Houston Independent School District (HISD) Superintendent Mike Miles announced significant budget cuts for the 2024-2025 academic year, affecting several campuses due to declining enrollment.
Approximately two dozen schools will face up to 12% budget reductions, while others will see an expansion in funding under the district’s New Educational System (NES) model.
“We need to ensure we are doing everything to enhance these schools programmatically, academically and instructionally.Closing a school without providing adequate support undermines our commitment to the community.”
mike miles
Miles outlined the district’s approach, emphasizing five core principles guiding the budget creation process.
- Limiting budget cuts to schools that maintain budgetary control
- Investing in educators and administrators
- Keeping budget cuts as far away from classrooms as feasible
- Setting priorities for the projects and activities included in the District Action Plan
- Reducing inefficiencies and waste at the central office
“Our task is not only to ensure a balanced budget but also to prevent reaching a fiscal cliff, ensuring stability,” Miles said.
The impending cuts stem from the conclusion of federal pandemic relief funds and a continued decline in HISD’s student enrollment. As per Texas state funding calculations, districts receive approximately $6,000 per student, with enrollment numbers directly influencing funding allocations. Despite a substantial state surplus, Texas legislators failed to secure additional funding for public schools after a dispute over school vouchers.
Miles estimates the budget cuts will save around $15 million district-wide. While a fraction of broader efficiency measures, these reductions mark the first instance of widespread staffing reductions at the campus level under Miles’ leadership.
Addressing community concerns, Miles pledged not to close any campuses for the upcoming academic year. He said the district is committed to improving underperforming schools through instructional enhancements, programmatic support, and academic initiatives.
“We need to ensure we are doing everything to enhance these schools programmatically, academically and instructionally,” Miles said. “Closing a school without providing adequate support undermines our commitment to the community.”
HISD has experienced a significant decline in student enrollment, dropping by approximately 32,000 students from 2016-17 to 2023-24, reflecting the challenges urban school districts face nationwide.
The district’s board of managers will review and approve the budget in June.
