House reflects on first 100 days as school district leader, stating now is the time for ‘bold change’

Houston Independent School District (HISD) Superintendent Millard House II is reflecting on his first 100 days at the helm and outlining strategies for students' success.

A Nov. 12 release from HISD said House held 16 “Listen and Learn” sessions, inviting hundreds of parents, teachers and members of the community to share feedback and goals for the school district.

“Listening is a core value of my leadership, and I’ve done that and will continue to do that at every step of the way,” House said in the release. “The input of our community has been invaluable, and I look forward to the ongoing, candid conversations with parents, students, staff and community members as all voices shape the future of our school district.”

Among key takeaways, House noted the need for engaged educators and staff, strengthened teaching and learning, more high-performing schools and specialty programs – especially in underserved communities, equitable distribution of services and resources and support for students to thrive academically. 

“My career has prepared me for leading this community right now, in this very challenging time. But I see these challenges as opportunities, and HISD certainly has so much potential to unlock through these opportunities,” House said.

Moving forward, House will lead the district – the state's largest – in implementing new strategies to maximize student success.

“Right now is the time for bold change and re-commitment. And I’m passionate about leading this charge so that students from every zip code can thrive in a future with limitless possibilities,” House said. 

According to the release, his ideas for the district will be laid out in a five-year strategic plan to be shared publicly by March 2022. 

The plan will highlight five priorities including cultivating talent at all levels, providing equitable opportunities and resources, promoting high-quality teaching and learning, ensuring efficient and well-run schools and programs in every community and delivering services and support to students with exceptional needs, the release states.

In a report by Click2Houston, House added that while politics have been injected into public education by activists seeking to change the way children are taught, he is not a politician. All he wants to do, he said, is develop plans to ensure students have the best path moving forward.