Houston Federation of Teachers votes no-confidence in Mike Miles

In one of the largest acts of protest this school year, nearly 3,000 Houston ISD teachers voted to “censor” state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles, school leaders announced Thursday. the Houston Federation of Teachers.

The resolution, a rebuke of Miles’ leadership since his June 1 appointment, calls for his removal as superintendent and outlines the union’s grievances, including dissolving their exclusive consulting agreement with the district, canceling bonuses teacher retention and widespread teacher turnover.

About 3,000 ballots were returned, said Zeph Capo, president of the Texas American Federation of Teachers. About 70 people who returned their ballots did not vote. The Houston Federation of Teachers has more than 6,000 members. Approximately 11,465 teachers work at HISD.

“I would find it very difficult, so I understand where you’re coming from, to work for someone that I don’t have any confidence in,” Houston union President Jackie Anderson said at a meeting Thursday. “It’s very deep.”

The union’s resolution of no confidence in Miles comes as HISD approaches its first anniversary under state control and an undisclosed number of teaching jobs are at risk of being eliminated.

“One of the main reasons our members voted in favor of a resolution of censure against Mike Miles is because he has steadfastly refused to listen to educators, parents and students about what they need, and has also refused to accept criticism other than absolute contempt from the people he says he should serve,” Capo said.

HISD did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The announcement was made at a meeting Thursday hosted by HFT in conjunction with a “State of Education” event hosted by regional trade organization, Greater Houston Partnership, where Miles was a featured speaker .