Houston ISD explores more autonomy for top high schools
Some of HISD’s highest-performing high schools could soon gain more independence under an initiative being explored by the district.
Some of the Houston Independent School District’s highest-performing high schools could soon gain more independence under an initiative being explored by the district.
The plan, referred to as “Level 5 Autonomy,” would allow eligible high schools to operate with greater flexibility under Senate Bill 1882, a state law that enables school districts to partner with outside organizations, including non-profits, to manage campuses.
Under this model, participating schools would remain part of HISD but operate under a performance contract with the district. That contract would give principals more control over instruction, testing, staffing, hiring, and the academic calendar, while still requiring schools to meet specific academic goals.
“This initiative is still in the early stages,” said Lana Hill, HISD Director of Communications during the district’s YouTube video. “Eligible principals are engaging staff and stakeholders as the first step. No final decisions have been made on which schools will move to level five.”
To qualify, high schools must have received A ratings for at least four years and demonstrate low achievement gaps between student groups. Schools could either form or join a non-profit board to help manage operations under the state-authorized partnership.
Senate Bill 1882, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2017, provides incentives to districts that create such partnerships, including additional state funding and temporary exemptions from certain state accountability interventions.
The district has not announced which schools are currently eligible or interested. HISD says it will share more information as the process moves forward.
The initiative also raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. Superintendent Mike Miles previously led Third Future Schools, a charter network that has partnered with other Texas school districts. HISD has not yet said whether it would consider or exclude Third Future Schools from future partnerships.
