Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles brought a data-heavy presentation to City Hall this week, telling council members that HISD schools are defying long-held narratives about poverty, race and achievement.
At the council’s Economic Development Committee meeting, Miles touted HISD’s gains while parents, educators and union leaders criticized his leadership and New Education System (NES) reforms.
While reading from a slide deck containing Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability data, Miles argued HISD has made historic progress, turning 56 F-rated campuses at the start of the intervention to zero and doubling the number of A and B-rated schools in 2025.
Miles framed HISD’s progress as part of a broader fight to rescue public education, citing a Good Reason Houston report showing that only 17% of HISD’s Class of 2017 graduates were earning a living wage six years later.
“That is a cause for alarm for the entire area,” he told council members, adding he is committed to breaking the cycle where “zip code equals destiny.”
What did Miles say?
Miles highlighted two years of test score growth across grade levels. Reading proficiency rose by 9 to 12 points in several grades, while math jumped 15 points in eighth grade. Gains were especially strong among Black, Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students, who outpaced white peers in growth rates.
“Look at the scores in just two years. No other district can claim this growth or the narrowing of the achievement gap,” Miles said, crediting a mix of high-quality curriculum, strict instruction and a high-performance culture.
He also pointed to HISD’s NES reforms, which emphasize daily coaching for teachers, defined instructional strategies and pay-for-performance compensation.
“This is how we do it here,” Miles added. “We’re gonna give you the highest salaries, the curriculum, the best professional development. On the other side, your principal will be in your classroom a lot. You’ll be evaluated on a pay-for-performance system. You’ll be required to do certain things instructionally that are non-negotiable. If you don’t want your principal in your classroom, this is not the place to work.”
Council members’ questions
While Miles’ presentation emphasized success, council members pressed him on issues ranging from school safety to budget priorities and teacher morale. Their questions underscored the tension between the district’s reported academic gains and persistent community skepticism.
Council member Martha Castex-Tatum said many Houstonians find it hard to believe that some schools’ ratings jumped so quickly.
Miles acknowledged the skepticism but insisted the TEA data is accurate.
“Two years ago, it was hard to believe that this could happen. You can have all the conspiracy theories you want. The people who do believe it are the parents and the kids who are succeeding.”
Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles
Council member Abbie Kamin questioned why some HISD classrooms must keep doors open when questions concerned school safety. Miles said fire codes require it, but HISD invests in secure vestibules and single-entry systems.
Kamin also criticized HISD’s billboard spending while schools struggle with HVAC failures and a shortage of wraparound services. Miles countered that charter schools also use billboards and defended HISD’s prioritization of funds, noting that federal COVID-19 relief dollars were previously spent on recurring costs, leaving the district with a $256 million deficit when he arrived.
Council member Edward Pollard questioned why HISD intervenes in high-performing schools. Miles responded that even some A and B schools hide deep achievement gaps.
“We have to find autonomy,” Miles clapped back. “Let’s say you have a school that’s a ‘D’ and the achievement gap is 45%. Do you do something about that or not? I won’t cuss, but yes, I will do something about that.”
Council member Julian Ramirez asked Miles about allegations that HISD inflated scores by shifting students out of tougher classes. Miles dismissed the claim, noting that algebra enrollment rates remain consistent and biology can be taken in 10th grade without disadvantaging students.
“The context is, we improved in every single grade compared to the state,” Miles said. “Do you think that we got there by manipulating the data?”
A former educator, council member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz raised concerns about teacher morale and certification. Miles replied that HISD has raised average teacher pay by $8,000 since 2023 and offers the highest salaries in the region. He acknowledged that about 17% of HISD teachers are still pursuing certification, but argued that strong coaching and feedback have allowed uncertified teachers to succeed.
Other council members asked about declining enrollment. Miles said demographic shifts and deportation fears have fueled enrollment losses, but stressed that the district will “rightsize” staffing and continue to prioritize instruction.
He promised all HISD schools will be A or B-rated campuses by 2027.
Comments from speakers
Speakers accused Miles of inflating academic gains while destabilizing classrooms.
“I do not want Mike Miles to fail,” said State Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons. “What we want is accountability, to be able to collaborate with our superintendent.”
Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers, cited alarming statistics: HISD lost 7,400 students and 4,700 teachers in one year, with turnover nearly double the state average.
“What does this mean for Houston’s economic health?” Anderson asked. “Losing students means less funding, triggering budget shortfalls and program cuts. Losing teachers, especially experienced ones, undermines instructional quality. Over time, these losses grow.”
