The Texas Education Agency on Thursday announced Houston Independent School District's new superintendent and nine-member board. The announcement comes almost three months after the agency officially announced its takeover of the state’s largest school district in March.
After receiving 462 applications and conducting 52 interviews, the state chose Mike Miles, former superintendent for Dallas Independent School District and Colorado’s Harrison School District, as the district’s new leader. Miles is also founder and CEO of Third Future Schools, a charter network with schools in Colorado, Texas and Louisiana.
The following members of the public were chosen to serve on the Houston ISD Board of Managers:
- Litigation attorney Audrey Momanaee
- Chairman and CEO of Camden Property Trust Ric Campo
- Former teacher and administrator Angela Lemond Flowers
- Education policy expert and advocate Michele Cruz Arnold
- PTO volunteer and business strategy manager Cassandra Auzenne Bandy
- Energy management consultant Janette Garza Linder
- Houston ISD District Advisory Committee member Rolando Martinez
- Former member of Texas State Board of Public Accountants Paula Mendoza
- Real estate business owner Adam P. Rivon
“We were looking for people from a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who believe all children can learn and achieve at high levels when properly supported and who can work together," said Texas Education Commissioner MIke Morath in a statement.
In its hiring process, the state prioritized candidates who had "a strong track record of improving outcomes for students in prior school system leadership roles, especially when outcomes were improved in schools with chronically low student achievement," according to the agency's announcement.
Morath also formally suspended, effective immediately, the former board members and former district Superintendent Millard House II in a letter addressed to them on Thursday. He urged the new superintendent to work with House "to provide for a smooth leadership transition."
Prior to the board's official announcement, House announced Wednesday evening on social media that his time in the office was drawing to a close.
"We accomplished many of the goals we set together in the last two years," he wrote. "And while I know our time was cut short, I have no doubt that there will be more successes to come."
Miles, who began working as superintendent on Thursday, is under a 21-day interim contract until the new board of managers gives the final green light for his appointment.
