Supporters of HISD Magnets and Budget Accountability

Last week, we published an article highlighting the widespread instability caused by constant leadership changes under Mike Miles. On 11/14, 139 students, parents, and community members called on him to stop the disruption during an emotional board meeting. The very next day, Miles went on KPRC2, claiming that 1-2 principal changes out of 274 schools is not a lot. That’s completely false. As we noted, close to?160 principals?have been removed since Miles took over HISD. This pattern of destabilizing schools shows no sign of slowing down. And this week, the destruction continues at Lantrip Elementary, a gem of a non-NES school in Houston’s East End. Lantrip serves a community where 80% of students are economically disadvantaged and 85% are Hispanic. Its accountability score rose from a B to an A last year, so it was never in the scope of the takeover, which was supposed to focus on D and F schools. Yet Lantrip is still a casualty of HISD’s chaos. Last spring, 71% of teachers left after their principal was forced to resign. In July this year, Ms. Valiza Castro was hired as principal. This morning, she was placed on administrative leave, less than six months into the job—a story eerily similar to what happened at Pershing just last week. Why? There will be a “reason” given—and then there will be the?real?reason. Just like at Harvard, they’ll likely cite a small subset of students (fewer than 20) who aren’t testing at the same level. STAAR or BOY data will be used to justify removing another leader who doesn’t align with district control. This tactic is clear: 1?? Use selective data to justify removal. 2?? Destabilize the community. 3?? Creep in NES policies and district curriculum. This isn’t about students or families. It’s about control. In a letter to parents, Dr. Luz Martinez wrote: “We are committed to finding an interim leader and then a permanent leader who will team a high-performing team… by design, not by chance.” But one has to ask—if Luz Martinez and Mike Miles are hiring principals “by design” only to remove them within six months, is this an example of building a high-performing team, or simply lazy, incompetent leadership? When will Miles hold Luz Martinez accountable? When will Mike Morath and Greg Abbott hold Miles accountable? And how does upheaval at A- and B-rated schools serve the purpose of meeting the first exit criteria of no multi-year failing campuses? #OurKidsOurSchools #AccountabilityStartsAtTheTop #IncompetentLeadership #DestabilizingOurSchools #FireLuzMartinez #LuzFailedLeadership #LuzLeadershipCrisis #TimeForChange #InstabilityByDesign #LeadershipFailure #LuzNotFitToLead #HISDDeservesBetter #NoConfidenceInLuz #ReplaceIneptLeadership #UnqualifiedAndUnfitLuz https://lnkd.in/g2A7B3w9

Approximately 160 principals changed in about 18 months. Communities shaken. Schools in turmoil. Under the current HISD administration, our school communities have been plunged into an era of destabilization—and the upheaval is only intensifying, leaving students, parents, and teachers grappling with instability. Here’s a closer look at the sweeping changes and their lasting effects on our schools. Houston Food Bank Greater Houston Partnership Lina Hidalgo Houston Federation of Teachers Good Reason Houston Megan Menchaca CHILDREN AT RISK THE METROPOLITAN ORGANIZATION NAACP Houston Branch Houston Chronicle Judith Cruz Mike Miles Houston ISD Houston ISD Foundation Senator John Whitmire Sylvester Turner for Mayor

This is an open invitation for the Greater Houston Partnership to meet with parents who created a grassroots effort to defeat the bond. Let's work together to make incredible things happen. https://lnkd.in/gXJ3XpjY

“Harris County voters have rejected Houston ISD’s historic $4.4 billion school bond…due largely to voters’ mistrust of state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles.” - Megan Menchaca, Houston Chronicle. This election outcome sends a powerful message: HISD families are not mere “noise” but a vital voice that deserves respect and meaningful engagement from district leaders. While this result may bring some relief, it is far from a cause for celebration. Our children still deserve safe, modern, and well-equipped learning environments, and it is profoundly disappointing that the current administration has not earned the trust needed to provide them. In his post-election letter, Superintendent Miles expressed, “I believed this bond was a unique opportunity for this community to come together on behalf of its children…very disappointed in the result.” Yet he missed the central truth: this community did come together on behalf of our children. Through a grassroots movement, families united to overcome millions in PAC funding aimed at passing the bond. We came together to send a clear message: we love our children, and we will not saddle them with 30 years of debt overseen by leaders who have shown disregard for both education and educators. We will not allow our children’s futures to be mortgaged without robust safeguards and transparency to ensure that investments truly benefit their education. We now call on HISD leadership and bond supporters to engage sincerely with our community to identify the district’s most urgent needs and develop a smaller, focused bond proposal that addresses these needs as soon as possible. Our families deserve a transparent, collaborative process that prioritizes our children’s futures. This election result is a clear statement: the community has lost confidence in Mr. Miles and the current Board of Managers. Our district requires leaders who demonstrate integrity, transparency, and a commitment to partnering with families and educators. To our fellow HISD families, let us stand united in calling on the district to work with us—not only to create a bond plan we can wholeheartedly support but in every decision that impacts our schools. Together, we can demand a brighter path forward, because our kids deserve nothing less.

As you head to the polls today, imagine casting your vote in a school bond election, only to find that the funds you approved might not actually serve the schools that need them most. With HISD’s bond proposals—Propositions A and B—we’re faced with exactly that dilemma. Houston taxpayers are being asked to approve nearly $4.4 billion in funding, but questions loom large about how this money will be allocated, who will benefit, and who will be left behind. From inflated construction costs and troubling inconsistencies in funding allocations to decisions made with minimal community input, HISD’s current leadership is asking for trust without providing transparency. At Supporters of HISD Magnets and Budget Accountability, we believe in the importance of public education and sound governance, and we also believe that Houston’s children and families deserve leadership that’s genuinely accountable and financially responsible. In this article, we break down the issues surrounding these bond propositions and why we’re urging Houston voters to take a closer look—and vote AGAINST Propositions A and B. #notrustnobond #wrongbondwrongtime? Houston Food Bank Greater Houston Partnership Lina Hidalgo Houston Federation of Teachers Good Reason Houston Megan Menchaca CHILDREN AT RISK THE METROPOLITAN ORGANIZATION NAACP Houston Branch Houston Chronicle Judith Cruz Mike Miles Houston ISD Houston ISD Foundation

On the Eve of Election Day, we encourage you to reflect on these questions as you decide whether to vote FOR or AGAINST Propositions A and B tomorrow: 1. Why are schools with similar Facility Condition Index (FCI) scores and enrollment levels (utilization rates) receiving drastically different funding levels in the proposed bond? ? What criteria are guiding these funding decisions? 2. How does the cost per school in HISD’s bond proposal compare to similar projects in neighboring districts? ? Why might HISD schools be allocated more per project? Bond proponents claim cost estimates will be refined after the bond passes—so where would any excess funding go? 3. Why are some schools being “co-located” instead of receiving individual facilities, and what impact could this have on students’ learning environments and community identity? ? What criteria are being used to decide which schools will close and where students will be “co-located”? 4. Why are so many longtime supporters of public school bonds opposed to this one? ? Why are parents and teachers against it? Bond proponents claim it’s because we don’t care about children or simply don’t like Mike Miles. Does that ring true? ? What real safeguards are in place to ensure bond funds will be spent efficiently and benefit all children in the district? 5. How does HISD plan to address the high turnover rates of teachers and principals, which contribute to declining enrollment? ? How will these factors, which affect both the stability of schools and long-term funding for the bond, be managed? Until these questions are fully answered, we believe voting AGAINST is the only responsible choice. #notrustnobond #wrongbondwrongtime Lina Hidalgo Greater Houston Partnership Houston Food Bank Houston Federation of Teachers Good Reason Houston Megan Menchaca CHILDREN AT RISK Judith Cruz THE METROPOLITAN ORGANIZATION NAACP Houston Branch Houston Chronicle

It’s not about feelings; it’s business: Why we should vote NO on the HISD bond—and it’s not because we simply “don’t like” Mike Miles. Supporting a $4.4 billion bond without scrutinizing HISD’s leadership is risky. Granting billions to a district led by an administration lacking transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility is simply a gamble Houston taxpayers can’t afford. Under Superintendent Miles, HISD has expanded executive roles and salaries while cutting essential positions like librarians, custodians, maintenance crews, and wraparound specialists—those who serve our most vulnerable students. This is questionable priority! With HISD’s deficit at $528 million, approving billions more without assurance of responsible allocation is unwise. Even the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board, a consistent advocate for education funding, has raised alarms about HISD’s instability and lack of accountability under Miles. HISD’s bond process has ignored best practices for community engagement, planning, and transparency, making this bond about more than buildings—it’s about trust in leadership. Miles’ approach has alienated the community rather than collaborating with it. If a leader fails to inspire trust, voters should hesitate to endorse such a large investment. Teacher turnover, now over 40%, disrupts classroom stability and harms students. Principal turnover is even higher, exceeding 50%, destabilizing schools for teachers and students. This upheaval, coupled with uncertified hires replacing qualified staff, compromises standards. While Miles touts “improvement,” the lack of transparency around data and rating methods leaves parents and teachers questioning the real impact. Effective funding must go hand in hand with stable, supportive leadership—something HISD currently lacks. HISD’s bond proposal resembles an unchecked budget for a company struggling with management. Recent choices, like converting libraries into discipline centers, reveal an agenda that contradicts community values. If HISD leadership’s values misaligned with those of the community now, there’s little reason to believe bond funds would be spent differently. Voting NO on this bond is not a rejection of better facilities for students; it’s a demand for responsible stewardship. Houston deserves a better bond. Stakeholders deserve to have a voice. This isn’t a vote against schools but a call for HISD to prove it’s ready to manage our investment. In business, leadership matters. A capable leader can turn around a struggling organization, while misaligned leadership can sink even the best-funded venture. Voting NO isn’t about opposing investment in education—it’s about protecting that investment, ensuring HISD’s future reflects our community values and truly serves our students. Would any business leaders you know have ever been brazen enough to ask their Board for $4.4 billion without best practices and stakeholder engagement, as Miles has? Never in a million years.

Why the HISD Bond Proposal Doesn’t Meet the Mark As Houston approaches the final days of voting on HISD’s $4.4B bond, a critical question remains: can Houston ISD and Mike Miles handle this responsibly? Based on Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) guidelines, the answer is a resounding “NO.” TASB’s 7 Steps for Passing a School Bond outline essential requirements, and HISD’s process reveals gaps in every step: 1?? Ample Planning Time: TASB suggests a year for planning; HISD rushed this in ~4 months, limiting community engagement. 2?? Strategic Vision: There’s no comprehensive plan aligning bond projects with HISD’s long-term goals—just a list of upgrades. How will we maintain these new investments? 3?? Transparent Needs Assessment: TASB recommends detailed assessments; HISD’s lack of transparency leaves priorities unclear (e.g., why are schools with urgent needs getting temporary fixes, while wealthier schools receive major rebuilds?). 4?? Community Involvement: Trust is essential, yet HISD’s minimal engagement (4 Community Advisory Committee meetings, 5 community meetings in 4 weeks, reaching only ~300 people in a district of 189,000 students) has fueled skepticism. 5?? Unified Board Support: HISD’s appointed board lacks public trust and cohesion, which TASB emphasizes for oversight. (Bond Oversight Committee also has no authority for true oversight). 6?? Grassroots Support: HISD’s limited outreach failed to build essential backing among parents and teachers. 7?? Avoiding Pitfalls: TASB warns that poor communication and ignoring feedback can derail bonds. HISD’s lack of clarity reflects these risks. In short, this bond lacks the transparency, accountability, and strategic planning needed to succeed responsibly. Let’s advocate for the right foundation before making this commitment. #HISD #HoustonEducation #SchoolBond #Accountability #notrustnobond #wrongbondwrongtime Greater Houston Partnership Houston Food Bank Houston Federation of Teachers Good Reason Houston Lina Hidalgo CHILDREN AT RISK Mental Health America Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston Judith Cruz Mike Miles THE METROPOLITAN ORGANIZATION NAACP Houston Branch Wendell Robbins III Daria Wenas

Were there community input? Judith Cruz, would you please offer some insight?

Open Letter to the Houston Business Community: Why We Should Vote No on HISD’s Bond Proposal As stakeholders in Houston’s growth and stability, we urge you to carefully assess HISD’s $4.4 billion bond proposal. While improved school infrastructure is essential for our future workforce, this bond is a flawed solution, plagued by issues with transparency, financial oversight, and broader economic impact. 1. Lack of Transparency on Bond Allocation The bond lacks clear criteria for project prioritization, creating an appearance of inequitable allocation. Data shows wealthier areas receiving full rebuilds, while lower-income communities face “co-locations”—closures by another name—or only receive temporary fixes. This lack of transparency has eroded community trust. 2. Lack of Oversight and Accountability HISD’s leadership has unprecedented control over spending, with limited oversight to prevent wasteful or fraudulent spending. Effective governance is essential, yet the Bond Oversight Committee has no authority, leaving no guarantee that funds will be responsibly managed. 3. Growing Deficit & Financial Instability HISD’s budget deficit has risen to $528 million under Superintendent Miles, who has expanded executive roles, cut frontline staff, and invested in redundant technology while neglecting essential maintenance. The current administration’s handling of the budget is a preview of how they may manage bond funds. 4. Need for Voter-Approved Phased Funding Although bond funds will be issued in tranches starting in 2025, voter approval should also be phased. Voting in tranches ensures that each phase is based on demonstrated need and responsible spending, aligning with business principles and reducing risk. 5. Risk to Property Values and Taxes High turnover among teachers and principals, unqualified replacements, and untested methods have led to declining enrollment, threatening property values, potentially reducing HISD’s tax base and increasing taxpayer burdens. 6. Leadership Concerns Suggest Execution Risks Poor leadership can turn good projects into failures. Superintendent Miles’ rushed rollout of NES and management of the district’s astronomical employee turnover indicate how he may execute this bond—with disastrous results. Effective implementation requires stable leadership, which HISD currently lacks. For these reasons, we believe it’s essential to demand a more accountable, phased approach from HISD before supporting this bond. Voting no encourages HISD to refine its proposal with strong oversight and proven strategies to better serve our schools and community. Sincerely, Supporters of HISD Magnets and Budget Accountability #notrustnobond #wrongbondwrongtime Greater Houston Partnership Houston Food Bank Houston Federation of Teachers Good Reason Houston Lina Hidalgo CHILDREN AT RISK Mental Health America Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston Judith Cruz Mike Miles THE METROPOLITAN ORGANIZATION NAACP Houston Branch