Misleading Update to SBOE by Commissioner Morath

Debbie Hall sent this letter to the state-appointed HISD Board of Managers a few days ago. I am sharing it here so that all our Students Need Libraries readers are aware of the snow job that is happening in TEA. We must all continue to speak up at every opportunity. There are no roses to be found in the chaos that Mike Miles is instigating. Our HISD students across the district are subjected to unreasonable education methods. 
 
I saw that Mr. Morath recently gave the SBOE an update on the Houston ISD takeover. I am sure you are aware of the fact that this takeover by TEA has received national attention and generally it has not been viewed by the public favorably. I wanted to clarify the remarks he made to you. We do not need more misinformation. 

1. Mr. Morath stated incorrectly that HISD was beginning the year with no vacancies. That is highly questionable. Looking at the HISD website, numerous positions are being advertised. We have seen multiple instances of inaccurate information being reported by this administration. Miles is working hard to fill the teaching positions even as he has made cuts in the Personnel department. At least one hired teacher was escorted off campus when the district realized that individual failed the background check. Mr. Miles is insisting on moving as quickly as possible and this is definitely putting students at risk. A number of teachers have been hired that are not certified. Putting unprepared, untrained staff in schools is disturbing. Currently the district is advertising and looking to hire more hourly lecturers who will not be certified educators.
2. At least 28 libraries have been converted to discipline/study centers. The contents of the libraries are in disarray due to accommodating large numbers of desks. Some of the library shelving and books have been removed from schools and sent to the warehouse to make room. These items were on the campus inventory and part of a school’s capital outlay. It is unclear if this is being accounted for. One of the constraints on school policy is a focus on equity which is not being considered. Currently it is estimated that about 1/3 of HISD schools no longer offer library services. Most of the schools where libraries are being eliminated are in minority communities.
3. Much money is being spent on desks, additional support personnel, and administrative support. Reading is supposed to be a major focus which is understandable. What is not clear is why Mr. Miles is targeting libraries and removing the services of a librarian on campus. The teacher is responsible for students learning to read. The library is responsible for inspiring kids to want to read as well as teaching research skills to enable students to effectively search for information online and within a library collection.  It makes no sense to close libraries when you are trying to increase reading scores. 
4. The appointed Board of Education is merely a rubber stamp. TEA has instituted an autocracy. There is no accountability for Miles' spending or policies.
5. TEA should enforce standards in schools like having certified personnel. Mike Miles is an uncertified superintendent. What does that say about the decision to put him in charge of the largest school district in the state? 

The long term effects of the takeover are huge. All Texas schools are currently struggling to hire teachers. This takeover is going to make it worse. No one is going to want to teach in Houston under this administration.  We need a state board that will work to improve education for students, teachers, and our communities. Allowing Mike Miles and Mike Morath to be unaccountable is a travesty and will ultimately add to the teacher shortage problem statewide. 
 
Sincerely,
Deborah Hall
Education Advocate
Retired Educator