HISD Community Forum Highlights Principal Dismissals

Community members engage in dialogue about leadership changes at HISD during a recent forum.

News Summary

The Houston Independent School District hosted a community forum addressing the dismissals of several principals, including prominent figures from various schools. This event follows a directive from Superintendent Mike Miles, which resulted in significant principal turnover affecting nearly 50 schools. Despite concerns about leadership instability, HISD officials maintained that teacher retention rates for effective educators are improving amidst ongoing changes within the district.

Houston – On August 10, 2024, the Houston Independent School District (HISD) held a community forum featuring several recently dismissed principals. This discussion included prominent figures from various schools, such as Dr. Lea Mishlan from West Briar Middle School, Sean McClish from the School at St. George Place, J. Auden Sarabia from the Meyerland Performing and Visual Arts, and Dr. Jessica Berry from Herod Elementary, among others. These principals were part of a larger pattern of significant turnover within the district.

A directive issued by state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles revealed that nearly 50 principals were asked to resign or face termination. This action aligns with HISD’s ongoing struggle with principal turnover. Last June, 76 principals departed their roles, demonstrating a trend that continues to concern many within the school community.

Recent community protests highlighted the dismissals of several high-profile principals, including Jessica Berry, Jose Auden Sarabia, and Lea Mishlan, who had all garnered local support during their tenures. In the West Division of HISD alone, seven principals were ordered to leave, with two facing involuntary termination.

Superintendent Miles has indicated the challenge in pinpointing an exact number of principals not returning but estimated their figures to be between 45 and 50. This school year, it was indicated that 12 principals were not “invited back,” although clarification later revealed that the breakdown consisted of five dismissals for performance reasons, 11 role changes, and five departures for personal reasons, totaling 21 departures in the current year.

Nonetheless, Miles highlighted a decrease in principal turnover compared to the previous year, asserting that only 12 out of 273 principals did not return for the current academic year. He noted that some resignations were made public during board meetings, including one principal who plans to attend a graduate program at Harvard.

The teacher turnover rate within HISD has also drawn attention, with estimates suggesting that 26% to 27% of teachers left the district in the 2023-2024 school year. This resignation rate saw approximately 4,700 out of 11,000 teachers depart, which compounded the concerns regarding the leadership changes initiated by Miles and HISD. Feedback from interviews conducted with teachers indicated that many were unprepared for the significant changes being implemented within the district.

Despite the elevated turnover, HISD officials reported that they are managing to retain effective teachers at a higher rate compared to those deemed less proficient. Superintendent Miles reiterated HISD’s commitment to academic improvement even amidst teacher turnover, expressing a belief that positive outcomes would continue over time.

As community stakes grow regarding HISD’s leadership direction, many residents and former principals expressed a desire for new leadership to succeed while emphasizing the need for constructive change. The community forum was established by HISD supporters focused on budget accountability, intending to shed light on the ongoing upheaval within the district. This dialogue underscores broader concerns regarding the management and future stability of the district amidst significant leadership transitions.