Before I begin this article, I would love for you to watch the following clips as references to give you a better idea of what led to the TEA takeover in Houston ISD.
The 2023-2024 school year marked a turbulent chapter for the Houston Independent School District (HISD) as it became the largest district in Texas to fall under the control of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) due to low performance at Phillis Wheatley High School. This unprecedented move sparked heated debate, leaving many wondering about the impact on Houston’s students, educators, and the community. Let’s delve into the first year of this takeover and explore the key developments, ongoing challenges, and the uncertain road ahead.
Leadership Shakeup and Reform Initiatives
Mike Morath, TEA Commissioner, appointed a new Board of Managers and Superintendent Mike Miles, who implemented various reforms focused on academics, school climate, and community engagement. Increased investment in core subjects, new curricula, and teacher training aimed to boost academic achievement. Initiatives to improve school safety included converting some libraries into “team centers” for students facing behavioral issues, a move met with criticism from parents and educators.
A Year of Challenges: Teacher Shortages, Special Education Concerns, and Community Discontent
The first year under TEA control presented significant challenges. A teacher shortage forced HISD to hire non-certified teachers, particularly in special education, raising concerns about the quality of instruction for special needs students who require specialized support. Parents also expressed anxieties regarding changes in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and access to qualified specialists.
The TEA takeover fueled a sense of unease within the community. Many residents worried about a loss of local control over HISD schools and felt the TEA lacked transparency in decision-making processes. Regular board meetings offered opportunities for public input, but some community members felt their voices were not being heard.
The Budget Shortfall
As Texas’ 7th largest school district, Houston ISD has been grappling with financial difficulties for years. Currently, they are dealing with a staggering $450 million budget gap. To put this in perspective, HISD’s total budget for the upcoming year is $800 million. This deficit has forced the administration to make tough choices; such as staff reductions across many departments and removal of quality programs, like libraries.
- Position Cuts and Non-Renewals:
- Miles confirmed that an unspecified number of teachers will not have their contracts renewed next school year. Principals are assessing all data to make decisions on which teachers should return.
- He emphasized the importance of looking beyond spreadsheets and considering factors like teacher responsiveness to feedback and continuous improvement mindset.
- While the exact number of non-renewals remains fluid due to ongoing decisions by teachers, Miles believes the district will be able to fill those positions as it did last summer.
- No teachers or principals have been let go, but other positions (such as custodians) are being reduced across various departments.
- Wraparound Services Specialists, who ensure students’ are receiving non-academic services, are being cut as well.
- Budget Gap:
- HISD faces a significant budget gap, estimated at $450 million for the upcoming school year.
- The end of federal COVID-19 relief funds (ESSER dollars) has complicated the financial situation.
- Jobs in various roles, including custodians and administrative staff, are at risk due to the funding gap.
- Campus Funding Cuts:
- Some campuses within HISD are experiencing up to 12% budget cuts for the 2024-2025 academic year due to declining enrollment and other factors.
- The New Education System (NES) reforms, coupled with the exhaustion of federal monies, contribute to the funding challenges.
In summary, Superintendent Miles acknowledges the severity of the budget crisis and emphasizes data-driven decision-making while navigating these financial constraints
The outlook on the budget for the next school year is unclear. The TEA has yet to release its funding plans for HISD, and budgetary constraints could further limit resources for crucial areas like teacher recruitment, special education services, and instructional materials.
The second year of the TEA takeover will be critical. Continued improvement in academic performance will be a top priority. Addressing teacher concerns, ensuring qualified educators are in place, and fostering trust within the community will be essential for long-term success. Increased transparency from the TEA and the Board of Managers regarding decision-making and communication with the community will be crucial to navigating this uncertain path forward.
State takeovers have a mixed track record in Texas. While some districts have seen improvement, others have struggled. The long-term impact on HISD remains to be seen. Stay tuned for further insights into the evolving story of Houston ISD.