Highlights:
- The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has extended its state takeover of Houston ISD (HISD) until June 1, 2027.
- Despite notable academic gains, the district has not yet met all criteria for ending the intervention.
- The extension has sparked renewed controversy, with community members criticizing Superintendent Mike Miles’ reform model and staff turnover.
- TEA replaced four appointed board members amid concerns from local officials.
- HISD continues facing high enrollment declines and protests against the New Education System model.
In a decision that has drawn both praise and condemnation, the Texas Education Agency announced on Monday, June 3, that it will extend its takeover of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) for an additional two years.
The intervention, which began in 2023 due to long-term academic failures and governance concerns, will now continue through June 1, 2027.
Academic Gains But Incomplete Progress
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath highlighted that the district has made “tremendous” strides in academic performance, special education compliance, and operations under state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles.
According to Morath, HISD reported a drop from 121 to 41 campuses rated D or F in 2024, with notable improvements at schools like Wheatley High, which rose from an “F” to a “B”.
However, Morath emphasized that the district has not yet met the three criteria required to exit state control: eliminating multi-year failing campuses, achieving special education compliance, and improving board governance. “Ultimately, two years has not been enough time to fix district systems that were broken for decades,” he stated.
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Governance Shake-up and Community Backlash
Alongside the extension, TEA replaced four members of the appointed board, a move that raised concerns among local officials. Dani Hernandez, president of the elected trustees, criticized the removals, stating, “I don’t think that’s something the TEA should be doing.”
Community members and advocacy groups expressed frustration with continued state control and Miles’ controversial New Education System (NES) reforms, which emphasize standardized curricula and rigid school structures.
Jackie Anderson, head of Houston’s teachers union, argued the takeover is driving educators away, stating, “You will not wear down our opposition.”
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Looking Ahead
Despite opposition, Morath reaffirmed his confidence in Superintendent Miles, saying he is “optimistic that student achievement in Houston ISD will maintain an upward trajectory.”
Meanwhile, stakeholders remain divided over whether the state’s intervention model supports or undermines the future of public education in Houston.
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