Introduction to the Budget Plan
The state-appointed superintendent of Houston ISD, Mike Miles, has recently announced his proposed priorities for the upcoming school year’s budget. The district’s state-appointed board of managers is set to approve the 2025-26 school year budget by June. Initial drafts show that the district plans to have a $2.1 billion unbalanced budget and a deficit of around $33 million.
Key Action Items
Miles has listed eight key action items for the board to consider prioritizing. These include investing in the district’s health and safety programs, adding 800 Pre-K seats districtwide, and improving the transportation system. The superintendent plans to pour $40 million into the district’s health and safety needs, which would include repairing some campuses’ air conditioning and heating systems.
Health and Safety
The $40 million investment in health and safety would focus on the biggest needs where the most kids are being served. However, some of the district’s smaller schools may not receive this funding. Miles explained that an algorithm was used to find the schools with the greatest needs, and the funding would be allocated accordingly.
Transportation
Miles also wants to invest $10 million into optimizing the district’s transportation system. This would involve improving the accuracy and timeliness of the district’s data system tracking students’ bus routes. The goal is to make the system more efficient, better for kids, and increase ridership.
Pre-K Expansion
The superintendent plans to create 800 more pre-k seats, which would require an estimated $5 million. This would involve hiring pre-k teachers and ensuring that there is enough room in classrooms. The goal is to reduce the number of students per class from 22 to 11.
Additional Priorities
Other priorities include investing $2 million in the communications department, specifically the HISD Now service, a district-produced YouTube channel. Miles is also asking the board to allocate $1 million for the implementation of the new teacher evaluation system, known as the Teacher Excellence System. This would also involve a retention plan for teachers considered "proficient" and "distinguished" by offering them higher salaries.
Career and Technical Education
Miles also wants to renovate the Barbara Jordan Career Center and expand Career and Technical Education programs for students. This would cost an estimated $10 million.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proposed budget plan for Houston ISD focuses on investing in the district’s health and safety programs, expanding pre-k seats, and improving the transportation system. The plan also includes investments in the communications department, teacher evaluation system, and Career and Technical Education programs. The state-appointed board of managers will review and approve the budget by June, and the district will work to address its $33 million deficit.
