Texas Education Commissioner Praises HISD Progress, Considers State Takeover Future

State Takeover of HISD

• 🎯 The state took over Houston ISD nearly two years ago due to perennially failing schools.
• 🔍 Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath recently toured HISD campuses to assess progress.

Academic Improvements Claimed

• 📈 Morath praised the academic gains observed, particularly highlighting the success at Kinder HSPVA.
• 💡 He stated that the state intervention, led by Superintendent Mike Miles, has resulted in the largest academic improvement at this scale in the United States.
• 📊 Morath believes that educational opportunities have improved for more students since the takeover.

Review of State Intervention

• 🗓️ Commissioner Morath is legally required to review the state's intervention after two years, a process he will soon undertake.
• 🤔 He is actively considering the next steps for the state leadership in HISD.
• 🎤 Morath visited multiple campuses, including historically challenged schools like Forest Brook Middle School, to gather information for his review.

Criticism and Opposition

• ⚠️ Morath did not directly address ongoing criticisms regarding alleged fraud, waste, and dishonesty within HISD.
• 🗣️ He also did not directly respond to vocal opposition to Superintendent Mike Miles, including a petition to replace him.
• 💬 Houston Education Association President Michelle Williams expressed that the Commissioner is not listening to students, staff, and community members who report a different story than Miles.
• 🚧 Despite criticisms, Morath maintains that the focus is on continuous improvement for all children.