Organizational Announcements and Statements (15)

 

Houston, TX – The Houston ISD Board of Education trustees announced today that they had narrowed their search for Houston ISD’s next superintendent to Millard House, who currently serves as Clarksville-Montgomery County School System’s Director of Schools. Latinos for Education, a national education advocacy organization that works to elevate the voice of Latino educators and leaders in education policies and systems, launched a campaign earlier this year to ensure the voice of Latino parents and educators was included in the search process given that 62 percent of students within Houston ISD are Latino. Andy Canales, Executive Director of Latinos for Education in Houston, issued the following statement on the board’s decision:

“For a district as diverse as Houston ISD, the next superintendent must commit to closing racial and equity gaps when it comes to academic achievement and student outcomes. This is especially true as we rebuild our education system back from a pandemic that has exacerbated racial inequities and set back so many of our students. Mr. Millard House has an impressive track record of turning schools around, and we hope he can scale that transformation for a district that is significantly larger and has many more Latino students than those he has previously led. We urge Mr. House to partner with, and listen to, Latino parents, educators and community leaders as we seek a path forward for Houston ISD after this devastating pandemic.

When we interviewed Latino parents about the expectations they have for Houston ISD’s incoming superintendent, their expectations were clear:

  • They must improve the quality of education students receive and improve student outcomes for all.
  • They must champion equity in their decision making by understanding the diversity of Houston ISD students and targeting resources equitably.
  • They must listen and understand the needs of the Latino community and provide Latino parents with opportunities to support their child’s education.
  • They should be someone with a history of successful school leadership in Black and Latino communities and someone who reflects the district’s diversity.
  • They must have a clear vision for how they will tackle the issues that are top of mind for Latinos: access to early childhood education, improving early literacy, revamping the quality of education for English Language Learners, recruiting and supporting diverse educators, and getting students prepared for college.

They must have a clear vision for how they will tackle the issues that are top of mind for Latinos: access to early childhood education, improving early literacy, revamping the quality of education for English Language Learners, recruiting and supporting diverse educators, and getting students prepared for college.

We look forward to working with Mr. House to ensure these expectations inform his priorities, decisions and actions, and that we create an education system in Houston ISD where Latino students can thrive.”
###
About Latinos for Education:
Latinos for Education is an education non-profit organization focused on developing, placing, and connecting essential Latino talent in the education sector. The organization is mobilizing a network of skilled education leaders to ensure the voice of students and families is not only heard but factored into decision-making in schools, communities, and education institutions throughout the U.S. The organization also ensures Latino education professionals have access to a nationwide network of peers as well as career and professional development opportunities across the country through the members-only EdCentro network. For more information visit: https://www.latinosforeducation.org.

Media Relations Contact:

Carolyn Pruitt
512-484-7180
[email protected]