As the 2024-25 school year ends, Houston ISD stands at a pivotal moment following the Texas Education Agency (TEA)’s recent announcement of extending its takeover of the school district. What comes next will shape the district’s future far beyond test scores.
That was not the only change HISD went through. Here are five notable changes that happened during the school year:
TEA extended the Houston ISD takeover
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) extended its takeover of HISD through June 2027, citing ongoing reforms and unfinished progress. State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles will remain, and four new members have joined the Board of Managers. TEA says improvements in academics and special education justify the extension, although HISD must still meet key exit criteria. Community reaction is mixed. While some applauded progress, others criticized Miles’ reforms and called for more local input. As Houston’s elected board prepares for a phased return, advocates stress the need for transparency.
HSD mandated its curriculum at NES campuses
Most non-NES schools are also expected to adopt the curriculum, which is aligned with state standards and features slide-based lessons, timed instruction and small-group reteaching used in NES schools. Supporters, including Superintendent Mike Miles, say it ensures consistency and academic rigor, while critics, including students and teachers, argue it’s rigid, impersonal and error-prone. Miles says improvements in the curriculum are ongoing. Despite controversy, all board members approved the plan, signaling HISD’s continued push for centralized instruction under the state-appointed leadership.
Black-majority high schools lag in accountability ratings
Most of HISD’s Black student majority schools remain stuck in low-performing cycles. According to data that predates the TEA takeover and Miles’ leadership, the district’s overall score fell from a B (88) in 2022 to a C (72) in 2023. In contrast, districts like Galena Park and Pasadena, which also serve minority students, earned B grades. The statewide drop stems from tougher college and career readiness benchmarks. While HISD highlights recent academic gains, the ratings underscore long-standing disparities and the urgent need for focused support in historically underserved Black communities.
HISD introduced a new teacher evaluation system
Starting with the 2025-26 school year, HISD will implement a new pay-for-performance model called the Teacher Excellence System (TES), replacing the state’s Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) framework. TES evaluates educators across four domains: Instruction quality (45%), student achievement (35%), planning and professionalism (15%) and campus action plan (5%). New teachers will earn $70,000, while top-rated educators can earn up to $92,000. Critics of the system argue it fosters unhealthy competition and lacks meaningful teacher input.
HISD is eyeing budget cuts amid an enrollment drop
HISD’s 2025-26 budget includes $24.9 million in central office cuts and staff reductions, with 103 positions set to be eliminated. Miles emphasized fiscal sustainability and minimizing classroom impact amid a projected 6,800-student enrollment drop. The budget’s final shape hinges on state legislation following the 89th legislative session, including House Bill 2, which could raise per-student funding and teacher salaries. School funding, under a revised model, will be based on enrollment, while NES campuses remain centrally funded.
As HISD braces for another year ahead, the stakes are high. Whether these reforms lead to lasting improvement or deepen existing divides will depend not just on policy but also on people: Those who teach, learn and lead every day.
