Results of Texas Republicans in Houston School District
It’s been a couple of years since Texas Republicans took control of the eighth largest school district in the nation, and the outcomes are quite notable.
Back in June 2023, due to issues within certain campuses and leadership failures, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) intervened in the Houston Independent School District (HISD), disbanding the elected school board and bringing in Mike Miles as a state-appointed supervisor.
Out of the roughly 274 schools in HISD, 121 received ratings of D or F in 2023. Most concerning was Wheatley High School, which has received failing marks for seven consecutive years. The school has also struggled to comply with state special education standards and faced significant management challenges.
Under Texas Senate Bill 1882 and House Bill 1842, state intervention is allowed when a district faces multiple consecutive poor ratings. Miles and the newly appointed management committee will oversee HISD until at least 2027, reporting directly to the TEA and bypassing traditional local governance until the district demonstrates sustained improvement.
Over the last two years, Miles has implemented an overhaul of district policies, notably introducing a new Educational System (NES) model to over 100 schools. Teacher salaries have been adjusted, potentially reaching $100,000 or more depending on performance, alongside changes in lesson timing. Several school principals have also been replaced during this time.
No schools failed. None. In the eighth largest district in the country.
Mike Miles should’ve received media praise. The way other cities conduct their studies should be the same.
Instead, he’s often labeled as “controversial,” almost like a villain.
– Daniel Buck, “The Youngest Old Man in the Ed Reform”
These reforms seem to be yielding significant improvements in student performance. While the finalized district-wide rating for the 2024-2025 school year is pending, recent reports indicate that there are no schools with an F rating—quite a turnaround from the 56 schools that previously held that designation.
Republicans have consistently pushed for robust interventions, including state takeovers, merit pay for teachers, and strict accountability measures to tackle failing schools. These policies, however, face opposition from Democrats who often prioritize local and union control over educational management.
The reduction of F-rated schools in HISD just two years after Miles’ takeover is indeed notable. The improvement in STAAR scores and the forecasted B rating for the 2024-25 academic year bolster Republican discussions on these interventions. It also provides a blueprint for implementing similar strategies in urban districts across other Republican-led states facing similar struggles.
The long-term success of these interventions will hinge on community support and Miles’ leadership, but it appears Republicans are making strides in addressing years of failures under previous Democratic management. Children in Texas deserve a better education, and fortunately, state laws are allowing that possibility to unfold.
