Introduction to HISD’s New Contract Extension
Houston ISD’s state-appointed board of managers has approved a five-year contract extension for Superintendent Mike Miles. This decision was made during a recent board meeting, where members did not discuss the contract renewal before approving the extension.
Background on the State Takeover
The district has been under state control for two years, and Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath has announced that it will remain so for at least two more years. This decision was made after a review of "local feedback" and a "comprehensive evaluation" of the district’s progress. As part of this process, Morath also overhauled the state-appointed board, replacing four members with new ones.
Reaction to the Overhaul
The overhaul was met with criticism from Democratic state lawmakers, including Rep. Gene Wu and Sens. Carol Alvarado, Molly Cook, and Borris Miles. They accused Morath of removing members who were critical of the superintendent. Despite this, the new board has expressed its support for Superintendent Miles, citing the district’s improved performance under his leadership.
Performance Under Superintendent Miles
Recent STAAR exam results show that HISD students have made significant progress in some subjects. For example, 51% of students met the standard for Algebra I, compared to the statewide average of 47%. In Biology, 63% of students met the mark, 1 percentage point higher than the state average. However, the district still lags behind in English I, with only 46% of students meeting grade level, compared to the state average of 51%.
Contract Details
The new contract extension ensures that Superintendent Miles will remain in his position for the duration of the state intervention. According to board president Ric Campo, the contract maintains "rigorous evaluation criteria and compensation that aligns the HISD superintendent position with comparable school districts in Texas." Campo expressed his confidence in Miles’ leadership, stating that the district looks forward to continued progress under his guidance.
Conclusion
The contract extension for Superintendent Mike Miles is a significant development in the ongoing story of HISD’s state takeover. While the district still faces challenges, particularly in English I, the recent STAAR exam results show promise. With Miles at the helm, the district is poised to continue its transformation and make further progress in the coming years. As the district navigates this critical period, it remains to be seen how the new contract extension will impact its future success.
