Introduction to the Budget Approval
Houston ISD’s state-appointed board of managers, which includes four new appointees, has voted unanimously to pass the district’s $2.1 billion budget for the next school year. The budget is 2.5% smaller than the 2024-25 school year budget and includes boosts to several departments and programs.
New Board Members and the Budget Process
The four new board members, Edgar Colón, Marty Goossen, Lauren Gore, and Marcos Rosales, were recently appointed by Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath. They received a "crash course" on the budget’s details ahead of the vote, according to Superintendent Mike Miles. Despite having limited time to review the budget, the new board members did not have any questions and gave their stamp of approval.
Budget Breakdown
The budget allocates $5 million toward pre-kindergarten expansion and $13.7 million for special education teachers and teaching assistants. It also includes $11.7 million for teacher pay raises through a locally designed educator evaluation model coined the Texas Excellence System. This system will score teachers based on classroom observations and students’ test scores, and is expected to become the basis for a pay-for-performance compensation structure beginning with the 2026-27 school year.
Reactions to the Budget Approval
Last year’s budget narrowly passed on a 5-4 vote, with three of the recently replaced board members voting against it. HISD elected trustee Placido Gómez, who has no voting power during the state takeover, spoke during the meeting’s public comment session, noting that the four board members removed by Morath "just so happened to coincidentally be the four board members who had the most questions, who had the most pushback." Over 100 teachers, parents, and students attended the meeting, asking the new board members to involve the community in their decisions.
Financial Projections
For the next fiscal year, HISD is expecting to receive $2.08 billion and spend $2.1 billion, leaving the district with an operating deficit of about $40,000. The district will allocate $21.5 million for schools under Miles’ instructional reform program, the New Education System (NES), and $14 million for other campuses. NES campuses will receive roughly $8,500 per student, while traditional campuses will receive a little more than $6,000.
Conclusion
The approval of the budget marks a significant step for Houston ISD, with a focus on improving education and teacher compensation. Despite concerns from the community and removed board members, the new board members have shown their commitment to the district’s financial future. As the district moves forward, it will be important to monitor the implementation of the budget and its impact on students, teachers, and the community. With a new board in place and a focus on education reform, Houston ISD is poised for positive change in the coming year.
