Calls for Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ resignation have been growing amid allegations of funneling money to charter schools out of state. The controversy came to light in a Spectrum News report, which prompted the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to pledge an investigation. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, who appointed Miles to his position, defended him to some extent, stating that the limited information in the news story does not constitute evidence of misappropriation of funds.
However, parents and students are more concerned about other issues within the district, such as budget cuts, layoffs, and school restructuring. Many feel that there has been a complete overhaul of teaching methods, which they believe are ineffective and hinder learning rather than helping it. Helen Repass, a student at an HISD school in Midtown, expressed her dissatisfaction with the specific strategies being forced upon teachers.
In response to these concerns, a movement called “Students Against Mike Miles” has emerged, with dozens of students planning to walk out of their schools to voice their opinions and advocate for their future. Jessica Campos, an HISD parent, expressed her support for the students and their efforts to hold adults accountable for their actions.
The allegations against Miles involve Third Future Schools, a non-profit organization based in Colorado. The organization operates schools in Texas under performance contracts with independent school districts. While Third Future Schools is not a charter school and does not receive state funds, it has been accused of using administrative expenditures to support the academic turnaround of the campuses it operates.
The TEA’s statement clarified that the news story omitted significant context and that the limited information provided does not constitute evidence of misappropriation of funds or contracting violations by the districts involved. However, the TEA has referred the complaint to its complaints team for further review.
Overall, the situation surrounding Superintendent Mike Miles is multifaceted. While some believe he should resign due to the allegations of funneling money to charter schools out of state, others are more concerned about budget cuts, layoffs, and the impact on teaching methods. The “Students Against Mike Miles” movement highlights the growing frustration among students who feel that their future is being compromised. The TEA’s investigation will hopefully provide clarity and address the concerns raised by the community.
