News Summary
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has initiated a $350,000 billboard campaign to promote its improving academic performance and combat declining student enrollment. Despite reporting notable improvements, the campaign has faced criticism from parent and teacher groups. Concerns have been raised about the efficacy of such expenditures amid ongoing challenges with funding and the potential impact of upcoming school vouchers on public school enrollment. The district aims to showcase educational gains while addressing the pressing issue of dwindling student numbers.
Houston
HISD Launches $350,000 Billboard Campaign Amid Declining Enrollment
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has installed 18 new billboards throughout the metro area as part of a $350,000 campaign aimed at promoting the district’s improving academic performance and encouraging student enrollment. This investment is approximately equivalent to the annual salaries of four high school teachers at new education systems schools.
The billboard campaign has encountered criticism from several parent and teacher groups. Detractors point out that the district previously indicated a need for funding to address basic school necessities, such as HVAC system repairs. HISD has experienced a significant decline in enrollment, having lost approximately 30,000 students over the past decade, which poses a challenge since school districts rely on enrollment figures for funding.
Context Surrounding HISD’s Academic Gains
Concerns regarding HISD’s enrollment have been amplified by the upcoming introduction of school vouchers next school year. Critics argue that these vouchers could further exacerbate the decline in public school enrollment, impacting the district’s funding. Nonetheless, HISD asserts that the billboards were designed to celebrate the hard work and academic achievements of its students and educators while inviting more families to consider enrolling in district schools.
The district reports noticeable improvements in student performance, particularly among Black and Hispanic students, with increased standardized test scores following a two-year state takeover aimed at enhancing accountability and management. Of HISD’s 274 campuses, 121 received a “D” or “F” rating from the Texas Education Agency. However, after two years of oversight, improvements have been seen with only 18 campuses currently rated “D” and no schools holding an “F” rating.
Superintendent Compensation and Public Skepticism
Adding to the discussion surrounding HISD’s governance, Superintendent Mike Miles received a $173,660 bonus this year, in addition to his base salary of $462,000, bringing his total annual compensation to over $500,000. Experts suggest that the appropriateness of such bonuses should be evaluated against the backdrop of overall system performance and salaries of staff, especially in light of the district’s challenges.
During recent council meetings, some members confronting Superintendent Miles raised questions regarding the district’s accountability ratings and called attention to perceived transparency issues. Parents and community members expressed skepticism about HISD’s performance claims, emphasizing the need for further clarification and reliable metrics.
Legal Concerns About Campaign Promotion
Furthermore, concerns have been flagged regarding the district’s policy which permits employees to advocate for or against ballot measures as individuals, provided district resources are not used. A particular flyer promoting a proposed $4.4 billion HISD bond, which featured Highland Heights Elementary Principal Bettina McKinney, has raised potential legal issues about the use of school district resources for political advertising.
The current situation emphasizes a complex interplay between efforts to enhance academic achievement, rise above enrollment challenges, and secure adequate funding for public education in Houston. HISD’s latest initiative reflects both an effort to showcase academic gains amid a backdrop of declining student numbers and the ongoing public discourse surrounding educational funding and governance practices.
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Additional Resources
- ABC13: HISD Confirms Spent $350,000 on Billboards
- Houston Chronicle: Billboards Congratulate Test Score Gains
- Houston Chronicle: Superintendent Mike Miles at City Council
- ABC13: Flyer Advocating HISD Bond Features Principal
- Wikipedia: Houston Independent School District
- Google Search: HISD Enrollment Challenges
- Google Scholar: HISD Academic Performance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Houston Independent School District
- Google News: HISD Billboard Campaign
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
