Texas leader calls for a federal investigation into HISD takeover

LMTonline: Texas leader calls for a federal investigation into HISD takeover

U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-Houston) and other Houston leaders are calling for a federal investigation into Houston ISD, Texas' largest school district, as it reaches its first year under state-appointed management. 

In a letter addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Department of Education's Secretary Miguel Cardona, Green said he would like the state department to conduct a "thorough independent investigation" that stems from allegations against Superintendent Mike Miles, alleging he diverted funds to his former charter school network, Third Future Schools. 

"Although it has been reported that various state agencies, such as the Texas Education Agency, have acknowledged their awareness of this transfer and intend to investigate, I believe that the Department of Justice or the Department of Education conducting a thorough independent investigation is warranted to ensure transparency and accountability as well as restore public confidence," Green wrote. 

Green's federal request comes amidst a slew of district-wide protests, during which Houston community members have organized against HISD leadership decisions like mass layoffs, department budget cuts, and forcing principals to resign who were previously awarded by HISD for being the "the very best things that the district’s leadership has to offer."

"Amidst slashed budgets, layoffs, and a takeover by the state of HISD, the residents of Houston and Texas deserve to know whether funds meant to educate our children are instead being used to cover the deficits of schools in another state," Green wrote. 

Earlier this month, Spectrum News reported that Miles was funneling Texas tax dollars to his charter school network in Colorado. Miles has denied the allegations and described the reporting as "baseless." In the weeks since, several Houston leaders and the Houston Federation of Teachers, the school district's largest teachers union, have called for Miles to step down from his state-appointed position.

In addition to Green, other Texas leaders, including U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston), State Sen. Molly Cook (D-Houston), and several Texas House lawmakers, have called for action.