Fort Bend ISD response to action taken by Fort Bend County Commissioner’s Court February 12 regarding preservation of historic cemetery

FORT BEND ISD (February 13, 2019) --- On February 12, the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to authorize the county attorney to negotiate an Interlocal Agreement with Fort Bend Independent School District for conveyance of land where the abandoned cemetery was discovered at the site of the Fort Bend ISD James Reese Career and Technical Center to allow the county to construct and maintain a memorial park and cemetery pursuant to state law. Fort Bend ISD applauds the action taken the County which has the legal authority, capacity and resources to address the complex issues related to the discovery of the abandoned cemetery.

Fort Bend ISD is grateful to the Commissioners Court for recognizing what the District has been stating for months – the perpetual care of a cemetery is beyond the District’s expertise and is not legally permissible.

Full statement from FBISD Board President, Jason Burdine:

“Fort Bend ISD applauds the action taken today by the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court authorizing the County Attorney to negotiate an Interlocal agreement with the District. We are optimistic that an agreement will lead to the preservation of the historic cemetery, while allowing Fort Bend ISD to provide our students with opportunities for career exploration and development at the James Reese Career and Technical Center. I would like to thank the Commissioners Court for recognizing that the perpetual care of a cemetery is beyond the district’s expertise and is not legally permissible. This action will allow us to remain focused on our mission to educate children. Fort Bend ISD remains committed to educating future generations about this forgotten piece of history, and the oppressive and state-sanctioned convict leasing program.”

For more information about the discovery of the historic cemetery, visit the Fort Bend ISD website.