HOUSTON — Job cuts across the board are happening in Texas' largest school district.
Houston Independent School District Mike Miles said that despite what critics are saying, his first year overseeing the district has been a success.
"We are running through the finish," Miles said. "I think we've had a good year. It's been a year of progress."
Others still aren't happy with the state's takeover of the district.
"They say they came in the name of helping people, but they are not helping anyone," said Houston Federation of Teachers President Jackie Anderson.
Miles cited COVID funding no longer being available for some of the cuts but also said performance evaluations played a role. The district is trying to close a $450 million gap to stay on track with next year's budget of $800 million.
Miles said multiple people will not be returning to work for the district next year, but said firing isn't the right word since they will still finish out the school year.
"No one has been let go if they are a teacher or principal," the superintendent said. "With regard to custodians or other positions, I've already said we are reducing positions in many, many departments."
According to the district, wrap-around specialists, which provide resources for students like food and healthcare referrals, is a recurring expense. The pandemic-era funding that paid for these specialists is no longer there, HISD said.
Parents spoke out against cuts at Thursday's HISD board meeting.
"You told us your cuts were going to be as far away from the students as possible," said HISD parent Tonya Sampson during the meeting's public comment period. "But you cut wrap-around services. That's food and shelter. You can't get any closer to cuts to students than wrap-around services."
As for teachers and principals who won't be returning, Miles said performance evaluations are to blame. Teachers union members argue otherwise.
"Yes, we have heard that, we heard yesterday that there was a mass firing of principals and teachers," said Houston Federation of Teachers President Jackie Anderson. "Also a mass firing of plant operators and custodial staff. That is quite alarming because everybody has a role in educating our students."
HFT held its own event ahead of Thursday's HISD board meeting, calling Mile's first year as superintendent a disaster.
Despite the job cuts, the district said it received 2,000 applications for the 800 open teacher positions they are looking to fill.
"We will be able to fill our positions with people with continuously improving mindest for next year," Miles said.
The district has a budget workshop scheduled for next week.