Controversy seems to follow new superintendent Mike Miles, yet he is unfazed, unapologetic, and unbothered. Blame his demeanor on his military background, his track record of educational success, or the age-old adage of pleasing everyone bring a fruitless endeavor. Miles has a steadfast determination. His reputation thrives on being an unyielding administrator capable of identifying the shortcomings in underperforming schools and transforming them to be more efficient and effective institutions of higher education for greater student achievement. His leadership style is radical, demanding, and aggressive, prompting the question: Is he the type of visionary leader Houston Independent School District (HISD) needs to thrive?

Each new school year brings about change for growth and advancement. However, not all changes are welcomed. State appointed Superintendent Miles and the board of managers have not been met with fanfare. Nevertheless, Miles is convinced that his style of leadership is just what the largest district in Texas needs.

Here’s Why

From the outset, Miles unveiled an ambitious agenda for HISD that involved employee reductions, curriculum adjustments, and the introduction of incentive-based compensation through his innovative New Education System (NES). A plan that resembles successful strategies implemented during his tenure at the helm of the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) and Harrison School District 2.

Evidence has shown the positive impact of higher teacher salaries within DISD low-performing schools to result in enhanced student test scores. However, critics of the plan have said an atmosphere of fear was created as teachers were pitted against each other due to the “pay-for-performance” model that was used. When Dallas discontinued teacher and principal stipends, student test scores dropped, and higher-paid teachers left to find better opportunities with the exact or more pay. The teacher turnover rate surged from 12% to 22%. A hit of this nature is not something that Houston can afford with the already existing teacher shortage.

As much success Miles had in Dallas there was also plenty of controversy. Accusations surfaced of policy abuse by hiring personnel before position were made public and before background checks were performed. His Chief of Staff resigned following a federal indictment, and his Head of Human Relations made fun of race and religion. More controversy was raised when the salary of a communication employee doubled, whom Miles brought with him from his previous job in Colorado.

Miles began immediately implementing his plans for Houston within his first week on the job by identifying the district’s lowest performing schools and reforming them to be NES or NES-aligned schools. Campuses designated as NES schools that are mainly populated by Black, Hispanic, and low-income will see changes that include standardized materials for students, staff raises, and the elimination of some libraries. Teachers and principals at these schools had to reapply for their jobs. Those hired back could see pay raises of up to 61% of their current salaries under Miles pay-for-performance module and teachers will receive assistance from apprentices and learning coaches to help them do their jobs. NES schools are those from the Wheatley, Kashmere, and North Forrest feeder patterns. Students will be taught with a new math and science curriculum and can take advantage of some extracurricular classes taught by leaders in the community. Libraries will be repurposed into detention centers where troubled students will be taught virtually and librarians and media specialists will be reassigned. A move that has been highly criticized, especially since data shows that there was an increase in books checked out by students when there was a full-time librarian on staff. The militant leader also has plans to cut contracted special education employees for full-time employees.

NES-aligned schools will see many of the same changes as NES schools. The big difference between them is that staff did not have to reapply for their jobs, nor will they receive pay raises. Fifty-seven schools have been identified as NES-aligned excluding Bellaire, Heights, Lamar and Waltrip high schools.

To help fund the higher pay of some employees, Miles cut numerous employees and jobs, mainly from the central administration office. Staffing has gone from a little over 10,000 employees to almost 8,000.

These types of reforms have contributed to some of the teacher shortages throughout the district. Miles answers that problem with a plan to hire uncertified teachers. Kind of ironic when Miles himself had to get a waiver from the board of managers to be superintendent since his own superintendent certification expired in 2018. Why make requirements for those seeking jobs when you can’t fulfill the same eligibility for yourself?

Naysayers have said that Miles does not appreciate teachers, students, schools, or public education. Some critics even voice concerns that Miles may try to make some schools in HISD charter schools under the premise that they would get a better education. What Miles has said is that part of his plan for the next 5-6 years for HISD is to reform at least half of all schools with the NES by the 2025-2026 school year.

Miles has over 35 years in education with experience as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent. He was trained to treat schools like businesses. Although there is a big-money education, schools should not be treated with such rigor. More care and concern is needed for the human interest of all people involved to create a more conducive learning environment.

Only time will tell if Miles stays in Houston long enough until his plans come to full fruition. Or if these same plans will be highly beneficial for an increase in student achievement. One thing for sure is that the 2023-2024 school year will be full of change, but whether that change will help the district thrive is still a question.

Changes in HISD for 2023-2024

Miles began immediately implementing his plans for Houston within his first week on the job by identifying the district’s lowest performing schools and reforming them to be NES or NES-aligned schools. Campuses designated as NES schools that are mainly populated by Black, Hispanic, and low-income will see changes that include standardized materials for students, staff raises, and the elimination of some libraries. Teachers and principals at these schools had to reapply for their jobs. Those hired back could see pay raises of up to 61% of their current salaries under Miles pay-for-performance module and teachers will receive assistance from apprentices and learning coaches to help them do their jobs. NES schools are those from the Wheatley, Kashmere, and North Forrest feeder patterns. Students will be taught with a new math and science curriculum and can take advantage of some extracurricular classes taught by leaders in the community. Libraries will be repurposed into detention centers where troubled students will be taught virtually and librarians and media specialists will be reassigned. A move that has been highly criticized, especially since data shows that there was an increase in books checked out by students when there was a full-time librarian on staff. The militant leader also has plans to cut contracted special education employees for full-time employees.

NES-aligned schools will see many of the same changes as NES schools. The big difference between them is that staff did not have to reapply for their jobs, nor will they receive pay raises. Fifty-seven schools have been identified as NES-aligned excluding Bellaire, Heights, Lamar and Waltrip high schools.

To help fund the higher pay of some employees, Miles cut numerous employees and jobs, mainly from the central administration office. Staffing has gone from a little over 10,000 employees to almost 8,000.

These types of reforms have contributed to some of the teacher shortages throughout the district. Miles answers that problem with a plan to hire uncertified teachers. Kind of ironic when Miles himself had to get a waiver from the board of managers to be superintendent since his own superintendent certification expired in 2018. Why make requirements for those seeking jobs when you can’t fulfill the same eligibility for yourself?

There is even some discussion about how Miles wants to effect change in athletics with limiting the number of games students can play and the elimination of some sports programs.

Naysayers have said that Miles does not appreciate teachers, students, schools, or public education. Some critics even voice concerns that Miles may try to make some schools in HISD charter schools under the premise that they would get a better education. What Miles has said is that part of his plan for the next 5-6 years for HISD is to reform at least half of all schools with the NES by the 2025-2026 school year.

Miles has over 35 years in education with experience as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent. The former state diplomat, ranger, and CEO charter school consultant was trained to treat schools like businesses. Although there is a big-money education, schools should not be treated with such rigor. More care and concern is needed for the human interest of all people involved to create a more conducive learning environment.

Only time will tell if Miles stays in Houston long enough until his plans come to full fruition. Or if these same plans will be highly beneficial for an increase in student achievement. One thing for sure is that the 2023-2024 school year will be full of change, but whether that change will help the district thrive is still a question.

For now Houston, keep your eyes glued to HISD.org for more information.