June 10, 2025

Houston ISD Board Considers Certification Waiver for Superintendent

News Summary

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) board is deliberating a waiver request for Superintendent Mike Miles from the Texas certification requirement, amidst an alarming teacher shortage. Currently without the necessary certification, Miles faces scrutiny as the district struggles to fill teaching positions, having over 800 uncertified educators. HISD aims to address these issues through innovative recruitment measures while navigating oversight from the Texas Education Agency aimed at resolving systemic challenges within the district.

Houston ISD Board Weighs Certification Waiver for Superintendent Amid Teacher Shortages

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) board is considering an application to request a waiver from the Texas certification requirement for Superintendent Mike Miles, as the district grapples with a persistent teacher shortage. This decision comes after discussions held during a board meeting on Thursday and is intended to be submitted to the Texas Commissioner of Education, Mike Morath.

Superintendent Miles currently receives an annual salary of $380,000 and a bonus of $126,730. However, he does not possess the required certification for his role, a fact that has been a focal point for critics who reference his lack of certification when challenging his policy choices. According to Texas Education Code, a school district superintendent must be certified; districts can seek waivers if necessary. The HISD board had previously allowed a certification waiver request at the beginning of Miles’ tenure on June 15, 2023.

Teacher Shortage Compounded by Certification Issues

The need for such waivers is underscored by the district’s struggle to fill teaching positions. As of Fall 2024, HISD notified 406 uncertified teachers that they would not be returning for the 2025-26 school year due to insufficient progress in obtaining necessary credentials. The district entered the 2024-2025 school year with over 800 uncertified teachers, significantly highlighting the ongoing teacher shortage crisis.

Superintendent Miles emphasized the mission to hire and retain effective teachers, referencing studies that suggest uncertified educators can perform at similar levels as their certified counterparts. Furthermore, HISD has successfully reduced its number of teacher vacancies—a major concern in previous years—culminating in a total of 30 vacancies, down from numbers exceeding 600.

State Oversight and Changes in HISD Leadership

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently intervened in HISD operations by removing nearly half of the elected board members and appointing new members, including Edgar Colón, Marty Goossen, Lauren Gore, and Marcos Rosales. The previous Board of Trustees’ president, Dani Hernandez, voiced concerns regarding the removal of board members who had represented parent perspectives and advocated for district transparency.

Morath has extended the state’s control over HISD for an additional two years to continue addressing deeper systemic issues within the district. In the wake of this oversight, the HISD board’s agenda also includes discussions related to the upcoming 2025-26 budget alongside the certification waiver request.

Impact of Certification Problems

The ongoing challenges around teacher certification within HISD have also led to serious consequences. In May 2025, the district faced significant upheaval, with 733 educators facing nonrenewal of their contracts due to certification issues. The state of uncertified teachers increased from 12% to 19% between October 2023 and October 2024, reflecting a worrying trend as the district continues to navigate hiring difficulties.

A certification cheating scheme that involved falsified credentials for educators in HISD has further exacerbated the situation, resulting in charges brought against five district employees by the Harris County District Attorney’s office.

In response to these staffing challenges, HISD has initiated recruitment for uncertified teachers, allowing them to obtain their certifications during the waiver period. This recruitment effort has been aided by the district’s operational flexibility granted under its District of Innovation status, aimed at providing innovative solutions to educational staff shortages.

HISD’s proactive measures—such as regular progress checks for uncertified teachers and advance notice regarding potential employment outcomes—highlight the urgency of addressing credentialing issues amidst a backdrop of systemic challenges.

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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.

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