Advice to a School Board Member

A while back, I heard from a friend down in Texas that he was running for the school board – specifically the Houston school board.

Yesterday, he wrote this on Facebook:

“I believe in the promise of public education, and I’ve spent my career helping students and schools live up to that promise. Thirty-three years ago, Houston ISD took a chance on my fresh out of the University of Houston. I began my career teaching 7^th grade math at Attucks Middle School, then taught Algebra and Geometry – and coached soccer – at Westbury High School. From there, I served as principal at Pin Oak Middle School, Westside High School, and Bellaire High School. My commitment to this district is also personal. My wife spent 17 years as the registrar at Pershing, and our two daughters are proud graduates of HISD. I’ve experienced this district at its best.”

“I believe in the promise of public education and the power a school system has to change the trajectory of a young person’s life. My guiding principle as a school leader was centered on the idea that students should leave each day smarter and stronger than they came. I have witnessed the magic that happens in classrooms across this city, and I know, through experience, what is needed to ensure it continues. We must support our teachers while also relentlessly advocating for our students. We have to be honest with the community about what’s working and what’s not. And when we are at our best, we approach the work with patience, respect, and wisdom.”

“I believe in the promise of public education, and I need your help. While education and politics have certainly become more entangled, I remain optimistic that better days lie ahead. There’s a stronger case to be made for public education, and it’s on us to make it clear and compelling. But we can’t hide from the current reality. Chronic underfunding from the legislature, the launch of school vouchers, and the ongoing state takeover of our district all threaten our students’ ability to get the education and the future they deserve. We must address this reality head-on.”

“We’ve got hard work, important work, and uncertain work ahead. I am confident we are exactly the people needed to restore the public’s voice to our public schools and get HISD back on track. 180,000 students are counting on us to get this right.”

“I’m running for HISD Trustee because I’m ready to get to work. I hope you’ll join me.”

A few weeks ago, this is part of a text this candidate sent me:

“Inspired by the notion of ‘do something!’ and understanding that much of the most important decisions are made locally, I’ve decided to run for the HISD school board. The election is November 4.”

“Leadership absolutely matters. Out district is under attack (state takeover) and public schools across Houston are vulnerable.”

“This is an area I have never explored and I’m excited to embark on this new adventure. I’m also appropriately nervous.”

And here was my response:

“So HISD is moving away from a Board of Manager (state takeover) leadership model back to an elected school board? If so, you need to make sure you have three things to win your victory:

1. An improvement strategy that speaks to all kids (think about school safety, academic excellence, and school/school district climate)
2. Identify preferably five other candidates that agree and can support the improvement strategy you create
3. And make sure current Superintendent Mike Miles goes away, because you won’t have a chance at building community trust around #1 and #2 with him around

I hope my friend wins, but more importantly, I hope my friend follows my advice. After working in and with the Houston public schools from 1984 to 2018, I learned that one person wanting to make a difference by winning a HISD board of trustee seat usually made no difference at all. I have personally advised school board candidates in the past who ignored my coaching on forming a voting block at the board table and watched while those board members floundered without that type of support.

If you are to improve HISD, or any other urban school district for that matter, it requires commitment to a mission, vision, values, and goals that are embraced by a majority of the elected school board. It also requires school district leadership who can embrace the board’s strategic intent and execute on its specifics. Current state-appointed superintendent Mike Miles, and his leadership team, probably isn’t the right group to depend on to make this new enterprise a reality for those supporting it – namely the newly elected board members, the community they represent, and most importantly, the young learners attending Houston’s schools.

My friend tells me the state-appointed Board of Managers will remain in Houston until June 1, 2027. On that date, the State of Texas will immediately cycle 3 managers off the board and 3 elected trustees on. This process will continue annually until the board represents fully elected leaders selected by the Houston voters.

I wish my friend luck and will stand present to help them through the gauntlet known as the election process. But be forewarned – without a strategy, a team committed to that strategy, and dismissal of the current Houston superintendent, I’m afraid my friend doesn’t stand a chance in hell of making a difference for the kids of Houston.

Here’s another “F in Exams: The Very Best Totally Wrong Test Answers” classic:

Give a brief explanation of the meaning of the term “hard water.”

Answer –

Ice.

I’ll be away until August 4^th. Til then – enjoy your July and stay cool. SVB