Categories: Breaking NewsGovernment NewsNews

Houston School District Extends Superintendent’s Contract Amid Controversy

Members of the Houston School Board discuss the extension of Superintendent Mike Miles' contract.

News Summary

The Houston Independent School District’s Board of Managers has approved a five-year contract extension for Superintendent Mike Miles. This decision was made without public discussion, allowing Miles to continue leading the district amidst ongoing state intervention and reforms. While some data suggests improvements in student performance, concerns arise regarding the lack of transparency and the impact of the controversial educational model being implemented. Stakeholders express frustration over fiscal responsibility and governance, marking a critical juncture for HISD’s future and educational strategies.

Houston School District Extends Superintendent’s Contract Amid Controversy

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) Superintendent Mike Miles has secured a five-year contract extension, as approved by the district’s Board of Managers appointed by the state. This decision was made during a late-night meeting on Thursday, January 25, without public discussion or prior notice.

This contract extension permits Miles to continue leading Texas’ largest school district as it undergoes state intervention and transitions back to local governance. Board President Ric Campo stated that the long-term contract is designed to provide continuity and maintain the momentum of student performance improvements observed in recent assessments.

Recent data from the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exam indicated an uptick in student performance across most grades, a change that Campo attributes to Miles’ leadership. However, specific details concerning the compensation and evaluation criteria of the contract have yet to be disclosed; they are expected to be available on the district’s website by 5 p.m. Friday.

Current Compensation and Certification Issues

Currently, Mike Miles earns a base salary of $380,000 and received a bonus exceeding $126,000 last year. Notably, a waiver was approved that permits Miles to continue serving as superintendent despite not possessing the state-required certification.

The Texas Education Agency has further extended its takeover of HISD for an additional two years to support ongoing academic advancements. This intervention was coupled with a recent overhaul of the HISD Board of Managers, where four members were replaced shortly before the vote on Miles’ contract extension. The newly appointed board members include Edgar Colón, Marty Goossen, Lauren Gore, and Marcos Rosales, all of whom took the places of members who had been critical of Miles’ leadership.

Controversial Reform Model

Under Miles’ leadership, HISD has rolled out a controversial “New Education System” reform model emphasizing scripted lessons and AI-generated materials. While proponents of this model cite early improvements in academic performance, critics argue that it imposes a rigid and impersonal approach to education, potentially undermining experiential learning.

Despite the improvement in standardized test scores in subjects such as biology, algebra, and English, concerns have been raised about the transparency of decisions made by the new board and the removal of members who previously posed challenging questions. These actions have also prompted frustrations among parents and community members, who have expressed broader concerns regarding fiscal responsibility and the management of HISD.

Implications for the Future

As HISD continues to navigate the challenges of state intervention and the implementation of new educational strategies, the contract extension for Superintendent Mike Miles marks a critical juncture for both the district’s leadership and its academic trajectory. The outcomes of these developments will likely shape the future of education in Houston and the state’s approach to overseeing struggling school districts.

The ongoing discussions surrounding this contract extension and the reforms within HISD underscore the complexities of managing a large school district, particularly ones under the state’s purview. The district’s leadership will need to address concerns from stakeholders while aiming to sustain the gains made in student performance.