Houston ISD job cuts: Superintendent Mike Miles blames funding

HOUSTON — Job cuts across the board are happening in Texas’ largest school district.

Houston Independent School District Mike Miles said despite what critics say, his first year leading the district has been a success.

He cited COVID funding no longer being available for some of the cuts, but also said performance reviews played a role.

The district is trying to close a $450 million gap to stay on track with next year’s $800 million budget.

Miles said several people will not return to work for the district next year, but said layoff is not the right word since they will still finish the school year.

“No one was fired, whether it was a teacher or a principal,” the superintendent said. “As far as guards or other positions, I have already said that we are reducing positions in many, many departments.”

Comprehensive specialists, who provide resources to students like food and health care referrals, are a recurring expense, according to the district. Pandemic-era funding that paid for these specialists is no longer available, HISD said.

As for teachers and principals not returning, Miles said performance reviews are to blame. Teachers’ union members argue otherwise

“Yes, we heard that, we heard yesterday that there was a mass layoff of principals and teachers,” said Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers. “There is also a massive layoff of plant operators and maintenance staff. This is quite alarming because everyone has a role to play in the education of our students.”

HFT held its own event before Thursday’s HISD board meeting, calling Mile’s first year as superintendent a disaster.

Despite the job cuts, the district said it received 2,000 applications for the 800 open teaching positions it is seeking to fill.

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