Dallas, TX
Houston ISD’s new state-appointed superintendent wants to use the same polarizing approach he applied in Dallas schools
Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
Mike Miles, the new state-appointed superintendent of the Houston Independent School District, started his tenure in a manner eerily similar to how he ended his embattled time in charge of Dallas Independent School District: with everyone asking where he was.
During the first Houston ISD school board meeting led by the board of managers that the Texas Education Agency appointed as part of the state’s recent takeover of the district, many community members were upset they didn’t see Miles until he came in the very end. Eight years ago, after a tumultuous three years as superintendent of the Dallas ISD, Miles didn’t show up to his last board meeting.
Already, the manner in which Miles has begun his new position in Houston is drawing comparisons with his short-lived stint in Dallas. Within a week of being appointed to lead Houston ISD, the largest school district in Texas, Miles announced an overhaul of certain campuses and a new program that will pay teachers more to work with students struggling academically, steps that resemble his approach during his last superintendent gig.
But while his management methods laid the foundation for some future success in Dallas ISD, they also left behind various scandals, caused veteran educators to leave the district and ultimately didn’t result in significant academic gains.
The TEA announced earlier this month it would place Miles at the helm of the state’s largest school district after years of poor academic outcomes at a single campus in the district, Phillis Wheatley High School; allegations of misconduct against school board members; and the ongoing presence of a conservator who’s been overseeing the district for years. Despite community opposition, the agency says those problems required it to take over the school board and replace the elected members with temporary, hand-picked board members.
Miles’ job is to get the district back on track in accordance with TEA standards. Already, the former Dallas ISD superintendent has announced sweeping changes to 29 schools that historically serve some of Houston ISD’s lowest-performing students. Wheatley is among this crop of schools.
These schools will be placed under Miles’ so-called “New Education System,” which he describes as an “innovative staffing model that puts the focus on classroom instruction and improved student outcomes.”
At the schools that will be included in the program, all teachers and other employees will need to reapply for their jobs. For those teachers hired in these campuses, the average salary pay could reach $95,000 a year once incentives based on test results and stipends are thrown in. Such paychecks would represent a 61% increase in pay from the average teacher salary in Texas.
Under the program, Miles will also relocate librarians from those schools to other campuses, saying that his staffing priorities will be on those employees who will help students read, write and do math, according to the Houston Press.
Miles plans to cut 200 jobs from the district’s administrative offices to pay for these higher salaries.
“We will be aligning our resources — especially our most effective teachers and principals — to better serve students in underserved communities,” Miles said in a statement. “For students who need to catch up and in schools that have failed for years, we will be offering more instructional time.”
Miles did not respond to an interview request. He intends to host several community meetings to explain his plan.
Miles’ vision and his plan to get there align with the emphasis that TEA Commissioner Mike Morath and some lawmakers have put on grading school districts largely based on scores from State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness tests. Morath himself served as a Dallas school board member when Miles was in charge of Dallas ISD and was one of the few board members with whom Miles had a good relationship.
Miles’ plan for Houston ISD is similar to a program he started in Dallas before he resigned with two years left on his contract. That program, which launched after Miles resigned, gave teachers huge pay bonuses if they boosted standardized test scores in some of the campuses with the biggest needs. Some low-rated campuses saw improvements as part of the program, but scores fell again once funding dried up and teachers left because they weren’t getting paid the same.
Other school districts across the state implemented the program after its early success in Dallas.
Miles also was the driving force behind revamping the school district’s teacher evaluation system, which was used to calculate teacher pay based on a mix of test results, student feedback and performance rather than experience. Miles plans to implement a similar teacher evaluation system in Houston.
Dallas still uses this evaluation system but questions over equity have arisen as most of these high-qualified teachers were not going to the schools that needed them the most.
Similarly, lawmakers passed the Teacher Incentive Allotment program in 2019, which rewards teachers with salaries of up to six figures based on their students’ performance. About 13,000 teachers, or about 4% of the state’s educators, are currently part of the program.
In Dallas, the program received support from the majority of the board, including Morath, and from then-Mayor Mike Rawlings. But many teachers warned that they would leave the district if they received pay raises only based on tests taken once a year. Miles called his system the most rigorous in the U.S. at the time.
David DeMatthews, an associate professor of educational leadership and policy at the University of Texas at Austin who has followed Miles’ career, said that while he believes testing is important, he hopes Miles doesn’t solely focus on getting standardized test scores up as it could lead to another exodus of teachers at a time when Texas schools are struggling to find and retain teachers.
In Texas, students’ STAAR test results are used to score schools on how well they are educating children. Critics of the test say it is not a great indicator of how well a child knows a subject and that its high-stakes nature adds undue pressure to both test-takers and teachers.
“It’s not an effective management tool to say that test scores are going to be the driver of reforms,” DeMatthews said. “Test scores don’t predict all that much about what happens to students in the future.”
Scandal after scandal in Dallas
Miles arrived in Dallas in 2012 after a successful stint with a small school district in Colorado. He spent six years with the Harrison School District and led its schools to academic success, applying a similar teacher evaluation program as the one he used in Dallas and is now trying to implement in Houston.
He spent only three years at Dallas, leaving after he failed to negotiate changes in his contract, according to The Dallas Morning News. He wanted to forbid school board members from searching for a new superintendent while he finished out his last year and wanted access to a retention bonus.
The Morning News described his time at the district as “turbulent,” saying it brought “disruption” and “controversy.”
His tenure was overshadowed by his administration picks and the scandals they brought along. He hired employees from Colorado and paid them six-figure salaries, more than twice what they were making before.
Jerome Oberlton, Miles’ chief of staff, resigned after facing a federal indictment and later pleaded guilty to taking kickbacks in a prior job in Atlanta Public Schools. Miles’ head of human resources, Carmen Darville, resigned after instant messages between her and another executive became public, which poked fun at race, religion and age and discussed ways to get rid of employees.
Darville worked at Houston ISD before going to Dallas to work under Miles and is now the chief operating officer at YES Prep Public Schools, a charter school operating in Houston.
Also, an investigation found that Tonya Sadler Grayson, an executive director in Dallas ISD’s human resources department, lied about her criminal history, bullied a co-worker and falsified a report that was given to trustees. She was hired during Miles’ tenure.
Miles himself also violated district policy, according to the Morning News.
In 2012, Dallas officials found that Miles and other managers broke human resources rules by hiring people before those positions were publicly posted and before those candidates had undergone criminal background checks.
He also didn’t have a great relationship with many school board members. The Morning News at the time revealed that Miles secretly helped write a resignation letter for a district employee that gave him praise but disparaged other members, creating friction between Miles and the board.
And one time, Miles had Dallas police remove Bernadette Nutall, then a school board member, from a middle school she was visiting. Nutall had gone to see what was going on at the school after Miles replaced the principal, two assistant principals and 10 teachers. Nutall’s removal from the school prompted a district investigation.
Under Miles’ leadership, Dallas ISD consistently met the standards set by the state’s accountability system but failed to show any significant gains in standardized test scores. In some subject areas, test scores decreased and never really came close to reaching state averages. The number of schools that were in good standing with the state also dropped, while the number of failing schools increased.
The turnover rate for teachers increased from 12% to 22% during Miles’ first two school years at Dallas.
“Miles’ approach created a ton of controversy in Dallas ISD and it did lead to an increased rate of teacher turnover relative to the rest of the state,” DeMatthews said. “Hopefully, he learned his lesson in Dallas.”
Disclosure: University of Texas at Austin has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
Go behind the headlines with newly announced speakers at the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, in downtown Austin from Sept. 21-23. Join them to get their take on what’s next for Texas and the nation.
Dallas, TX
Cowboys 5-round mock draft post Jonathan Mingo trade lands star RB
The Dallas Cowboys decided to make a move on Tuesday, sending a fourth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for Jonathan Mingo.
They took a lot of heat for the move, but Mike McCarthy says they had a third-round grade on the Ole Miss wideout in the 2023 NFL Draft. If they’re right, and Mingo develops into a serviceable No. 2, then they’ll get the last laugh. Especially if they hit on the remainder of their picks.
With that in mind, here’s a look at what direction they might go now that Mingo is in the mix with this 5-round mock draft.
The greatest need in Dallas right now has to be at running back. Rico Dowdle is leading the way in 2024 with 484 yards from scrimmage. He’s been good but he’s not a game-changer. That’s why Ashton Jeanty is the pick in Round 1.
MORE: Mike McCarthy ‘embarrassed’ with himself after Dallas Cowboys latest loss
The Boise State running back has 1,525 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground through eight games. He’s a local product who played at Frisco and could be exactly what this offense needs to become dominant once again.
Zack Martin is a free agent and might be done playing at the end of the year. Dallas isn’t likely to find someone who can truly fill his massive shoes but they’ll need more talent for the line. Enter Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson.
He has the skill set to start from day one and even if Dallas believes T.J. Bass can start, having options is never a bad thing. Especially if Terence Steele continues to struggle. Jackson’s presence could lead to some shuffling since Tyler Smith can play left tackle and Tyler Guyton might be a better fit on the right side.
Once again, a need based approach takes over in Round 3. Osa Odighizuwa will be a free agent this offseason, and Dallas isn’t going to break the bank to keep him around. Instead, they use the draft for their next 3-tech and land T.J. Sanders from South Carolina.
MORE: Cowboys predicted to add another young WR after Jonathan Mingo trade
A 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, Sanders was built to play the position. He’s proven to be a solid pass rusher with 7.5 sacks the past two seasons but most importantly, he’s a plus defender against the run.
After taking the fourth round off, the Cowboys are back in Round 5 and target a defensive player once again. This time, it’s Nickolas Martin, a redshirt junior from Oklahoma State.
Martin is undersized at 6-foot-0 and 220 pounds but is decent against the run, while being solid in coverage. He brings a lot in the pass rush department as well, recoding six sacks in 2023.
— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —
NFL Power Rankings, Week 10: Cowboys freefall continues
4 takeaways from Cowboys’ dreadful loss to the Falcons
3 winners & 5 losers from Cowboys loss to Falcons in Week 9
Cowboys’ top plays & highlights vs. Falcons Week 9
Updated 2025 NFL Draft order after Week 9: Dallas Cowboys near top 10
Meet Abby Summers: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Rookie
Dallas, TX
Luka Doncic’s Shot in Dallas Mavericks vs. Chicago Bulls Goes Viral
Very few players are capable of creating highlight reel moments like Luka Doncic. Unfortunately for Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams, he was the next victim of Doncic’s creativity.
During last night’s game between the Bulls and Mavericks, Doncic put Williams on skates and rendered his defense useless in a moment that went viral.
Doncic had his usual spectacular performance against the Bulls, putting up 27 points, 13 assists, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals on 42% shooting from the field. He had five turnovers, but it didn’t matter because Doncic was a +35 on the night.
Chicago was playing without both Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball tonight, and it showed on the court. The team failed to score 100 points and shot only 42% from the field and 29% from three.
One bright spot was the play of 20-year-old rising star Matas Buzelis. Bulls fans have been waiting for the forward to have his moment, and he put up 13 points and 9 rebounds on 44/75/100 shooting from the field.
After the loss, the Chicago Bulls finished the night with a 3-5 record. The number isn’t too alarming, but the team definitely needs LaVine as the schedule is getting much more difficult. The next five opponents for the Bulls are the: Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Steph Curry Joins LeBron James and Michael Jordan on Historic List After Olympics
Lonzo Ball Reveals Draymond Green’s Trash Talk Message to Him
Chicago Bulls Guard’s Honest Quote on DeMar DeRozan After Kings Trade
Dallas, TX
Texas Seven prison escapee will get new Dallas trial in killing of Irving police officer, court rules
Texas Seven prison escapee Randy Halprin will get a new trial in Dallas County because the judge at his 2003 capital murder trial harbored antisemitic views, the state’s highest criminal court ruled Wednesday.
Halprin, who is Jewish, is one of seven inmates who escaped from the John B. Connally Unit near Kenedy in December 2000 before fatally shooting Irving police Officer Aubrey Hawkins during a Christmas Eve robbery. Halprin was convicted and sentenced to death for his role in Hawkins’ killing, but he has denied being one of the men who shot the officer.
Texas’ Court of Criminal Appeals previously halted his execution because of allegations former state District Judge Vickers Cunningham who presided over Halprin’s trial was prejudiced against him.
The ruling takes a step toward “broader trust in the criminal law by throwing out a hopelessly tainted death judgment handed down by a bigoted and biased judge,” Halprin’s attorney Tivon Schardl said in a statement.
“By upholding the Constitution’s requirement of fair and equal treatment, the Court of Criminal Appeals promoted faith in the criminal law,” he said. “It also reminded Texans that religious bigotry has no place in our courts.”
When reached over text Wednesday afternoon, Cunningham said “I’m in court right now.” An employee at his law office declined to comment and said Cunningham would have no comment. Cunningham has previously denied the allegation, saying the accusations were “lies from my estranged brother and his friends.”
In their 5-4 opinion, the justices found Cunningham had a history of using derogatory language toward Jewish people; made “offensive, antisemitic remarks” about Halprin during his trial; and ridiculed Jewish donors to his failed campaign for district attorney.
“The uncontradicted evidence supports a finding that Cunningham formed an opinion about Halprin that derived from an extrajudicial factor — Cunningham’s poisonous antisemitism,” the ruling reads.
In a concurring opinion, Judge Bert Richardson said the case isn’t just one where the action of a trial judge may look bad or there’s the appearance of impropriety. “This is a case,” he wrote, “where a person’s lifelong hatred and prejudice against Jews made him unfit to preside over this case.”
Cunningham’s brother, Bill Cunningham, told The Dallas Morning News in 2018 that Vic Cunningham was a lifelong racist. The then-judge said he wasn’t a bigot but confirmed a trust fund set up for his children has a stipulation that includes rewards for marrying a person who is white, Christian and the opposite sex.
Since Halprin’s execution was stayed, another district judge reviewed and weighed in on the case, recommending his conviction and death sentence should be tossed. After a three-day hearing, Tarrant County prosecutors also agreed Halprin’s right to a fair trial was violated. Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot recused his office from the case.
A spokeswoman for the Dallas County district attorney’s office declined to comment. The Tarrant County DA’s office did not immediately respond to an email.
“It is indeed unfortunate that Aubrey Hawkins’ family, our officers, our department, and our city will have to endure the reopening of old wounds and relive the horrors of what transpired,” Irving police Chief Derick Miller said in statement. “Waiting almost 24 years for justice has already been a long and difficult journey, and it appears that we must now prepare to wait a bit longer.”
The chief added: “We remain steadfast in our commitment to seeking justice for Aubrey Hawkins and his loved ones, and we hope that the legal process will ultimately lead to a resolution that honors his memory and the sacrifices made by all involved.”
All members of the Texas Seven were sentenced to death except for Larry Harper, who died by suicide to avoid capture. Four were executed. Patrick Murphy remains on death row.
Before the escape, Halprin was serving a 30-year sentence for beating a child in Tarrant County.
Schardl, Halprin’s lawyer, said Halprin will likely be sent to Dallas for the proceedings in the 283rd District Court. Creuzot has not sought the death penalty since taking office in 2019.
-
Business6 days ago
Carol Lombardini, studio negotiator during Hollywood strikes, to step down
-
Health7 days ago
Just Walking Can Help You Lose Weight: Try These Simple Fat-Burning Tips!
-
Business5 days ago
Hall of Fame won't get Freddie Freeman's grand slam ball, but Dodgers donate World Series memorabilia
-
Business1 week ago
Will Newsom's expanded tax credit program save California's film industry?
-
Culture4 days ago
Yankees’ Gerrit Cole opts out of contract, per source: How New York could prevent him from testing free agency
-
Culture3 days ago
Try This Quiz on Books That Were Made Into Great Space Movies
-
Business1 week ago
Apple is trying to sell loyal iPhone users on AI tools. Here's what Apple Intelligence can do
-
Culture1 week ago
Try This Quiz on Spooky Novels for Halloween