As 2024 comes to a close, Harris County Department of Education continues to celebrate successes while cultivating a family-like atmosphere. 

In November, the Houston Chronicle proclaimed what many at HCDE already know – the Department is regarded as one of the top places of employment in the area. HCDE claimed a spot on the Chronicle’s Top Workplaces list for the fourth time in 2024 after previously being named a top company consecutively from 2019-2021.

Based on employee feedback and surveys, the recognition highlights the sense of value HCDE staff members feel and their appreciation for the work they do in serving Harris County students and their families. In turn, HCDE leadership supports team members through numerous Department initiatives and employee appreciation events. 

Let’s look back on 2024 and relive the top moments this year that showcase what makes HCDE the place to be: 

January – Board Honored During School Board Recognition Month 

HCDE staff opened the calendar year by honoring the contributions of its Board of Trustees. The reception was HCDE’s opportunity to thank its Board of Trustees for the work they do to make the Department a better place. 

“To have a cohesive Board of Trustees where your perspective on education and public service is aligned with theirs and you’re able to work as one unit is a powerful thing,” HCDE Superintendent James Colbert Jr. said at the School Board Recognition Month reception on Jan. 17. 

February – Barrett Station Early Head Start Opens 

In February, HCDE’s Head Start Division opened the Barrett Station Early Head Start Center, a brand-new facility that accommodates 32 students. In addition to new students, growth in HCDE provides more opportunities for new staff and Harris County families. 

“This grows our family,” Barrett Station Head Start Director Norma Starr said. “I have a couple of parents who were waiting for their child to enroll in person so they could get enrolled in an education course as well. The Head Start and Early Head Start programs help the entire family, not just the children enrolled.” 

March – Regional Scholastic Award Winners Announced 

HCDE serves as the second-largest regional sponsor of the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and volunteer adjudication judges – many who were Department staff members – reviewed more than 15,800 art and writing submissions from students in Harris, Galveston and Fort Bend counties. The program continues to grow – submissions increased by nearly 3,000 from last year. 

In total, 833 entries earned Gold Keys and another 1,141 earned Silver Keys. The young artists and writers were honored with exhibits and two receptions at UH’s Cullen Performance Hall. 

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 a lively space 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 to 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 

There’s no better way to celebrate the end of the school year than with HCDE’s Celebration of Excellence in May. Forty-one employees from the Department’s instructional divisions and the 2023-2024 Employees of the Month were honored in front of colleagues and loved ones. 

“This celebration shows that HCDE really does appreciate their employees and the hard work that’s completed daily,” January Employee of the Month Norma Rodriguez said. “Not everyone gets an opportunity to work for a place like this, and it’s fulfilling.” 

June – Adult Education Graduation 

In June, the Irvington Conference Center was filled with families and HCDE staff as Adult Education graduates entered the room beaming with pride and smiles, ready for their moment. 

#TeamHCDE celebrated more than 100 Adult Education students who earned their high school equivalency diplomas (HSE), formerly known as GED, during the 2023-2024 school year.  

“We all have our unique journeys and challenges, but with perseverance and support, we can overcome them,” said 2024 Adult Education GED Teacher of the Year Dr. Jackiethsha Fluellen-Lake, reading motivational words on behalf of graduate Anayanzint Urtes Juarez. “Look around at your classmates and know that you are part of a community that believes in second chances and new beginnings.” 

July – Colbert’s National Public Relations Presentation 

The “Secret Sauce for Success” made its debut on the national stage this summer at the National School Public Relations Association Seminar in Bellevue, Wash. Colbert and Chief Communications Officer Danielle Clark led a 90-minute session, outlining how communication professionals can successfully build a relationship with their superintendent and carry out organizational initiatives. 

Chris Coffey, communications and media relations manager for West40 Intermediate Service Center in Chicago, was so impressed with the topic and material that he hosted Colbert on “Shift Everything,” a West40 podcast to discuss the presentation and leadership styles. 

August – First Day of Classes for Special Schools, Head Start 

Turning the page to August is the fresh start for the new school year. Instructional staff received professional development while buildings were prepared to welcome staff and students. 

Dogan and Fonwood Head Start centers began classes Aug. 12, while HCDE’s four special schools and remaining Head Start campuses welcomed students two weeks later. 

“It’s something about the first day of school that makes everything feel brand new,” Head Start Senior Director Venetia Peacock said. “All the possibilities are on the first day, and I love it because it reminds me of why I need to keep striving to improve our facilities and offerings and ensure we have top educators in our classrooms.” 

September – HCDE Lowers Property Tax Rate 

In September, HCDE’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to lower the tax rate for the 11th consecutive year, demonstrating the Department’s commitment to fiscal transparency. Trustees voted for the recommended rate of $0.004799 per $100 of taxable property value for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. 

“Our business model has allowed us to continue to reduce the tax rate while maximizing services,” Superintendent James Colbert Jr. said. “This is a demonstration of our dedication to serve at-risk populations and results in a win for students, educators and the entire HCDE community.” 

October – Head Start Celebrates 25 Years 

One of HCDE’s largest divisions celebrated its past, present and future in October. Head Start’s 25th Anniversary included a touching tribute video and testimonials piecing together the division’s impact on more than 20,000 children and their families across 12 centers since 1999. 

“Continue what you do,” Colbert told division team members. “Some of these [students] will end up being like you. Some of them may end up being educators, superintendents, board members, attorneys and others. Keep believing and challenging our students.” 

November – Houston Chronicle names HCDE 2024 Top Workplace 

In a festive holiday message to HCDE staff, Colbert announced that the Department was named a 2024 Houston Chronicle Top Workplace, earning the honor for a fourth time. HCDE also announced a winter retention incentive to employees in the same message. 

Employees recognized HCDE as an organization that cares about its staff while working to provide top-notch services for Harris County learners and taxpayers. HCDE ranked 24th among companies with 500-plus employees in 2024. Also ranked consecutively from 2019-2021, HCDE has been as high as 13th (2020). 

December – Festive Spirits Alive at Holiday Parties 

Another employee appreciation event, HCDE’s Holiday Parties bring employees together for food, fun and fellowship. In addition to festive decor and a hot chocolate-making station, Colbert used the event to reflect on the successful year across the Department and it’s positive impact on Harris County families. He thanked everyone for their work and encouraged staff to use the winter break to rest before returning back in January and continuing to impact stakeholders across the county. 

HCDE’s success in 2024 is not just about the accolades, but about the strong, family-like atmosphere at every level of the organization. This year’s achievements are underscored by a shared dedication to excellence and service to the Harris County community.