Eric Dick (lawyer)

In 2016, Eric Dick ran for office for an unpaid position at the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE).[18] Despite the position being unpaid, Dick used personal funds for his campaign, significantly more than his three opponents combined.[18] He was elected to the HCDE Precinct 4, defeating Marilyn Burgess with 55.98% of the vote.[19]

Eric Dick receives artwork from Superintendent James Colbert created by a special needs student at HCDE

In his inaugural board meeting with the HCDE, Eric Dick, the representative for Precinct 4, was elected Vice President, a significant move that marked a shift in the board's political landscape to a Republican majority.[20][21] Despite his controversial election, Dick demonstrated a propensity to vote with conservative members, suggesting his potential role as a swing vote in the board's future decisions.[20][21]

HCDE's board, unique in Texas as the only local education board elected on a partisan basis, underwent a significant shift in political majority between 2019 and 2021. This change led to an increase in innovative programming and a notable surge in collaboration, irrespective of the varied political ideologies among its members.[22] Eric Dick's presidency at HCDE resulted from political maneuvers, internal conflicts, resignations, controversies, strategic voting, and the voting minority's ultimate control, rendering the remaining board members ineffective through a self-inflicted defeat.[23]

As a trustee and President of the HCDE Board, Dick has played a pivotal role in emphasizing the department's crucial involvement in providing education and aiding local school districts.[24] His responsibilities include overseeing the management of tax revenues for governmental services and ensuring efficient allocation of generated profits to support school districts. This encompasses providing grants for COVID-19 related funding.[25]

In 2017, with crucial input from board members such as Eric Dick, the HCDE Board voted unanimously to continue operating its 15 Head Start preschool programs, despite some board members' proposals to close or limit the department's role, serving approximately 1,300 children in North and Northeast Houston.[26][27]

HCDE's Head Start program provides a safe learning environment for newborns to 5-year-olds, supporting growth in areas like language, literacy, and social-emotional development, serving more than 1,300 students annually with free healthy meals, health screenings, and physical activities.[28]

Under Eric Dick's direction, significant improvements have been made to Harris County's educational services, with noteworthy projects including the construction of Texas's largest adult learning center, a brand new middle school, and upgrades to existing facilities.[29][30]

Eric Dick, the Board President of HCDE, during a board meeting.

Fortis Academy, located at 11902 Spears Road in the Greenspoint area of north Houston, stands as Harris County's first public recovery high school, officially named by the Harris County Department of Education Board of Trustees on August 16, 2017, with a decisive 5 to 1 vote. The academy provides a substance-free and supportive environment for high school students to continue their education after completing a substance abuse or dependency rehabilitation program.[31]

The name "Fortis," Latin for strong, steadfast, and courageous, encapsulates the academy's mission to foster these qualities in students overcoming substance abuse challenges. Under the guidance of advocates like Eric Dick, the academy has established itself as a beacon of hope and support, providing comprehensive resources such as coaching, counseling, and academic support, while also gaining national recognition for its role in encouraging sobriety.[32][33]

Eric Dick's unwavering support and pivotal role in the academy's establishment have been instrumental in achieving its mission. His advocacy, rooted in personal experience, underscores the importance of such a supportive educational space within the Houston community. During special initiatives like National Recovery Month, celebrated at Fortis Academy with a series of therapeutic and educational programs, the importance of resilience and personal growth in recovery is highlighted, showcasing the academy's commitment to its students' success.[34][35]

On April 3, 2019, HCDE began construction of the new Academic and Behavior Schools West (ABS West) campus, a venture supported by key HCDE board members like Eric Dick.[36] This new campus is a part of a larger construction initiative by HCDE Construction Services and aims to create a safe and effective learning space for students in the Houston area who have intellectual or developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges.[37] The original ABS West campus, established in 1998, has a longstanding history of educating students aged 5–22 with severe behavioral and emotional issues, as well as developmental disabilities, offering tailored classes to enhance their academic and personal growth.[38]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) board, with Eric Dick as a trustee, collaborated to establish the "Because We Care" initiative. This program was designed to provide essential support to Head Start families, demonstrating a strong commitment to community welfare. Approximately 400 food packages were distributed to families in the Fifth Ward, followed by the distribution of care packages to 1,230 families on March 27, 2020, during the stay-at-home order, ensuring timely assistance.[39][40]

The board collectively approved a substantial $238,000 food program, aiming directly to benefit Head Start families. Alongside this, the HCDE sought further assistance through a Mental Wellness Grant of $916,085. The grant was intended to create a comprehensive mental wellness response for staff, students, and families, addressing the multifaceted challenges presented by the pandemic and the associated chronic stress.[41]

Further demonstrating HCDE's commitment to supporting the community, subsequent rounds of the "Because We Care" program continued to offer assistance. The third distribution effort provided an average of 20 meals per box to 1,350 Head Start families, showcasing the sustained and collective efforts of the HCDE board, including Eric Dick, in aiding the community during a challenging time.[42]

Founded in 1982, the Academic and Behavior Schools East (ABS East) serves as a special education service provider for students aged 5–22 with various disorders, aiding in their transition to becoming productive society members.[43][44] Under the influential guidance of Eric Dick, HCDE initiated the construction of a new 43,000 square-foot ABS East building in 2021, featuring innovative facilities to accommodate up to 184 students.[45][46] The design of the new ABS East, shaped by its sister school ABS West, is a response to increased demand for specialized education services and promotes comprehensive learning with a low student-to-instructor ratio.[47][48][49]

The Teacher Tools Initiative, co-founded by Dick, is a collaborative venture between the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) and the Education Foundation of Harris County (EFHC). The initiative's primary goal is to support Harris County school district teachers by furnishing them with essential classroom supplies at the beginning of each academic year.[50]

To facilitate this, every qualifying teacher is granted $100 worth of classroom supplies through a specified online vendor. This ensures the materials are efficiently delivered to the teachers' school addresses.[51] The dedicated support from both HCDE and EFHC significantly mitigates the personal financial challenges teachers frequently face when procuring educational resources.

In 2021, the program received a tremendous response. The initial provision for 2,000 slots was rapidly exhausted, with teachers claiming all spots within hours. A subsequent waitlist of an additional 1,000 teachers emerged on the same day. Recognizing the profound need, the HCDE Board of Trustees sanctioned an added funding of $101,300. This expansion included 1,013 more teachers, pushing the total investment to $301,300.[52] Teachers were granted until November 30 to finalize their classroom supplies purchases online.

The initiative's momentum was sustained into 2022 and 2023. The EFHC consistently allocated $200,000 annually, supporting 2,000 teachers in 2022 and broadening its reach to 3,000 educators in 2023.[53] Such unwavering support signifies the staunch commitment of both institutions to alleviating the financial strains teachers face.

To avail of the credit, registration was opened precisely at 7 a.m. on September 1, 2022, and September 25, 2023, for the respective school years.[53] To qualify, educators needed a valid email from a school within the Harris County district. Those from charter schools, private institutions, or schools outside Harris County were not eligible. The respective teacher bore any cost exceeding the provided $100 credit. All orders were dispatched directly to the school without any shipping costs. For teachers who prefer home delivery, a modest fee of $12 was applicable.[53] With these measures, the Teacher Tools Initiative continues to significantly enhance the educational experience within Harris County.

In July 2021, the Harris County Department of Education's (HCDE) Board of Trustees made a pivotal decision, unanimously approving a budget for the 2021-2022 school year that incorporated a significant change: raising the minimum wage for all hourly workers from $13.50 to $15 an hour. This progressive move not only placed HCDE among the first local education agencies in the region to implement such an increase, but it also underscored their commitment to fostering a positive work environment and ensuring fair compensation for all staff, including those involved in the Head Start and Early Head Start programs.[54][55]

Rewinding to August 15, 2018, a comprehensive board meeting at HCDE took place, led by a committee and attended by Eric Dick, who played an active role in discussing a proposal to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour and advocating for it. Eric meticulously expressed his concerns, focusing on the financial ramifications of such an increase. He emphasized the need for a careful balance between wage enhancements and their potential budgetary consequences, casting a critical eye on the long-term sustainability of the proposed wage hike.[56]

HCDE has utilized an allocated budget of $1.5M from the American Rescue Plan Act to implement the County Connections Youth Summer Initiative, a program designed to address pandemic-related learning gaps by supporting enrichment programs for children aged 5–18, with a focus on low-income families.[57] The initiative is executed through the Center for Afterschool, Summer, and Enrichment for Kids (CASE for Kids), a division of HCDE, which provided over $1.1M in grant funding to more than 40 nonprofit organizations. These organizations are dedicated to delivering enriching summer activities for children and hosted their programs in various locations such as schools, community centers, and churches.[58]

In July 2023, during the Summer Learning Week, CASE for Kids-funded programs, such as the trips to Space Center Houston and the Downtown Aquarium, highlighted the innovative approach to learning, emphasizing STEM subjects and hands-on experience. These activities not only enhanced the students' understanding of their curriculum but also uncovered the magic of education through real-world experiences.[59]

In May 2023, Eric Dick, in his role as a board trustee, played a pivotal role in the extension of the CASE for Kids programs by advocating and approving funding for the Kids' Entrepreneurship Market Day. This event gathered students from afterschool programs across Harris County to demonstrate their business skills and creativity, offering them a practical experience in money management, business, and entrepreneurship.[60] This initiative, backed by funding and support from Eric Dick, was crucial in ensuring the successful execution of these innovative programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurial spirit and financial literacy among the youth in Harris County.[61]

Furthermore, the Harris County Commissioners and CASE for Kids celebrated the 2023 County Connections awardees in August, where Eric Dick, along with other trustees and commissioners, presented symbolic checks to the grant recipients. This year saw the awarding of more than $1.3 million in grants to over 40 nonprofits for youth summer enrichment programming.[62] Eric Dick's active participation and support as a board trustee were instrumental in ensuring the continuity and success of these enrichment programs for children in Harris County.[63]

In 2017, the Harris County Department of Education's Center for Afterschool, Summer, and Enrichment for Kids (CASE for Kids) partnered with the Houston Urban Debate League (HUDL) to launch the CASE Debates program. Co-founded by Eric Dick, this educational initiative aims to support 300 at-risk high school students, drawing from HUDL's model that annually provides debate programs to around 1,000 students across five school districts. The inception of the program was driven by a commitment to offer substantial debate and enrichment opportunities, laying a robust foundation for its future development.[64]

Eric Dick played a significant role in the establishment of the CASE Debates program, advocating for the accessibility of educational enrichment for at-risk students. His involvement was key to creating an environment conducive to student success, and his efforts have helped sustain the program, even amid challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.[65]

The program consistently offers resources in areas like social-emotional learning, numeracy, literacy, and at-home activities via its Afterschool Zone, demonstrating its commitment to student welfare and education.[66] The annual city-wide debate championship is a significant aspect of the program, providing students with opportunities to qualify for state tournaments and earn scholarships.[67]

The inclusion of the World Schools Debate format in the program, an initiative encouraged by Eric Dick, has provided students with valuable critical thinking and problem-solving skills, vital for their academic and career pursuits in the future.[68]

The partnership with HUDL ensures that students have access to high-quality training, coaching, and scholarship opportunities, as well as avenues for building self-esteem and expanding horizons. This partnership underscores Eric Dick's commitment to supporting future generations through education.[69]

Moreover, the annual CASE Debates Seminar marks the beginning of the debating season, attracting over 200 Harris County high school students for workshops and training sessions. This event highlights the program's dedication to providing students with essential skills and knowledge for success in debates and future endeavors, underscoring Eric Dick's foundational influence on the program.[70] Eric Dick's lasting impact on the CASE Debates program has played a significant role in its success and the development of numerous students.[71]

Under Dick's stewardship, the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) initiated the construction of a new adult education facility at 6515 Irvington Blvd., Houston. When completed, this center will stand as the largest in Texas, providing courses in English, math, reading, writing, and specialized workforce training programs. These programs have been designed to assist students in acquiring a high school equivalency diploma, advancing to higher education, or enhancing their career through courses such as certified nursing assistant and phlebotomy training, computer skills, welding fundamentals, and job placement services.[72][73]

One of the innovative resources the Adult Education division, facilitated under Dick's leadership, offers is the "Dress to Success Career Closet." This initiative allows students to access a collection of professional clothing articles—over 120 generously donated by HCDE employees. Such a program ensures students possess the skills and the professional attire necessary for job interviews and workplaces.[74] This visionary approach to holistic student support was further highlighted when the division hosted a job and resource fair, underlining its commitment to ensuring that students are workplace-ready.

The facility at 6515 Irvington Blvd. is not just an educational hub; it's a beacon of inspiration. The walls of the new Adult Education Center feature a custom mural of a faceless woman, symbolizing the myriad of students who traverse its halls and the boundless opportunities awaiting them. This mural was a thoughtful addition that reflected personal family stories and the collective tales of resilience of the many HCDE Adult Education students. Such symbols serve as poignant reminders of perseverance, motivating students never to give up and to continue reaching for their dreams.[75]

Furthermore, the Adult Education Center, which celebrated its official opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 19, features state-of-the-art amenities. The 51,000-square-foot facility houses the Adult Education staff and includes multiple classrooms catering to GED, ESL, and workforce preparedness courses. Beyond its primary educational function, the building will also serve as a community outreach hub for the Houston area, emphasizing the HCDE Trustee's vision of integrated community development and education.[76]

In 2021, Highpoint East Middle School embarked on a notable transformation, expanding its facilities to 26,528 square feet and replacing outdated structures as part of the Harris County Department of Education's (HCDE) initiative to upgrade educational infrastructure. Eric Dick, serving diligently as a trustee for HCDE, played a pivotal role, advocating strongly for these significant changes.[77] This commitment to excellence was underscored when a Highpoint East educator was named HCDE Teacher of the Year, a testament to the supportive educational environment encouraged by Eric Dick and all stakeholders.[78]

Continuing its trajectory of growth and development, in 2022, Highpoint East hosted the Center for Educator Success (CES) Summer Intensive Cohort, aligning with Eric Dick’s dedication to fostering professional development opportunities for future educators.[79] The school also made significant strides in student support; in 2023, the Safe Haven for Overcoming Problems (SHOP) program, backed by Dick's advocacy for comprehensive student welfare, collaborated with Houston's "Salt and Pepper Gang," providing mentorship in personal grooming and styling.[80]

The school's impact extended beyond its walls, as showcased in 2023 at the TASSP Summer Workshop where Highpoint East played an instrumental role in shaping innovative ideas for the education of adjudicated youth, a feat that echoes Eric Dick’s influence and unwavering support.[81] As the 2023-2024 academic year approached, the school welcomed over 11 new staff members, underscoring its commitment to fostering a community of unity and support, a move positively influenced by Eric Dick's commitment to the school's success.[82]

The Harris County Department of Education (HCDE), with Eric Dick serving as a board trustee, initiated the development of an Equine Therapy Center located in Barrett Station. The center is designed to address the diverse needs of special needs students, offering support in their physical, emotional, and social development. In collaboration with Self-Improvement through Riding Education (SIRE), the program aims to establish an enriching alternative learning environment, simultaneously creating 25 new job opportunities.[83]

The integration of the SIRE program, dating back to the 2019-2020 academic year, involved participation from students across all four special schools under HCDE. The program, boasting a 35-year history, is dedicated to promoting self-esteem, confidence, and interpersonal skills through horse interaction. Eric Dick played a vital role in this initiative, advocating for the necessary funding and supporting innovative programs to foster the holistic development of students, thus demonstrating HCDE's commitment to inclusive and diversified education.[84]

The Coolwood Head Start Center in Houston, a 13,830 square foot facility capable of accommodating 120 students, was established under the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) with contributions from board trustee Eric Dick. The center comprises advanced training rooms, administrative offices, conference rooms, a modernized kitchen, and six classrooms. Construction responsibilities were entrusted to Geofill Construction, selected for their recognized proficiency and reliability.[85][86][87]

The Coolwood Head Start program has demonstrated its impact through the success of its alumni, including a former student who progressed to a professional football team draft from a pro football minicamp,[88] and another who became a high school valedictorian in 2020.[89] The program’s success is further supported by dedicated educators, crucial to the Head Start initiative.[90]

Simultaneously, the HCDE's Early Head Start program is undergoing expansion, with Eric Dick advocating for the construction and renovations at three existing campuses—Humble, Barrett Station, and La Porte—to better serve infants and toddlers under the age of three.[91]

Following the tragic May 2022 massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, HCDE significantly enhanced its active shooter training program for Houston-area educators, integrating programs like the Operation SRM-REx for student-parent reunification during crises. Eric Dick, in his role as a board trustee, was instrumental in this expansion, approving funding and vocally supporting the vital initiatives aimed at safeguarding schools. His dedication to proactive measures and the establishment of threat assessment teams at all schools has been a cornerstone of HCDE's response.[92] In June 2022, HCDE's Center for Safe and Secure Schools hosted a two-day reunification exercise at Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District (GCCISD), emphasizing the importance of preparedness in school safety. This event, which saw more than 110 professionals attending, further exemplified the commitment to creating a proactive, unified response to potential emergencies.[93] This holistic approach to school safety, ensuring the well-being of students and staff in the Houston area, has led to a surge in demand for programs like the one-day Operation SRM-REx training, drawing educators from across the nation to learn best practices in student-parent reunification during emergencies.[94][95] The programs have become a key component of the comprehensive strategy to enhance school safety in the region, reflecting Eric Dick's commitment to creating secure learning environments.