Staff Turnover Surges in Houston Schools After State Takeover
In a startling development, Houston Independent School District (HISD) has experienced a significant surge in staff turnover since the state took over the district last year. More than 4,000 employees left the district in June alone, bringing the total departures to over 10,000. While it’s not uncommon for school staff to leave during the summer, the sheer magnitude of this exodus is cause for concern.
Nusaiba Mizan, an education reporter for the Houston Chronicle, revealed that of the 4,000 employees who left in June, over half were teachers. This translates to more than 2,400 teachers parting ways with the district. Additionally, 48 principals and 65 assistant principals left their positions, along with an additional 1,500-plus employees. Mizan noted that this wave of departures also saw an increase in principal turnover compared to previous years.
The Chronicle’s education team had been closely monitoring principal turnover throughout the year and observed a significant spike in departures. Of the 76 principals who left their positions, the majority did so voluntarily. However, Mizan highlighted that some principals were asked to resign or face board termination, shedding light on the challenges faced by school leadership in the current environment.
Teachers who decided to leave cited a shift in culture within the district since state-appointed leadership took control. Many described feelings of fear and micromanagement, painting a picture of increased pressure and scrutiny. Despite these challenges, departing teachers and principals emphasized their dedication to their students and their commitment to following educational reforms.
One special education teacher who chose to leave the district expressed frustration with the portrayal of teachers by the superintendent, noting that educators are doing their best under difficult circumstances. Calls for a change in top leadership echoed among those who departed, underscoring the need for a more supportive and empowering environment for educators.
While the departures were spread across the district, certain campuses saw particularly high exit numbers. Schools like Bellaire High School, Westside High School, Wisdom High School, and Paul Revere Middle School were among those heavily impacted by the staff turnover. Mizan’s presentation of the turnover numbers to the district prompted a response highlighting the low number of vacancies in teaching and principal positions.
According to the district, there are only 43 teaching vacancies across the 274 schools in HISD, a significant improvement from previous years when hundreds of positions remained unfilled. The district also emphasized that all but one principal vacancy had been filled, showcasing their efforts to address the staffing challenges despite the high turnover rates.
In light of the ongoing turnover, teacher groups and the Houston Federation of Teachers have stressed the importance of hiring qualified educators to fill the vacant positions. The need for certified and experienced teachers to step into these roles is crucial to maintaining the quality of education for students in the district.
As HISD grapples with the repercussions of the staff turnover surge, it is clear that addressing the underlying issues contributing to the departures is essential. Creating a supportive and conducive work environment for teachers and school leaders will be key in retaining talent and ensuring the continued success of the district’s educational programs.
