HISD Families Learn of More Principal Departures During Leadership Training Week

Ongoing Principal Turnover in Houston ISD

Houston Independent School District (HISD) continues to experience principal turnover as it prepares for the 2025-26 school year. In May, the district announced that 21 principals would not return for the upcoming academic year. According to the district, five of these departures were due to personal reasons, and four were acknowledged during a meeting of the Board of Managers. The remaining schools experiencing leadership changes were not disclosed, with the district directing requests for more information to the Texas Attorney General.

The district also mentioned that five of the departures were related to performance. This aligns with previous data showing that 25% of HISD principals left at the end of the 2023-24 school year due to performance issues. Additionally, 11 principals will take on new roles within the district. At least 29 of the district's approximately 270 campuses will have new leaders when the school year begins on August 12.

Recent communication with families suggests that at least five campus heads—located at Pugh, Benbrook, Carrillo, Love, and Durham elementary schools—are leaving. However, the district has not confirmed additional schools affected by this change.

At Durham Elementary School, Principal Justin Buren shared his decision to step down with families in a letter dated July 17. He described the move as an "incredibly difficult decision," expressing deep care for the community and the students he had served for nine years. Buren highlighted the positive learning environment and the growth of the students, calling it the greatest honor of his career.

Similarly, Eva Davila, the principal of Carrillo Elementary, began a new role on Monday after leading the school for a year. Her transition was communicated via an email to families on Friday.

Training Programs for Future Leaders

As part of its efforts to prepare for the new school year, Houston ISD placed 42 principals-in-training on campuses this school year. It remains unclear how many of these individuals were involved in the initial list of 2025-26 departures. One example is Benbrook Elementary School, where longtime leader Dana Darden, who had spent 33 years in the district, was removed from her position effective Monday. She was replaced by Edward Heard, a member of the district’s principal training program.

Michelle Williams, president of the Houston Education Association union, praised Darden in a letter to district officials, highlighting her contributions to the school. Williams noted that Darden co-taught a third-grade English Language Arts class during a teacher shortage, helping over 90% of students pass the STAAR test. She expressed concern about the challenges faced by the school since the current administration took over, including difficulties in retaining qualified teachers.

Mid-Year Changes and Leadership Transitions

Mid-year principal turnover has slowed compared to last year, but several schools have still experienced changes. At Love Elementary School, Principal Scott Platt notified families through a voicemail that he was transitioning to a new opportunity after thoughtful reflection. His departure comes after the previous principal, Sean Tellez, left in March 2024.

At Pugh Elementary School, Principal Keith Garcia and Assistant Principal Anthony Infante left “effective immediately.” Their departure was communicated through a robocall to families, emphasizing the district’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and involving staff, families, and students in shaping the next leadership profile for the school.

HISD also held a principal leadership training week led by state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles and Chief of Schools Sandi Massey. During this event, district departments provided updates on curriculum, special education, operations, data systems, and communications. Miles emphasized the importance of investing in leaders who can drive academic achievement and foster a strong campus culture.

Additional Changes and Evaluations

Several other principal changes occurred this summer. Adavion Wayne of Codwell Elementary School and Monique Moody of Revere Middle School both left in June. Laura Gonzalez was welcomed as the new principal of De Zavala Elementary School, having previously led Ortiz Middle School. However, the district did not respond to requests for comment on these changes.

Since Superintendent Mike Miles was appointed in June 2023, at least 171 principals have left their positions, according to a recent analysis. After accounting for shared leadership roles and multiple changes, the total number of principal changes across 156 campuses reached at least 177.

HISD also temporarily removed public access to campus websites with staff directories and principal biographies as part of a website overhaul. Some pages may remain unavailable until the first day of school.

Evaluation Ratings and Accountability

Following the 2023-24 school year, 21 principals were rated as Progressing I, the lowest evaluation tier, while 53 were rated Progressing II. The majority, 101 principals, were placed in the Proficient I category. Eleven campuses were not evaluated, and six were classified as "Late Hire/Resignation." The district does not track principals deemed "Unsatisfactory."

Schools experiencing principal departures largely received B ratings, with some earning A- or C-ratings. Foster, Valley West, and Stevens elementary schools received F ratings, all of which saw new principals before the 2024-25 school year. Garcia Elementary, Whidby Elementary, Revere Middle, and Sam Houston MSTC High School received D ratings. Garcia and Whidby had principal changes in the summer prior to the 2024-25 school year.

Although the district has not released unofficial 2025 ratings, the Texas Education Agency is scheduled to release official 2024 and 2025 ratings on August 15. The following schools are among those experiencing principal changes ahead of the 2025-26 school year:

• Braeburn Elementary School
• Benbrook Elementary School
• Carrillo Elementary School
• Codwell Elementary School
• Crockett Elementary School
• De Zavala Elementary School
• Field Elementary School
• Foster Elementary School
• Garcia Elementary School
• Love Elementary School
• Mark White Elementary School
• Peck Elementary School
• Pugh Elementary School
• Red Elementary School
• Stevens Elementary School
• Valley West Elementary School
• Whidby Elementary School
• Burbank Middle School
• Fleming Middle School
• Jane Long Academy
• McReynolds Middle School
• Patrick Henry Middle School
• Pershing Middle School
• Revere Middle School
• Jones High School
• Madison High School
• Sam Houston MSTC High School
• South Early College High School
• Wheatley High School