the same idea, HCDE also announced a winter retention incentive for staff members.
Workers identified HCDE as a company that values their employees while striving to offer Harris County taxpayers and students first-rate services. Among businesses with 500–plus employees in 2024, HCDE came in at 24th. Ranked also consistently from 2019–2021, HCDE has peaked at 13th (2020).
December – Festive Spirits Alive at Holiday Parties
Holiday Parties hosted by HCDE gather staff members for food, entertainment, and companionship. Apart from the Christmas décor and a hot chocolate-making station, Colbert utilized the occasion to consider the department's great year and its benefits for Harris County households. He praised everyone for their efforts and urged staff members to relax during the winter break before returning in January, which is still having an impact on countywide stakeholders.
The great, family-like environment at every level of the company defines HCDE's success in 2024 not only in terms of the honors but also in The accomplishments of this year, highlighting a common commitment to quality and service to the Harris County community.