HISD leaders insist dozens of teacher layoffs are unrelated to $450 million budget gap

In Houston, Texas (KTRK), some Houston ISD educators faced the difficult news during Teacher Appreciation Week that they won’t be returning next school year.

At Herod Elementary and Briargrove Elementary School, parents reported that approximately a dozen teachers at each campus received notices of termination.

While school officials didn’t confirm the exact numbers, the impact of these decisions was deeply felt by Reece Carr, a former HISD middle school teacher who was let go earlier in the year.

Carr empathized with the newly affected teachers, recalling the emotional turmoil of losing her job without the chance to bid farewell to her students.

HISD Superintendent Mike Miles addressed the issue during a news conference, attributing the decisions to performance rather than financial constraints. He assured that vacant positions would be filled.

Nevertheless, the district is facing a substantial deficit, leading to proposed cuts in various areas except for classroom teachers.

Despite Miles’ explanations, educators expressed frustration with his leadership. A survey conducted by the Houston Federation of Teachers revealed that 98% of its members lacked confidence in the superintendent.

Amidst these uncertainties, Carr, having already navigated the challenge of losing her job, expressed concern for her fellow teachers who now find themselves in a similar situation.

For HISD officials, efforts are underway to swiftly fill the vacancies through job fairs and hiring initiatives, ensuring that classrooms will be staffed for the upcoming school year.