News Summary
The Houston Independent School District has announced that 21 principals will not return for the upcoming academic year, marking significant leadership changes. While some departures are due to personal reasons, many are linked to performance issues. Currently, 37 out of approximately 270 HISD campuses will experience changes in leadership, and the district emphasizes its commitment to improving educational outcomes through leadership training programs. Notable transitions include several prominent elementary schools as the district prepares for the new school year.
Houston District Faces Major Principal Turnover Ahead of School Year
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) confirmed that 21 principals will not return for the 2025-26 school year. This significant leadership change was announced in May 2024, as the district prepares for the upcoming academic year starting on August 12, 2025. Among the departures, five principals cited personal reasons for their exit, while others left due to performance issues.
Details on Principal Departures
Among the announced principal departures, five were highlighted during a May Board of Managers meeting. HISD has not disclosed specific campuses that will experience changes in leadership, instead redirecting inquiries to the Texas Attorney General’s office. Notably, 25% of HISD principals had already left the district by the end of the 2023-24 school year due to performance-related issues.
For the upcoming school year, at least 37 out of approximately 270 HISD campuses will be under new leadership. Families were informed about specific transitions at several elementary schools, including Pugh, Benbrook, Carrillo, Love, and Durham Elementary. For instance, Justin Buren, principal at Durham Elementary, officially communicated his resignation on July 17 due to personal circumstances. Similarly, Eva Davila, who led Carrillo Elementary for one year, has transitioned to a new role.
Notable Leadership Changes
The specifics around which principal transitions are related to performance issues and which are personal have not been fully clarified. On July 17, Dana Darden, a long-term principal of Benbrook Elementary, was removed and succeeded by Edward Heard from the principal training program. Michelle Williams, president of the Houston Education Association union, described Darden as an outstanding leader in the district.
Other notable changes include Scott Platt, principal at Love Elementary, who announced on July 22 that he would be leaving for a new opportunity. Furthermore, principal Keith Garcia and assistant principal Anthony Infante from Pugh Elementary were reported to be leaving immediately.
District’s Leadership Improvement Efforts
HISD’s commitment to strong leadership is emphasized through its investment in leadership training programs aimed at improving both academic performance and campus environment. Currently, records indicate that 171 principals have departed since the appointment of state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles in June 2023. A total of 177 principal changes have been confirmed across 156 HISD campuses.
During a recent overhaul, HISD temporarily removed principal biographies and staff directories from its websites. The evaluation ratings for principals revealed that 21 were classified as Progressing I, the lowest tier, with an additional 53 classified as Progressing II. The majority, totaling 101 principals, were rated Proficient I. Schools that underwent principal changes primarily received B ratings, while some were rated A-, C-, D, or F prior to these leadership alterations.
Future Outlook for HISD Leadership
Looking forward, HISD has withheld information regarding principals classified as Unsatisfactory. The Texas Education Agency is expected to release the official ratings for the 2024 and 2025 school years on August 15, which may provide further insight into the leadership landscape within the district.
New appointments for several campuses are already taking shape, with Laura Gonzalez designated as the new principal at De Zavala Elementary and Regina Johnson set to lead MacGregor Elementary. As HISD navigates these significant leadership changes, the district continues to underscore the vital role of effective leadership in driving educational success amid ongoing challenges.
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: HISD Principal Turnover
- Houston Chronicle: HISD Principal Tracker
- ABC13: HISD Leadership Changes
- Google Search: HISD Leadership Changes
- Houston Chronicle: HISD Principal Ratings and Exits
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Leadership
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.
