By At a recent event, Superintendent Mike Miles addressed the importance of putting students first in discussions about the future of Houston ISD, particularly in relation to the upcoming HISD bond proposal, part of the district’s Renew HISD initiative.
During the Good Reason Houston ConnectED Luncheon, held at the Royal Sonesta in Houston, Miles participated in a panel discussion alongside Dr. DeeAnn Powell, Superintendent of Pasadena ISD, Dr. LaTonya Goffney, Superintendent of Aldine ISD, and Mark DiBella, CEO of Yes Prep Schools. The discussion was moderated by Cary Wright, CEO of Good Reason Houston.
During the panel, Miles addressed the upcoming HISD bond proposal, part of the district’s Renew HISD initiative, aimed at addressing significant structural needs across campuses, ensuring safe and healthy learning environments, and preparing students for future success without raising taxes for district residents.
This bond is aimed at addressing significant structural needs across campuses, ensuring safe and healthy learning environments, and preparing students for future success without raising taxes for district residents.
Miles highlighted that the work required to improve student achievement in the district is difficult but essential. “This is the most important work of our time,” he said, acknowledging the challenges in pushing for change. For Miles, the upcoming bond is a test of whether the district can prioritize students or fall into political distractions.
The Renew HISD bond proposal is centered on three main areas: Safe and Healthy Campuses, Future Ready Learning Spaces, and Restoring Houston’s Schools. These investments are designed to not only improve the physical infrastructure of schools but also enhance student learning environments. By focusing on safety and capacity, early childhood education, and Career and Technical Education, HISD aims to adhere to state safety standards and address regional needs related to growth.
In his remarks, Miles emphasized the importance of high expectations and accountability in achieving real student progress, particularly when it comes to narrowing achievement gaps between students in both strong and underperforming schools. He framed the bond proposal as a critical opportunity to decide whether the district’s focus remains on improving outcomes for all students or whether other priorities will take precedence.
“I won’t advocate for it, but the bond is an example of whether you support kids first or some political agenda,” Miles said. He expressed optimism that the bond would pass, though he also reflected on what failure could mean. “What will the opposition be cheering for? Will students have won?”
Miles is committed to moving the district forward.
“Five years from now, ten years from now, we’re going to have a stronger Houston because the achievement is going to grow, the achievement gaps will narrow, and we’ll prepare kids for the year 2035,” he said.
Texans will have an opportunity to vote for the bond during the general election Nov. 5. Stay updated with the latest HISD news! Download our new HISD Source app, available for both Android and Apple devices.
