HCC-NFISD annexation is a win-win situation


Sometimes this writer doesn’t think as broadly as he should and brings some readers, or potential readers, up short. While in the Crosby area I have 75% of my exposure to Crosby, Highlands and Huffman; probably 10% to the Dayton area and remaining 15% is spread throughout the rest of the territory. Because of this I write mostly for readers of the Star-Courier and the Dayton News.

I keep forgetting that our illustrious editor-publisher, Gil Hoffman, also has two other papers that at least occasionally carry “Touch of Life.” That would be the North East-Beltway 8 News and the North Forest News. They cover Atascocita, Humble, Kingwood and other habitats in that area. I seldom write about things in that area.

Now I have an issue there that I would like to get behind.

That would be the annexation of the North Forest community by the Houston Community College system.

I was moved by a “Letter to the Editor” written by Elvin Franklin in the Northeast-Beltway 8 News. If everything in Mr. Franklin’s letter is correct (and I have no reason to believe otherwise) that annexation should have taken place earlier and certainly is needed now. Under the present circumstances North Forest students attending Houston Community College are forced to pay twice the cost of other students.

I quote Mr. Franklin, “For years, our community has discussed the possibility of being annexed by Houston Community College. Personally, I believe the time to act is now. A partnership with HCC and North Forest could only be a win-win for the community. Not only would tuition be cut in half for North Forest students attending HCC, but the North Forest School would benefit as well….”

He goes on to explain that should such annexation take place North Forest ISD would gain an “Early College High School, more dual credit offerings, college prep classes, high-tech vocational training, GED and ESL, and college courses offered in the community.” I ask you, “What is wrong with all of that?”

From where I sit, Elvin Franklin is right on! North Forest has taken some hits in recent years and annexation could be a positive step for HCC, NFISD, the students and potential students at North Forest, and the entire community. Mr. Franklin is a retiree living in that district, has no children involved in the school system but is taking interest in this annexation as an interested citizen.

Yes there would be some cost to the residents, about 9 cents per $ 100 evaluation. That doesn’t seem to significant. Let’s get behind this move North Forest and HCC do your thing. Over the years it would certainly be a WIN-WIN for both sides.

Such are the people, places and things that touch my life in my home!