Houston ISD has been dealing with a state takeover since June 2023, when elected school board members were ousted and the state installed a new superintendent after years of poor academic performance at a single high school. So, how long will the takeover last, and what’s changed in HISD since?
How Long Will This Go On?
After the Texas Education Agency announced that Mike Miles would take over as superintendent in June 2023, HISD entered a period of dramatic change. Miles started his New Education System program overhauling dozens of schools to improve their academic performance. NES schools received standardized curriculum, timed lessons, higher pay for educators, and turned libraries into “team centers.” Many parents and community members have criticized the system, claiming it has led to high principal and teacher turnover and creates a rigid learning environment. In June, the Texas Education Commissioner announced the state takeover will continue until 2027, so HISD can continue to make academic gains.
What’s Happened in HISD Since the Takeover?
More than 7,000 students and over 160 principals have left the school district since the state takeover. In June alone, more than 2,300 teachers of the district's 10,000 teachers departed. At the same time, academic performance has improved. HISD’s passing rates on the STAAR exam increased closer to the statewide performance. High school students who took end-of-course exams also increased passing rates, except English I. Meanwhile, HISD is reporting that zero schools received an “F” rating from the state’s accountability ratings, compared to 121 receiving a “D” or an “F” before the state takeover.
What’s Next for HISD?
In order to exit the state takeover, HISD must have no campuses with multiple years of failing ratings; comply with special education laws; and improve board governance. In June, Miles received a five-year contract extension and an $82,000 raise. HISD doesn’t plan to expand the New Education System this school year, and the administration may have to close about 10 schools due to low enrollment and budget pressure.
