To showcase how Harris County Department of Education is transforming the school experience for students often overlooked in traditional district settings – with visions of even more opportunities post-graduation – Superintendent James Colbert Jr. welcomed Lone Star College representatives on a tour June 2 of Department campuses.

Joined by Assistant Superintendent for Academic Support Services Jonathan Parker, Colbert welcomed three members of Lone Star College’s leadership team: Dr. Lee Ann Nutt, president at Lone Star College-Tomball; Dr. Megan Mariveles, Lone Star College System executive dean of Baccalaureate Programs; and Dr. Seelpa Keshvala, LSCS executive vice chancellor of academics. After an initial meeting at the Irvington Administration building, the group traveled to Academic and Behavior School West, Fortis Academy and Highpoint School East.

They met with campus leadership and staff and learned how HCDE’s four Special Schools best serve students with individualized educational needs daily. Among the initiatives were the production lab at ABS West for students in the adult transition program and commercial-grade kitchen at Fortis to support the culinary program. Culinary instructor Daisy Alvarez and food service clerk Lyric Lawrence, a former Fortis student now working at the campus, even prepared a three-course lunch for the guests.