Houston ISD Superintendent Receives Significant Raise
Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles has been granted a five-year contract extension, which includes a substantial raise of $82,000 per year. This increase brings his annual salary from $380,000 to $462,000, making him one of the highest-paid superintendents in the state of Texas.
Background on the Contract Extension
The approval of the new contract comes less than a month after Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath replaced four members of the nine-member board of managers. This change in leadership has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that the state’s ongoing takeover of HISD is an attempt to exert control over the district. The revamped board unanimously approved a $2.1 billion budget for the 2025-26 school year, in addition to Miles’ contract extension.
Reaction from the Board President
Board President Ric Campo stated that the contract extension was necessary to ensure the district’s continued transformation. He also noted that the new contract maintains rigorous evaluation criteria and compensation that aligns with comparable school districts in Texas. Campo expressed pride in the success of HISD students and looked forward to continued progress under Miles’ leadership.
Comparison to Other Superintendents
According to Texas Education Agency data, Miles’ new base salary will rank him among the highest-paid superintendents in the state. The highest-paid superintendent in the 2024-25 school year was Randall Meyer from Victoria ISD, with a base salary of $565,047. In the Houston area, the highest-paid superintendent was Greg Poole from Barbers Hill ISD, with a base salary of $489,143.
Criticism from the Houston Federation of Teachers
The raise for Miles has drawn criticism from the Houston Federation of Teachers, a union representing thousands of teachers in HISD. The union’s president, Jackie Anderson, argued that the raise is a "money grab" for Governor Greg Abbott and his supporters, and that it has nothing to do with student outcomes. Anderson also pointed out that the vote for the raise came after the removal of outspoken board members who may have opposed it.
Details of the Contract
In addition to the raise, Miles’ contract includes a performance incentive pay plan tied to a points-based evaluation system created by the board. He can earn a maximum incentive pay of $231,000 per year. The contract also includes personal protection and a district vehicle, and the board can reevaluate and adjust his salary at any time during the five-year contract.
Conclusion
The contract extension and raise for Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles have sparked controversy and criticism from the Houston Federation of Teachers. While the board president argues that the extension is necessary for the district’s continued transformation, others see it as an attempt to exert control over the district. As the district moves forward, it will be important to monitor the impact of Miles’ leadership and the state’s intervention on student outcomes and the community as a whole.
