Houston ISD and Teachers Union Dispute
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) and its largest teachers union, the Houston Federation of Teachers (HFT), are heading back to court to settle a dispute over the distribution of state-funded raises. The union is seeking an injunction to prevent HISD from issuing performance-based raises to teachers and support staff.
Background of the Dispute
The dispute began when the Texas state legislature passed House Bill 2, which allocated $8.5 billion to the state’s public school system. Nearly half of this amount was earmarked for pay raises for teachers and support staff. However, the HFT argues that the bill’s language directs raises to be based on years of experience and district size, rather than performance.
HISD’s Performance-Based Pay Plan
HISD has implemented a performance-based pay plan, which sets a cap of $2,500 per teacher with exemplary scores. The union claims that this plan violates the bill’s intent and diverts across-the-board raises for teachers. Jackie Anderson, the president of HFT, stated that the district’s plan is "absurd" and that the union will continue to fight for the rights of its members.
Teacher Reactions
Many teachers in the district are unhappy with the performance-based pay plan. One teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that they felt "robbed" by the district’s decision to cap raises at $2,500. Another teacher, who has worked in the district for 18 years, received a raise of only $750 and felt that it was a "slap in the face."
History of Disputes between HISD and HFT
The dispute over pay raises is just the latest in a series of disagreements between HISD and HFT. The district has implemented testing-focused instructional reforms and seen significant staffing turnover since it was taken over by the Texas Education Agency in 2023. The union has criticized these reforms and the district’s handling of teacher evaluations.
Superintendent Mike Miles’ Response
HISD Superintendent Mike Miles has been vocal in his criticism of the union. In a recent interview, he stated that the union leaders are "extreme" and have never said anything positive about the district. He also claimed that the union receives disproportionate media attention and that its membership is smaller than it claims.
Union Membership and Representation
The HFT reports having approximately 4,000 members, including teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff from more than 270 campuses. However, membership has fallen dramatically in recent years due to high turnover in the district. Michelle Williams, the president of the Houston Education Association, a smaller union representing approximately 200 education professionals in HISD, stated that her organization has also suffered membership decline due to the high turnover rates.
Conclusion
The dispute between HISD and HFT over pay raises is a complex issue with no clear solution in sight. The union is seeking an injunction to prevent the district from implementing its performance-based pay plan, while the district claims that its plan is permitted by the law. As the case heads back to court, teachers and support staff in the district remain uncertain about their future and the impact of the district’s decisions on their livelihoods. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for the education system in Houston and the state of Texas as a whole.
