Voters reject Houston ISD’s historic $4.4 billion bond proposal

HOUSTON – Vote on Election Day for the $4.4. billion bond proposal Houston Independent School District to meet school infrastructure needs were still uncounted as of 10 p.m., but early and mail-in votes showed the proposal failed by a wide margin — nearly 60% voted against — and the district gave the defeat.

Superintendent Mike Miles sent a letter late Tuesday evening that began with a quote from Nelson Mandela: “There can be no sharper revelation of the soul of a society than the way it treats its children.”

Miles said teachers worked hard to improve education and “we as a community have failed them.”

“In this case, adult politics defeated the needs of our children. It’s unfortunate and wrong, but I want to assure you that it will not limit our ability to do the things our students need. I know that our most effective principals and teachers can reach students even in the worst circumstances because they have been doing this for more than a year. Teaching and learning will continue, and we will continue to transform this district for all students.”

The bond was the largest proposal in Texas education history. The money would have funded upgrades to heating, air conditioning and security systems and expanded education programs.

While many people supported the bond’s passage, more voters did not.

Several Harris County leaders and state leaders sent a collection of responses to the failed bond:

“This vote is further evidence that Houston parents and teachers do not trust Mike Miles. I applaud Texas AFT, the advocacy groups, the parents, the students and the volunteers who have worked tirelessly to spread the message of “no trust, no bond.” Today the community decided that we cannot hand over $4.4 billion to a superintendent and board that is not accountable to the people. Today, the families of HISD were heard,” said State Rep. Christina Morales.

“This sends a clear message to Republican-controlled, Texas Education Agency-appointed, uncertified Superintendent Mike Miles and his unelected, Republican-leaning Board of Managers. Houston voters see through the bullying tactics and stand united against this coerced agenda. Most of the bond’s proponents were on the payroll or expected to make money from it. Elections are important, and today’s vote underlines that point,” said State Rep. Jolanda Jones.

State Senator Molly Cook added, “The failure of both bonds sends a clear message to Austin and to Governor Abbott that Houston will fight for our public schools and we will not accept taxation without representation. We will continue to trust our teachers, oppose school vouchers, fight to regain elected control of our school system, and advocate for investments with responsible oversight of our public schools.”

According to Texas Bureau of Education-appointed chief inspector Mike Mileswhich has conducted multiple independent assessments, the district has determined it needs $10 billion for repairs and improvements. Still, the bond was set at $4.4 billion to keep it within reach of the community.

“We had five different groups assess the condition of our facilities and infrastructure…$10 billion was needed, but we had to choose an amount that the community could afford,” Miles said.

To ensure accountability, Miles has established an oversight committee that will be responsible for distributing the funds.

The bond, called “Renew HISD”, was intended for the reconstruction or renovation of existing primary and secondary schools.

About $1.3 billion went to “investments in every school,” such as updating HVAC systems, an issue that forced the closure of several schools in May after severe thunderstorms.

An additional $1 billion would have been allocated for career and technical education, including expanding the district’s pre-K program for young children.

HISD’s proposal: