Houston Independent School District's (HISD) TEA-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles outlined the upcoming year's budget challenges during his first State of the District address, highlighting potential funding cuts of up to 12% for some campuses due to declining student enrollment, the drying up of federal funds, and the expansion of the district's reform program. The address, hosted by the HISD Foundation, faced protests from anti-takeover parents and educators. At least three individuals were escorted out by law enforcement for attempting to disrupt the speech, with one protester voicing opposition to library changes. Outside the venue, protesters and a welcoming choir represented the divided sentiments towards the state takeover of HISD since last summer.
There were two different welcoming committees at Houston ISD's “State of the District” event today. Inside was a choir singing while outside protesters were chanting about what they believe the state takeover of HISD has done since last summer. https://t.co/lN7hrRNvt4
Protesters disrupted an annual Ramadan iftar event in Houston, Texas when the city’s major John Whitmire was welcomed on stage and began his speech. Earlier in March, the mayor ignored a demand from Houston Muslim leaders for the mayor to call for a ceasefire https://t.co/Ekg5UtvBmB
Mike Miles pitches vision for HISD at first State of the District address amid protests https://t.co/sMvY9zXYXn
At least three folks escorted out by law enforcement at Houston ISD Foundation “State of the District” luncheon. They tried to disrupt Supt. Mike Miles’s speech. One spoke out against library changes #khou11 @KHOU https://t.co/oOdN2IDAQ3 https://t.co/nyyzDr1Dmx
Inside ⬅️➡️ Outside. Anti-takeover parents and educators protesting today’s Houston ISD “State of the District” luncheon where TEA-appointed Supt. Mike Miles is delivering an address. The HISD Foundation hosts the annual event. More later on @KHOU #khou11 https://t.co/UJoWnpGsAn
HISD's Superintendent Mike Miles laid out the framework for next year's budget, warning that some campuses will see funding cuts of up to 12% as student enrollment continues to drop, federal monies run dry and the district expands its reform program. https://t.co/XhYjyF8TkO