Houston Independent School District Stakeholder Group

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Comments from Online Survey Please add any additional comments you wish to make regarding what you believe are necessary characteristics for a superintendent. Ethical standards Collaborative w/staff Visionary Leadership Supportive of Principals &Teachers Positive Attitude Willing to listen to concerns Non-punitive Problem -solver: low morale; culture of fear; revolving door policy; rebuild the regional infrastructure of support to schools; management by chaos/change. HISD is a uniquely complex urban school district. We are not homogenous in terms of race, ethnicity and wealth. A significant number of students do not attend their neighborhood schools, which exacerbates inequities. The next superintendent must know how to address the unique needs of Hispanic, black, white and Asian children and they must understand HISD's culture. Someone who is mature and knows how to successfully manage people. Someone with integrity. Someone who people can trust. A NONCOERCIVE LEADER. The next superintendent should be an experienced educator and not a corporate reformer. It is important to have a male who is a minority and someone who will listen. An educator who cares about students and brings out the best in others. Fair and open-minded about students, communities, existing staff and schools. No prejudgment based on education (where they received there education), race or socioeconomic status. Respect for teachers/administrators/staff/community members Someone who will hire competent staff based on ability and not based "who you know" or "where you are from". Focused on educating ALL students in EVERY community. Superintendent must have educational experience as a principal and teacher. They can hire people to do the business and operations functions. Cultural competence and willingness to learn about diverse populations and needs. Willingness to think outside the box, open to diverse, non-traditional alternatives and flexible approach. Willingness to hear multiple stakeholders, advocate for those without a voice. Someone that believes in fairness over equality. Less AP. More IB. Someone who is a consensus builder and who will communicate. Needs a business, law background, and has the management experience of working in larger urban settings. He or she can hire a Chief Academic Officer who can provide the vision for curriculum and Instruction. A person such as Sam Sarabia, Area 1 Elementary Chief in Houston ISD. We need to rebuild a caring culture and stop the turnover. We need a leader



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invested in the district with Texas experience. Strong knowledge of pedagogy which is only acquired through higher education degrees. Job experience in the following positions: teacher, school leader/principal, assistant superintendent/school officer. And works well with Board members. We need someone who can help develop a clear vision for the district based on best practices in education. This person must understand that progress requires hard work, and focus their efforts on recruiting, developing, and retaining the best teachers and administrators we can find. Someone with exceptional instructional expertise across all disciplines and programs. In other words, someone who not have to always defer to an expert for advice on important educational initiatives. Culturally sensitive Globally aware Leadership skills Inclusive Approachable Confident and humble Our new superintendent needs to be an educator and not CEO of a company. S/he would preferably be a leader rather than a bully, have an excellent understanding of child development and brain research as well as "the bottom line". S/he needs to be a good listener, be capable of having good relations with the board and the courage to stand up to the board when the members go beyond their remit.

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S/he should be a person of integrity who cares about students, and respects teachers for the professionals they are. S/he should refrain from rolling out yet more new initiatives The Superintendent should have a very strong commitment to school safety, anti-bullying, and legal knowledge to effectively lead the district, reform the HISD Police, and be a leader for safe and secure schools. Remain patient and flexible. There are many pathways to success. Often times they are not the plan we personally would take, but work well just the same. HISD suffers from inequities in many of the systems from hiring to funding to teacher evaluations. We need someone who is courageous to step out of the box of blaming teachers and look at the systems we have in place that pigeon hold teachers at high needs campuses. One size does not fit all and these campuses need specialist and curriculum support that allows it to meet the students where they are. I believe the next Superintendent should be able to use Best Practices and research-based methods to staff Leadership positions (such as Principalships) and allow Principals the time needed for change (3-5 years) - not removing managers/leaders before change can happen. Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 2



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Quit spending money to change school names! Student Centered,Servant Leader, Financial and Budget Specialist, Houston Resident, Respected Leader, Fair, Approachable, Values Relationship and Campus Climate I want the first impression of this person to be someone that compels me to believe she is trustworthy. The next super must understand the city's future workforce needs, and can facilitate the improvement of student achievement scores starting in elementary schools. The Superintendent must have the ability to look at the world from the outside in, understand the big picture, formulate a vision aligned to the global economy, and be strategic in the approach to change. We need a leader that has a clear vision and is able to communicate it and hold people accountable. The superintendent has staff around him/her to manage the day a day operations. We should look for a leader more than a manager. From Texas, who knows Houston, TX. Not from California or other that brings people from out-of-state with no knowledge of our customers. Not authoritarian; but who inspires rather far manage by fear. Bilingual in Spanish Must have an urban educational background. I would like a strong superintendent that knows what is right for kids and can push back against the board when they don't know educational practices. I would like the superintendent to be an innovator and change agent. Someone who can come in and transform the educational experience for the students of Houston. The district does not currently employ the patience to allow new programs/teaching styles to be implemented, learned by the teachers (there is a learning curve for all programs), and rigorously analyzed to determine their effectiveness. By constantly changing implemented programs and teaching styles, we take away consistency in the classroom and the ability for thorough program analysis. In addition, data driven decisions are not employed by the district. Instead, we change for change's sake or to cut costs. When a program is shown to give significant educational gains and is cost-effective when compared to other programs in the district for multiple years, it should not be the first thing on the chopping block every year.

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A superintendent who understands the required methodologies for high quality analytics, knows how to interpret the findings, and utilizes the results for decision making will serve our district best. I would like for the next superintendent to be someone with a strong education background and a record of success. This individual must see past color or gender and look into the need of students and their academic, social and emotional needs. The next superintendent must be a visionary that is Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 3



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able to communicate and understand the different levels of community needs. Let's get out of this test-crazed culture, please! There has been talk about only hiring candidates from Houston. That perspective limits us from picking other highly qualified candidates outside of the state of Texas and the city of Houston. Accessible; current in educational trends, news and policies; research-based decision making; standardized governing and policy-making practices; knowledgeable and involved in district financial matters; hires qualified, knowledgeable, capable and extremely effective employees; establishes a functionally sound and effective organizational structure; and, fosters a sense of belonging. The new superintendent must be sensitive to the complexity of the district and take into consideration our high English Language Learner population and our high mobility rates. Also, that a district that is 70% Latino should be more sensitive to that demographic. The new Supt. should speak Spanish and be comfortable engaging with the Latino community as well as cosmopolitan. We need a superintendent that will honor the traditions and culture of the district. At this time, the district needs a person that will put the pieces back together and allow for collaboration and respect. The person should be accessible and passionate for educating all children. This survey is horrible. Most of the survey contains "truism" questions that only beg for a bias answer. A successful superintendent should have 1. A strong vision for high level education, 2. A strong commitment to public education, 3. A commitment to finding and retaining strong talent that can move the District along a progressive continuum of excellence. We need a superintendent that understands that healthy children learn better. More children with chronic and mental diseases are attending school. HISD has over 70% socio-economically disadvantaged students. Many of these students never see a doctor. I would like a superintendent to meet with Health and Medical Service to understand the needs of the students in HISD. The next superintendent needs to place a priority on repairing the damage to morale and consistency caused by the previous superintendent. Emphasis needs to be placed on people (students and staff) rather than desired data outcomes. The new Superintendent should weigh the haves (Westside of District) to have nots (NE, E, SE, and South) and bring all of the schools up to the same standards as far as programs, quality teachers, books, libraries, athletic facilities, technology, vocational classes. Check list to compare the differences and similarities, they are far apart. Make sure those who are( Principal to Custodian)there are for the child, the whole child. Also, the discipline policy, need to be revised, kids are out of control. Thank you. Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 4



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A current sitting superintendent from a large Texas district who understands the state accountability and state finance system; and who is willing to be a leader at both the state and national political arenas. A superintendent of a district the size of Houston does not so much need to be an expert in K12 education, curriculum, staffing or budgeting. However, he or she should possess enough information about the needs of urban K12 education. More importantly, she/he should be a visionary and inspiring leader and a good judge of character. The superintendent should retain cabinet members and/or select cabinet members that possess those skills (curricular, teaching/learning, student support, budgeting, etc), and are 100% committed to make all the right decisions to provide high quality and equitable education opportunities for all students in the district Someone that is already familiar with the school district and knows firsthand its strengths and weaknesses. Needs to be fluent in Spanish since the great majority of students speak Spanish at home. A leader identifies those things that are working (strengths) and builds upon those strengths. When a department, school or individual is not working changing should be made ASAP. Have around about knowledge of how the different organizations and or departments integrate with each other. As we progress into a 21st Century digitized learning environment, it is critical that the superintendent have a vision of a universally designed environment where teachers apply the principals of Universal Design for Learning to reach all students in first instruction. I would like for the next superintendent to have vested interest in the city/state if possible. In other words, from the state of Texas. The candidate should be BILINGUAL (English/SPANISH minimum in order to serve a high Spanish-speaking population). The candidate should have sufficient classroom teaching experience in core academic subjects in order to be an exemplar role model to other teachers and administrators. The candidate should set the ultimate example of a highly effective educator through his/her credentials. The candidate should REMOVE EVAAS as part of teacher evaluations. The candidate should support and continue to promote DUAL LANGUAGE EDUCATION. Expert in developing a positive and respectful climate at all levels of the organization. We need someone who understands that all schools are different and the administrators of the school should provide input on decisions that affect them. Someone who is able to motivate and retain staff. -The superintendent should have a background of having been a teacher. -Provide a clear vision for the district. -Trust principals to run their schools aligned to that vision.

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-Ensure that all campuses receive the best services.

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It is very important that the next superintendent understands the community and its needs. This person must be able to prioritize, and provide a compelling reason for the priorities and the order in which they were presented. N/A Accountability for test scores ONLY cannot be a basis for establishing teacher effectiveness! Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development are cogs in the same wheel. Every decision pertaining to student achievement has to be aligned with strategic goals. "Great programs" or shiny new curriculum cannot be implemented unless they align and we can't drop every new instructional practice after trying it for a year or two. The answers are here in our system. We have really smart people. Let's start listening to them!

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We have to keep our people! The turnover rate here is ridiculous! Compassionate and people oriented instructional leader. Honesty Integrity Understanding Personal Accountability Kindness Accessible Integrity for the job Respect for all stakeholders Visionary for district It's important to me that the superintendent promotes and drives equitable learning for ALL students. HISD - Home Grown We need someone with an educational background and a proven record of excellence as a District administrator. We also need someone who is familiar with Texas laws and who will relocate to Houston and not just rent here. The next superintendent must value employees and not dictate programs and directives that benefit him/her and not the students of HISD. The Superintendent should ensure that all students have equity in access to a complete education. The Arts are not available to all students. honest, transparent, listener, calm I would like to see the district hire from within. I believe we have many qualified candidates within our school administration. HISD is a unique district that needs someone that knows its history and progress. Instruction, student, parent, community centered. Only wants best for all..... As the leader of an academic institution, the HISD superintendent must be a visionary as well as an instructional strategist. It is imperative that the Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 6



background of the superintendent span from teaching. It is also mandatory for the next superintendent to be globally oriented and experienced with a variety of school district sizes so that he/she may make the best academic and strategic decisions for our global graduate students. As an academic institution, HISD needs a strong academic leader, able to guide us onto the best educational path for our students. Without a strong academic understanding, a superintendent is nothing but a clerk performing functions. The new superintendent should NOT be from Houston. The new superintendent should be:

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*Someone with extensive educational experience *Someone who has taught before for more than 5 years *Bilingual *Someone who is from Texas *Someone who listens to teachers Superintendent should be the policy leader not a micromanager Thorough understanding of UDL principles and applications. Understanding and support of the inclusion of special education in the general education classroom. Fair, compassionate, and equable across the board in dealing with quality of education of our students. This would include school issues/improvements, departmental issues/improvements, personnel, salary, etc. Someone that supports principals and hold all personnel accountable. Understanding that the priority must be the schools with a higher need. The Superintendent needs to be Bilingual so that he or she can communicate with our parents and students that make up 62.1% of the student Latino population in all of HISD. This is an important requirement. Not ALL students are college material. Bring back vocational classes for those who are better with their hands than books. Dr. Grier was naive to think ALL students are college ready and, in turn, provided a disservice those students seeking out such vocational skills. Houston ISD needs a leader that is not seeking to profit from money such as bonuses, etc. Dr. Grier came here because the district offered a lucrative income and he also received bonuses but he ironically removed bilingual stipends and Master's and Doctorate's stipends for teachers. Dr. Grier left the district at the time it was experiencing $107 million debt. How interesting? An individual who listens to the needs of students and parent feedback. He/She should represent the student and parent population (not a white boy from S Carolina) and should be concerned about implementing programs that are kid friendly, and not ones that look good on paper. Someone who is familiar with the district. Someone who has seen the growth, struggles, and development of the district throughout the years. Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 7



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Someone who is local and knows what the scholars of Houston ISD need in regards to obtaining the best high quality education they are entitled to. Communication - tell us what you want without holding back information. Tell us what you need so that it is clear and on point. Enfocar en valores y principios para nuestros alumnos y un respeto de parte de los alumnos a los maestros y visebersa no existen valores se esta perdiendo el respeto y la dignidad de el ser humano hacer escuelas de padres para orientar como ayudar en casa para el buen desarrollo educacional de nuestros hijos gracias y bendiciones y suerte al nuevo presidente. Internal knowledge is a key element to a district this big. Similar to LA Unified, HISD needs stability and someone who the employees, students and community can relate to versus someone from out of town who will bring a group of people that will stay awhile and leave because of their inability to adapt to Houston's landscape or educational adequacy. HISD has talented personnel who are professional and will rise to the challenge, but the superintendent must build an environment of trust where employees feel they can take risks. We need a superintendent who can heal the district and restore confidence among all stakeholders. Person must be of high moral ground while remaining humble and committed to increasing resources for the poorer and more disenfranchised communities of Houston. First and foremost, needs to be a positive leader of educators. Need to work collaboratively, proactively and positively with principals and TEACHERS on improvement initiatives. While job accountability is important, adversarial relationships with educators drive away good teachers and principals along with the ineffective. I think it is critical that the next Superintendent be a person who has a history with the district. Having the experience of being a former teacher and administrator will help to foster a new climate of trust which I believe is currently lacking. * One who has served as an exceptional classroom teacher in HISD * One who has served as an outstanding assistant principal in HISD * One who has served as principal of the year in HISD * One who knows, respects, and works to change culture and climate in vulnerable communities. A previous question mentioned the idea that a characteristic is one where the super uses data driven decision making looking at academic achievement. The true question is do we hire someone who really KNOWS what the data we have suggests. Case in point in high schools, STAAR/EOC is not the main system that should be used to that end. For example, 3 of the 5 EOC assessments in high school are taken either the students' 8th grade or 9th grade year. It bears no weight on teaching that is happening within the 4 walls of that educational facility. As for the characteristics, we need someone to own and deeply care about Houston and its children. I wonder if Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 8



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finding someone who knows more of what Houston's heartbeat is like could be a better starting place for a city with so many high stakes needs. Would like to hire from within HISD family He or she has to establish a positive culture and be versed in effective instructional practices. The superintendent has to be a good business manage and a strong instructional leader. He or she has to have an educational background. We should NOT let politicians make decisions for EDUCATORS! They need to understand the dynamics of HISD and find ways to unite and rebuild. Because it is fragmented where the schools that are suffering will need to find ways to attract students. What happens is that many parents that are more involved or have advanced students will do school choice leaving some neighborhood school with high discipline, high at risk students and high special education populations within their schools. The school choice and magnet programs have made neighborhood schools suffer. The superintendent needs to lead the vision. Everything in this survey is important, but it is not all the job of the superintendent. The superintendent guides the big picture and his/her direct reports and their direct reports knock out the details. We need an open, honest, communicator whom we can trust. While the financial issues of the school district are not the most important, the role of overseeing them should be a community, board, and other stakeholders responsibility. I think it's crucial that we have a Superintendent that will continue to encourage and foster unique schools. I live in a district that is deemed one of the top in the nation and I would rather my child attend HISD schools simply because HISD is not cookie cutter. HISD allows schools to have innovative approaches to learning because different students learn differently. Grier has supported students learning outside of the box. We need more of that. Someone who can help all departments draw a direct line between their work and the frontline work with students on campuses with accountability for providing a quality of service versus hiding in the excuse of decentralization. A good leader would value employee relationships as well as student and parent relationships. A positive working environment is essential to teacher retention and success Great Communicator Exhibits a Multicultural Sensibility A good manager who effectively delegates responsibility and is willing to fire underperforms from the top down. The person has to have a vision. We cannot be focused on test results alone. Have experience in all areas with an understanding and vision to provide a quality education through core subjects, fine arts and athletics to promote excellence in all those areas with support through funding. We need someone who is kind, who will bring the morale back up, who will value the best that this district has to offer instead of tearing them down and ruling with fear. Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 9



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The superintendent leads hand in hand with the board of trustees. I feel the next superintendent should be a parent of multiple children who attend (or have recently attended) public school in an urban hub. This person should like people and be more interested in how s/he makes an individual feel than the optics. The next superintendent should have tamed the ego early in life. This person should reflect the diversity and vibrancy of this city. Please catch someone who is both on the rise and in the business of education for the long haul. Identity matters and the world is watching. A superintendent needs to stand up to those who are attempting to profit off the backs of our students, and understand that teachers and students are much more than test scores. A strong, engaging figure that will provide a centralizing force and transition away from site-based management that is currently instated is needed. Following through on impending campus expansions and construction. It is important that the new superintendent has a hands-on approach when it comes to governing schools, especially low performing schools with limited resources. The person should also have classroom experience in an urban district. It is imperative for a superintendent to understand the roles and responsibilities of teachers and administrators in an urban district before implementing policies and procedures that may not work for this district. I have noticed that HISD does not have minimum standards principals must meet when it comes to a school’s budget. Some schools in HISD do not hire enough teachers and class sizes reach up to 40 students. In these classes we have a mixture of special needs students, students with learning disabilities, and students that are several grade levels behind that have been passed though without remediation. Teachers at under staffed schools like Lamar in River Oaks, are sometimes asked to work a few days a week without a break. With class sizes of close to 40 and only twenty minutes to use the bathroom and eat lunch, where does a teacher find the time to meet with parents, work with other teachers, and work with students outside of class when these kids that ride the bus are here? Teachers do not get protected planning time during the day in HISD because the school has not used its money to hire enough teachers to allow planning time for everyone. This limits a teacher’s ability to plan for the individual needs of their students and collaborate with other educators.

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Suicide is the second leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. HISD has allowed schools to fall short of the TX recommended 1 full-time counselor for every 500 students where the national standard is 1 full-time counselor for every 200 students. We need counselors that are going into classrooms and talking with students, teaching them study habits, preparing them for college and being available to meet their social and emotional needs individually. Some schools in HISD do not have any Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 10



counselors at all and people wonder why we have so many behavioral problems and crime in our city. Before a principal is allowed to spend tax dollars on anything, the new superintendent should mandate that a school hires enough teachers to have class sizes of no more than 25 students and one full-time counselor for every 500 students. From there every school should be forced to use money for minimum facilities like a library. Some schools use to have two full size libraries but HISD has allowed the administration to throw away the books. Every year we have students that graduate that do not know how to comprehend what they are reading let alone use an index in a book. My school only has one art teacher, sports like wrestling and fine arts classes have to raise funds on their own. Where is all the tax money going, evidently not to hire enough teachers, counselors, let alone provide basics every decent school has. Before a principal is allowed to spend tax dollars on anything, the new superintendent should mandate that a school hires enough teachers to have class sizes of no more than 25 students and one full-time counselor for every 500 students and from there the district should set other minimums to make all HISD schools decent schools. Certified Staff Certified Staff Certified Staff Certified Staff Certified Staff Certified Staff Certified Staff

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Someone who understands the city of Houston and its make -up of many types of citizens A candidate to which budget shortfalls are no surprise, and they are able to keep an eye on how bond money is used so there are no surprises. Putting the needs of the teachers and students first should be the top priority. A superintendent is the frontline for teachers, a role model for administration, and a voice for students. They should have the future of education in their best interest. The district needs to do a better job of continuing best practices in education, and not constantly change its focus. A Superintendent needs to be an approachable person who shows genuine interest in his employees. hire the correct people for the jobs assigned to them Needs to be respectful of all cultures and allow teachers to maintain power in the classroom. No more administrators policing teachers. It shouldn't feel like a Administrators against teachers. Students see it and use it against teachers. Its not fair. I believe the necessary characteristics for a superintendent are: to be a people person, a true community leader, a person who goes out there and keeps in touch with teachers on a day to day basis, and shows those he works with that he really cares also about their well being. Someone measured and deliberate with a true understanding of how to make extraordinary things happen in the classroom in partnership with school Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 11



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leaders and staff. Less cronyism. Wanting to build together. Less of a media wonder but someone who really looks into the research for what works when deciding what is most important to spend our limited budget dollars upon. Superintendents are paid very well. Eliminate unnecessary bonuses, and support administrators, teachers, and staff. If we truly are committed to the Literacy by 3 Plan, then the new superintendent must be committed to improving the state of libraries in the district. Every student deserves a campus librarian and a library. Libraries are equalizing forces: students in challenged neighborhoods need libraries and librarians most of all. Neighborhoods without access to public libraries, bookstores or other non-HISD reading supports are most at risk of not learning to read well. Our district literacy efforts will be strengthened by librarians, library skills and library resources. Libraries have been neglected too long. A new superintendent needs to understand that Texas has a diverse culture and takes advantage of it. Please get someone who has some ideal about the HISD system and familiar with Houston, Texas. If possible get someone who will be with the district more than two - four years. Someone that is NOT corrupt please! Someone who doesn't hire family or give extensive contracts to their home-state buddies! Someone who is an educator first, not a businessman. Someone that is an advocate for the districts main stakeholders. This would be the students that we serve. It is a service not a business. This person must understand that children's hearts and lives are at stake. This test cannot be the sole evaluator of a child or a teacher. This is not a business we are in. This shouldn’t be about making somebody money. What about all these kids who think they will never amount to anything because this test is so hard, they have never and will probably never pass. Next year the guidelines will be even stricter. Why? Do we really want to insure that the minorities become the lower wage workers? I don't understand what the aim is to make this passing standard even harder next year for the most vulnerable population even--the elementary student!! What is Texas thinking? How is the new superintendent going to fight for the child or the teacher who at some point has to give up trying to reach an impossible line? Somebody has to buffer the kids and the teachers from whatever is coming to threaten the mental well being of all. Stand independently; staff from w/in and not fill vacancies with personal friends from the past. Someone who understands teachers and knows about teaching. Someone who is honest and in the position for the right reasons. Need someone who can manage $$$$ and not BS others. The next superintendent needs to know what condition the district is in and Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 12



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have a plan to help equalize the learning obstacles some schools have over others. (i.e. Retaining staff and administration instead of "cleaning house" every 2 years at troubled schools) Promote individuals based on their qualifications and accomplishments and not because they're a relative/friend of a higher-up person. The new Supt should be strongly experienced in education at all levels, but especially in the classroom. We need a strong leader who was a strong teacher for a strong time. The new Supt should be a strong teacher advocate who values experience. After all, who would you rather operate on you, an inexperienced or a seasoned surgeon? The new Supt should be able to affect swift change in: the shift from a top heavy model to a shared responsibility model; defining and implementing a uniform chain of command for all schools; non-professional and non-certified personnel like secretaries and clerks should never be allowed to act with authority over certified, professional staff; improve time reporting for all staff. Many principals, time recorders (secretaries), and their friends get away with their personal days or time NOT being dutifully docked when they are out. It should be the same for everyone, but it happens so much and at many campuses. Restructure appraisals for all employees. No one person should have so much authority to decide the fate and livelihood of another. I've witnessed it happen all too much, and it gravely saddens me to see people's careers hang in the balance because of personality conflicts or the inaccurate observations of inexperienced administrators. Willingness to incorporate physical and mental health clinics on campuses. In 2003, Martin Haberman, renowned for the Habermen assessment which is nationally used to select quality personnel for urban districts, wrote An Essay on Equity and Justice for Diverse Children in Urban Poverty: Who Benefits from Failing Urban School Districts? In this essay, he discussed dysfunctional bureaucracy and the role of the superintendents within this particular setting. Haberman does not provide a hopeful picture regarding the selection of new superintendents except who is most likely to benefit from the particular appointment. In selecting the new superintendent, it is hoped that those students dying by miseducation, doomed to continue the cycle of poverty will benefit from the appointment of this superintendent. It is hoped that this superintendent will not seek to continue the practice of penalizing impoverished communities but research and actively apply resources that effectively end their death sentences. It is hoped that the appointment of this superintendent will model the successful urban school such as Geoffrey Canada's Harlem Children's Zone or Tom Bloch's University Academy. It is hoped this superintendent's recognize the cycle of poverty and actively implement change instead of blaming impoverished schools, their students, families or those serving in those communities for perpetrating their own demise. How can we continue to ignore children dying of miseducation, whose numbers continue to increase and expect to prosper as a city? (Haberman 2003) An emphasis and support of the Fine Arts which are proven to enhance Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 13



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overall student engagement and performance. An emphasis on STEAM not STEM. n/a someone who is good with people and understands that education is a family oriented field I believe that experience has greater value than numerous degrees from fancy institutions. Just because you hold prestigious accolades doesn't always mean you'll do a great job. We have to bring public education back to a respectable status so we don't have to compete. It's going to take a creative visionary who looks to the future and learns from the past. A Superintendent that foster professional communication between administration and teachers. A system where the teacher is able to express his or her views professionally, with the ability of their superiors to respectfully hear them out. We need someone who will work to provide opportunity to our disadvantaged and disenfranchised students. For every "winner" created by magnet programs, a "loser" is left behind. We should not stand for islands of excellence in an ocean of mediocrity. The open enrollment/ magnet/school of choice model for our high schools has failed our disadvantaged students who have no one to advocate for them. We need a superintendent willing to go to bat for the students who lack advocacy and opportunity. Getting away from the high school enrollment scheme we have now won't be politically popular, but it's absolutely necessary. We also need someone who recognizes that instructional staff need encouragement. The morale of teachers is absolutely essential. We need to appraise principals on the support they provide teachers, not on the frequency with which they censure or correct teachers. Far too few principals engage individual teachers and ask "how can I help?" Principals seem to be appraised on how good they are at firing people rather than how good they are at supporting their staff and making separations unnecessary. In my opinion, an effective principal should have minimal staff turnover because they help support and remediate teachers who are lacking in a particular skill area. The word "principal" comes from the antiquated phrase "principal teacher"; once upon a time the head administrator of a school was its most accomplished teacher. We need to get back to that. It's funny: teachers are told to turn in lesson plans, but I have not heard of one teacher in my 14 years of teaching ever receive feedback about a lesson plan. We need a mentoring program for new teachers. What we have right now doesn't work at all. We have mentoring on paper only, not in practice.

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We need to stop judging principals by checklists. Far too much time is consumed having teachers and staff engage meaningless tasks for the simple Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 14



purpose of checking off the task from some supervisor's list.

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Our taxing entities in this county are failing their constituents by failing to adequately appraise real property values. We have far too many valuable commercial properties in this district appraised for a mere fraction of their value. We need some serious dialogue with the appraisal district and among the leaders of the various taxing entities. The appraisal district needs to be beefed up and stop making ridiculous concessions because of fear of litigation. A Superintendent that leads by example, is data driven, and committed to ensuring that the children of Houston receive a quality education that will prepare them to be contributing members of society. We need somebody that cares about teachers and treat them with dignity and not a number. Above all else I feel the next superintendent must like being in education. They must know that the job of being an educator is the most important job in American; and that they are the lead educator for the District. The next superintendent must like teachers and support what we do everyday in the classroom. He or she must know that equality in education is a very important factor for the future success of our District. Wise Creative Open minded Even tempered Eliminate some of these charts and posters in the classrooms and include more textbook, writing, and spelling instruction along with a better reading program. Literacy by Three Program needs more time to develop. Let's keep working to make it great and not make changes to our literacy plan when new superintendent comes in. The superintendent need not hire friends to work in the district's highest paying positions. The superintendent needs to be able to delegate. I believe teachers felt much more connected and informed when we had assistant superintendents at each sub-district (i.e. Central Region office) Help make the right decisions when poses arise. Stand firm on the decision without waiver. To have in place an effective system to monitor the various schools that come under the district and be accessible and approachable, personable A person interested in developing teachers, recognizing that just as students have their own style of learning, teachers have their own style of teaching. Encourage teachers and students to look outside of school for learning opportunities. Allow teachers to think outside the box. The current system castigates teachers that have their own ideas about teaching, that want to extend learning and that teach more than what is expected. Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 15



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We need someone who will value the employees of HISD, especially the hardworking ones. We need someone to improve the morale of all staff members - not scold them in front of their peers - no one does their best under the previous circumstances! I hope the next superintendent will look at teachers with high regards in a way that the next superintendent will consider each teacher's experiences and degree of education an add a special step into the teacher's salary. I hope the next superintendent will look into every school as it grows; how schools develop its programs to create well-rounded students and not just rate the schools on how the students past the state standardized test; how the schools communicate with parents; how regular schools( meaning not the vanguard and magnet schools) uphold their high standard of education ( one aspect is to look how many students got into colleges and universities and how much scholarships was gathered by students); he/she must take into consider the student- teacher ratio ( because studies says a small classes are effective no matter what the grade level is); the next superintendent will consider special budget for students with special needs and just not consider inclusion as a solution to educate students with special needs. We need someone who has actually taught inside a classroom and understands the problems that happen inside a classroom. Our students are being tested to death, teachers are being evaluated with TADS and should be only having one formal evaluation with many informal walk-throughs like the PADAS. There needs to be a change in HISD. Our admin rushs through our formals just be done because they have so many to do. Please bring someone in that changes this outdated system that no one else uses. Too many administrators trying to justify their jobs. Add more teachers, reduce class size, improve the quality of education. Looking for someone knowledgeable about education and teaching and less about building buildings. The language they speak is less important to me than their ability to look, listen, and understand the disparity across the district's campuses as far as facilities and educational opportunities. I believe the superintendent should place a higher value on Principals who care more about children and less about test scores. Students should be helped to succeed in life, keeping in mind the many challenges they face, and not just looked at as a test score. It would help Houston Independent School District, if it had a Superintendent who was both understanding and supportive in providing teachers with all of the needed resources to aid high student achievement on every campus. 1. A love of children and a passion for educating them! 2. Should have been a teacher with at least 20 years of experience so as to better understand the struggles of teachers in today's classroom. 3. The ability to lead a team of individuals who are committed to the above as opposed just herding them forward or being dictatorial in approach.

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4. Trusting the administrators that have been placed in charge of schools to do their jobs effectively. 5. Focusing attention (including financial) on schools and staff that are under-achieving, rather than making broad sweeping changes that include all campuses. 6. The ability to lead a team and inspire them by example. I think the superintendent needs to have the teachers' and principals' backs, and not create a they/we mentality with an I gotcha climate. In Houston, English/Spanish bilingual is VERY helpful. I feel that our new Superintendent should be a leader and display a clear ability to lead a district of our size. This person should be energetic, trustworthy and able to lead by example. This person should be sensitive to the needs of the teachers and respect the fact that there are other stakeholders that should also be held accountable for the success of our children. This person should be knowledgeable and approachable. This person should be professional and respectful. I would like the superintendent have a caring attitude towards teachers and make sure their principals are very ethical, humanistic and caring about their staff. Right now it seems that principals are just worried about the budget and that is what the faculty is compared to...a budget item and not a human item. The new superintendent should not micromanage teachers, that is why teachers hold a Texas Certificate which enables them to teach in the state of Texas. The superintendent needs to understand the importance of improving ALL schools because there are schools are lacking resources. There are campuses that are in terrible physical conditions and that is being ignored. I am a graduate, I am a tax payer, I am a parent AND I am a teacher in this district. Those questions about the qualities are just plain stupid! OF course we want all of that! What we don't want is another northern out of touch clueless xxxx that only brings in his friends and family to pilfer the funds and abuse the dedicated employees. Preferably be a former teacher or has background of being inside the classroom. These questions were silly. Don't think anyone would disagree with any of them. Our next superintendent needs to put children first and politics and testing last. HISD talks about "critical reasoning," yet way too much emphasis is placed on testing results. Multiple Choice tests do not encourage critical thinking. While I realize that tests are a necessary evil, too much class time is devoted to practice for the test. Benchmarks, Snapshots, BOY's, MOY's... The list is endless and disheartening. Our kids do not know how to read and analyze literature - they only know how to read passages. Shameful. Reinstate the stipends for higher teacher education such as Master’s and Doctorate Degrees. We are an educational institution that does not value and Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 17



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reward higher education. Change the appraisal system so it is fair and means something. I would like to know what the data means that generates my appraisal. Now, it is so complicated and unfair, I do not pay much attention to it. Our students should not be considered data points. Data is important, but other things enter into the equation. Understand cultural differences among students, teachers and administrators. STOP OVERTESTING. STOP UNREALISTIC CURRICULUM AND ALLOCATION OF DAILY INSTRUCTIONAL TIME. It is my hope this survey will be used as a tool and divining rod of sorts that will be helpful in selecting a new district leader. It is my hope each surveys comment is read carefully and soberly understanding what is being said is being said to help make certain our voices as teachers and district employees are being heard and used in selecting this new leader. Having said that I shall go on. The leader must have the traits found in the pledge of a boy scout oath, brave, honest, loyal, trustworthy, strong and so forth. However along with these traits their character must also have the intelligence to know when they are wrong, be able to accept correction and redirection honorably, set pride and position aside. He/she must not be for sale to those that can afford to buy what they want in this district. They must be blind and deaf to offers that would adversely affect the district, the teachers, employees, parents, communities in other words refuse self promotion. Accolades for the district must be gained but not at the risk of hurting others. A few stars may shine brightly but when every star has a chance to shine the light is seen by everyone. Every school must have the same opportunity to shine , be them Magnet of regular or located in Sunnyside or West University each school must have an opportunity to shine and be recognized to its efforts and success, be them large or small. This new leader cannot be an up and coming person looking to make his/her mark in the education arena we have enough Principals doing that, NO! This new leader must be in it for the hard work connected with education. They must have a love that comes when working with ALL children, a loyalty to the task even when things aren't favorable, a desire to do well not for self but for the people's that make up HISD. They must have an ear to not just hear but the capability to listen and listen well and comprehend what is being said, they must have empathy but be strong in making decisions. They MUST not be a thief and steal from the children by not allocating money equitably for all schools in the district. They must must build schools with input from those that will occupy the buildings for years to come. Build schools with children in mind not saving money being the end result. I am hopeful no other teacher, child, parent or community has be in a school that cannot meet the needs of its people daily. A new school is a wonderful thing but if it’s not built with the mindset to meet the needs of the students, staff and community it’s just a nice building. Finally this new person must understand being a teacher is not for the faint of heart. Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 18



Therefore when looking for teachers they must be educated from universities that have educational majors specified for teachers. Teachers must come from universities that teach the full and rich curriculum created for teaching and working with children. Time out for those folk that decide they will teach because they need a job yet have no true , deep and abiding love for children. I love my job and I love my kids, every one of them. Yes, let’s admit there are times when they can work a nerve, BUT! I would not trade my years and experiences with teaching for anything else. My memories are bright and beautiful so I am hopeful you select a superintendent that has garnered many years working with teaching all sorts of children and that they too have beautiful memories from having been a teacher.

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Please, choose well and as each of you think soberly and consider what this districts has gone through in the past know this, it is easy to look at the district from the balcony level and see the beautiful tree tops with the sun kissing each green leaf. But it’s the view from the ground that needs to be seen with its less than majestic view. The ground level view is real and it needs a leader that doesn't mind coming down from the balcony and seeing things in real time. A superintendent must have compassion, empathy, and yet be financially savvy and resistant to pressure from outside sources. He/she must be held accountable for their actions, and designate accordingly. Their support staff will also be held to these standards. I would like for the superintendent to have a clear understanding of student psycho-social-emotional needs and value the districts work to support the whole child. If we do not have a method of supporting mental health, social needs, and basic needs, we are not supporting our students. The leader should be able to create realistic goals and manage all the different schools with integrity. Students at risk and with special needs should receive practical well thought out expectations and resources. Programs should be in place to foster more parent education, participation and accountability. The new superintendent needs to have extensive classroom experience, and experience in an urban school district where they have set goals for socially economically challenged students and effectively fostered high expectations with fidelity. Also the superintendent should have a high respect for dedicated educators and the hard work they do every day. The new superintendent must be an educator who fully understands teaching and learning on a personalized level for students. Ideally, the new superintendent would have some familiarity with Houston ISD. I strongly believe that the new Superintendent needs to empower highperforming schools with strong principals and then empower them to take risks and innovate. Data-driven decision making plays a role, but it should not play a major role. Principals should not be afraid to reshape their school into campuses of innovation. Right now, administrators are political creatures, who achieve mediocre results by playing it safe, and striving for meaningless improvements at the margins of standardized testing results. Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 19



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The superintendent should have prior teaching experience in an urban environment in order to understand the issues facing HISD and relate to all staff members. Our superintendent needs to be free of vendor relationships that cause decision making to benefit certain vendors and free of conflicts of interest. Our superintendent needs to review the power up and how it is used in schools. In many schools, the power up is replacing instruction and leading to poor outcomes, plagiarism, and academic dishonesty among students. Understanding of the needs of children and that tests and benchmarks are not final indicators of student's learning or the ability of the teachers. Testing should not be the focus. The Superintendent should be skilled at seeing possible unintended consequences for the varied and diverse parts of this large district. S/he should have a deep understanding of the roles played by teachers, administrators, and district personnel in order to understand the intricacies of each school. S/he should have experience working in a school and should be supportive of teacher education and retention rather than assessing, punishing and getting rid of teachers in low-performing schools. Someone who realizes that quality teachers cost money, and that the best schools have those people. Cut the budget seems to be the word of the day which means cheap new teachers who leave in a year or two..... It is important that a Superintendent understand that by improving our fine arts programs throughout the district, our student's scores of standardized tests will rise. A superintendent needs to be honest and approachable. All of their duties should not be delegated to others and then be paid outlandish amounts for delegating and not earning these perks. Too many teachers work extremely hard and are not rewarded sufficiently and he gets all of these perks for WHAT!!!!! We are in the debt we are in now due to the board making ridiculous choices in the past and paying known deadbeats to do their dirty work. Hold a deep understanding of the teaching/learning process. Have a thorough understanding of the HISD community and its needs. Hold all employees and his or herself, as superintendent, accountable for their performance. Provide guidance for district-wide curriculum and instruction. Promote the importance of providing safe and caring school environments. Integrate personalized educational opportunities into the instructional program. Utilize student achievement data to drive the District’s instructional decision-making. To give back the Race to the Top Grant money and keep Common Core OUT OF HISD!!! Ideally, a Superintendent who has come through the ranks (from teacher to Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 20



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Administrator), in the last 15 yrs…and is still in-touch with the reality of what teachers and all support staff responsibilities entail. An individual who will united parents, teachers and community members. I would hope the next superintendent is not a political pawn of the testing industry and charter school/private school voucher groups. The next superintendent should have practical vision, not the vision of a political opportunist. Many students in this district need real opportunity, such as to learn a skilled trade in their field of interest so that they are marketable when they leave school. Not all students are college candidates or even have that interest. An educational background is a must; in order for our district to succeed those who are administrators must understand how and why learning happens. Our Literacy by 3 Program is so successful because it is based in sound educational theory and practice. We need more of this for the rest of our student's learning to be successful. Promote respect to learning multicultural values and open-minded to support learning more than one language. The interests of students and teachers have to be taken more seriously, and less interest should be paid to pleasing national agencies with no real stake in our students and life here in Houston. Having respect for others is very important. Remain humble. I hope that the superintendent will be supportive of the fine arts. Respect the teachers and be willing to clean out excess administrators and staff rather than teachers. It needs to be someone who is passionate about education and not just there to make money and fulfill an agenda that is not always good for kids (example, requiring kids who are not prepared, to take AP classes and exams and setting them up for failure) Having consistency within the district would be great, as in not constantly shuffling departments, roles, and personnel. I believe the new superintendent will need to restore communication and goodwill in neighborhoods where schools have been closed and where the residents feel alienated. Also he/she will need to make teachers feel that they are valuable assets and part of the decision-making process. An experienced classroom educator who understands the learning process and sees every child as a potential learner. Someone who sees and listens to the needs of schools and not politicians They need to do what is best for the district, the students, and the school staffs. They should NOT prioritize what makes themselves look good. I would like the superintendent to hire effective assistant principals who are interested in working with teachers not their positions. I have been with HISD for 26 years and have had the opportunity to work with a number of assistant principals. Unfortunately, some of them have made it clear to me that they do not have the slightest idea of the areas they are assigned to as appraisers. Also, some of them are very rude and are inclined to bully teachers, particularly those teachers who are knowledgeable in their field and Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 21



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hold the highest college degrees and are outspoken. I have personally been bullied by my appraiser due her lack of knowledge. My appraiser put in writing that I do not teach STAAR objectives. I find this real sad that an appraiser does not have the understanding that STAAR is a test that measures TEKS. A superintendent should have extensive experience in education, beginning with experience as a certified staff preferably across content and multiple grades. I think that the new superintendent should knowledgeable of multi-cultural and international relations. He/She must also be fluent in a second language. The new superintendent should come from the Houston area and have Texas values with a democratic approach. The new superintendent should be sensitive to minority communities and possibly reflect an ethnic culture. A superintendent who understands the day- to-day events that happen in low socioeconomic schools. A superintendent who values teachers and places administrators in place who holds the same values. A superintendent who allows admin to be held to the standard teachers are. The leader of our district should be one who knows the district. The one chosen should be someone who has worked themselves through the HISD family ranks.

Certified Staff The superintendent needs to have educator and student interests at heart and make decisions as to what's best for them. Changing curriculums every 3 to 5 years is a complete waste of time and money. It doesn't allow enough time for students to effectively learn the new strategies and it stresses teachers to the max. It seems that the curriculum same are not aligned as to what is developmentally appropriate for grade levels and leaves many wife gaps to be filled in. In my opinion, people creating pacing calendars and curriculum guides are not on the same page as those purchasing the adoptions used and it leaves teachers and students scrambling. We had some FANTASTIC resources that were taken away for ones that are not user friendly or student friendly. It feels as though the blind are leading the blind and something has to be done to get everyone on the same page and working towards the same goals.

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A superintendent should be caring and understanding and advocating FOR teachers and students and not throwing them under the bus. Support should be given, not stolen and stripped away. Our leader should have a thorough background in education and understand real world situations. Classes with 26+ kids, especially in elementary, are ridiculous. Budget money and funds to offer raises, incentives and rewards for effective teachers. Quit wasting money telling teachers they need to have red bins in their classes for specific books. Let us choose books that we know kids are interested in and that match our TEKS and objectives. Let us actually teach students and show them how to think critically and solve problems by allowing the flexibility to Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 22



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teach rather than making EVERYTHING about testing. The superintendent should have a physical presence in the community supporting and encouraging schools. He/she should be visible, accessible, reachable, and personable. I think he/she should visit every campus every year to thank teachers and give a positive speech for the work we do. Be on our side and not against us. A superintendent that leads through positive empowerment. No robar No inventar puestos inecesarios o cambiar de nombre a los existentes solo porque puede Que se siente en la silla no que la silla lo cubra Que luche por esclarecer y recuperar el dinero que X & Y autorizaron injustificadamente Que los jovenes aspiren a trabajar en vez de seguir viendo normal y con orgullo el hecho de no madurar, tomar malas decisiones, afectarnos como sociedad Have a clear understanding of the makeup and needs of students in ALL HISD schools. How different populations are from campus to campus. Be sensitive that change takes time. Programs cannot be changed every year. The new superintendent should make sure schools educate all students equally. Each school should have art, music, and daily physical education. Each student deserves to be well rounded in all areas of education. One main task for the next superintendent should be to provide and create a real professional atmosphere and treatment to ALL teachers. Unfortunately, during the last administration the common value was to promote a hostile and insecure environment among teachers. I hope the next administration could be able to support and equip teachers since they are who inspire the next generations of students to perform for a better future. Be someone who is visible... Who visits the schools often.... Who actively listens. We need a superintendent focused on education, not politically correct virtue-signaling (e.g., the recent renaming of schools) that divides and distracts. Knowledge& involvement in special education. In order to retain Good Teachers like myself, Discipline in this district needs to be a "Priority". We cannot turn out good students if Discipline is not a Priority. Administrators all the way to the top need to support Tougher Discipline on Students. I had 3 students fight in a lab class, the students threw dangerous blinding chemicals on each other, beat the crap out of each other, could have stabbed one another with the knives that were inches away from each other and nothing was done to them, except a suspension, which does absolutely “Nothing” for the students accept give them days off at home. Kicking them out of career Programs on their 1st offense would send a clear message to all students of what is not acceptable. Holding students accountable for their actions is what we need to instill in them from kindergarten, but this can only be done if everyone from the Superintendent Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 23



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down supports tougher Discipline. This district will most likely lose me after only 1 year of teaching because of the lack of Discipline that this district has towards students who are violent, disrespectful and a distraction to all of the other students who actually come to school to learn. The superintendent needs to be heavily involved in reshaping the culture and climate at campuses like Kashmere HS. It feels as though our AfricanAmerican students are being forgotten. We need a leader willing to work aggressively to change the mindset in that community and ones like it or else were perpetuating the same cycle. We need change. The future superintendent should be considered an asset to his/her job that he/she will be leaving, not one who is disliked or even fired! Hear the voice of the teacher's and make school Monday thru Thursday Strong Leadership skills Determination in making changes Visionary thought process based upon the demands of educating children to be prepared for 21st century jobs Utilizes the talent within Equal reward system ALL employees we are a community and some should not be left out, if it takes a village than the village should share in the reward!! Strong understanding of complexities of learning and teaching as well as child development. Positive management style that fosters positive professional growth and respect. Hire based on skills, experience and knowledge as well as positive management style. I would like a Superintendent that shows *RESPECT* to veteran teachers I would like to see a great emphasis on social skills. Due to the demand of testing in the upper grades, I have been unable to engage teachers and students in skills that promote caring and respect. When speaking with teachers and administrators, I am told that due to testing our students do not have the time for these valuable lessons. Realize that teachers cannot be held solely responsible for the academic success of students. Parents have significant influence on their children's attitudes towards education, societal integration, and career pursuits. For example, I recently had one of my special education students tell me that he didn't need to learn how to read because when he grows up he doesn't need to get a job, because he's going to "get checks from the government." Wonder where he learned this? Certainly not at school. The problems existing within education take root in the home. Until these problems are resolved, education will continue to struggle. I am tired of upper administration telling the community that the teachers are ineffective. I strongly feel that the administration is micromanaging what goes on in my classroom and that I am no longer allowed to address the needs of my students. The calendar and the test schedule drives what goes on in my classroom. I am very disappointed in the direction this district has Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 24



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gone. A superintendent should be pro-teacher, i.e., to think first and foremost the needs and concerns of teachers and not the community, in general. Doing things to please the community is politics. And a superintendent should not engage in this just to make his/her image look good. Teachers are what drive the district. You can forget the ancillary staff and administrators. But you can't put the teachers at the periphery. Place the teachers at the top in things to consider. Hire the best. Give the best salary. (I've been teaching for 22 years now and I'm earning only $62,000. Pathetic! I love teaching. That's why I'm still her). When you hire the best, keep the best, and support these best teachers, everything follows- successful students, great school environment, etc, etc.....And make school administrators more accountable. Hire only administrators who have at least 10 years of teaching experience. HISD has floundered under a Superintendent that did not understand the diversity and cultures of Houston. Expensive programs (Apollo) were pushed (and failed) while proven programs were repeatedly cut in funding and support (magnet schools, especially GT / Vanguard magnets). We really need someone who understands this, and promotes on merit rather than "who you know." A superintendent should be required to be in every grade level for one week to see the pressures of testing, and the disasters of behavior. Teachers need strong administrators who enforce discipline. HISD is too top heavy. Focus on teacher needs and classroom needs, not rewriting curriculum. Communicate clear vision & goals for the district. Hire quality staff & give them the resources & support to carry out their mission. Increase our teacher aids salary because we do more than our expected role in the classrooms. Quit supporting principals who are looking for "gotcha" things to harass teachers with. Build teachers, not tear them down. Rid the district of these types of principals. A superintendent should be honestly and truly open to a variety of opinions. No one should be afraid to step forward and voice disagreement or a variety of ideas toward steps the district is taking. The superintendent should listen to all sides and recognize/acknowledge the need to sometimes challenge and change the status quo--without any negative repercussions for anyone. Helpful having superintendent understanding education necessary for the disability and deaf, hard of hearing Must have been a classroom teacher and has a reality check of present classrooms in HISD schools. To be realistic about the students we have in public school To get to know the demographics To ask teachers' input when decisions are made that directly affect students Someone that is honest, has an educational background, will communicate with staff at the campus level, provide support to struggling campuses, provide more resources, provide larger raises to teachers and campus level employees. Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 25



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I believe the superintendent should focus on making sure that all schools are equal and have access to the same resources, no matter what side of town the school is located. A superintendent is a mind set. That's much more than a title. More than a boss, he's a role model. Someone who understands what it feels like to teach 35 students each period every day or someone who's willing to understand. The ability to hire good people and trust them within their expertise. Get feedback from teachers and principals. Current knowledge of research, for example the helpfulness (not) of homework in the early grades. Abolish TADS. It's killing creativity, and causing undue stress for teachers. Gestapo tactics create an unhealthy teaching environment. Good teachers leave the district to work where the culture is positive, not negative. This district is negative! You don't even have designated area for teacher in terms of filling in my role. I would love to see a superintendent who is passionate about 21 century learning for all grade levels including clear directives to classroom teachers that the practices of old- worksheets, memorization, and regurgitation on assessment are not preparing our students for a future we can't even picture. There is a vision for HISD, but alas it does not trickle down to the elementary level where teachers continue to relay on the methods of old because they want to retain control and it is easier than adapting. With the current focus on STAAR as a pivotal marker of success, this old school approach makes some of these teachers look highly successful, until independent thought is needed and then they are stuck. The new superintendent needs to focus on school discipline. He/She needs to stress the importance of students' taking ownership of their education. Too much testing and not enough effective instruction. Someone who is a positive leader that gives constructive and positive feedback. Someone who is friendly and values their teachers. Someone who is willing to listen to teacher's input. It would be wonderful to work for a leader who values teachers and their unique role in the education process. There has been too much fear and lack of trust over the last few years. My main concern is that the new Superintendent does what is best for the students even when it is not what is best for the district..... I think it’s important for the new superintendent to realize that the teachers are here for the students but we are struggling. Support is not there and the district is losing quality teachers because of this. A school is only as good as its teachers...SO MAKE THEM WANT TO BE HERE!!! A superintendent ought to be a servant leader, be part of the same team with school personnel, and avoid punitive attitudes, opting instead to understand that stakeholders can do no more than their best. Each and every employee should be treated fairly and with respect. Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 26



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I believe that the next superintendent should be one who is in favor teachers. Providing a platform in which teachers are able to communicate ideas and malicious actions are not taken out on them. One that understands that teachers are advocates for our students and not the enemy. Someone that is teacher-friendly, that knows what we teachers go through in the classroom and doesn't treat us based on what our "data" shows. We are more than data! TO GIVE TEACHERS THE FAIR RECOGNITION THEY DESERVE..BY NOT MAKING TEST SCORES AN EVALUATION TOOL OR PUNISHMENT FOR TESTS STUDENTS ARE NOT PREPARED FOR SUCH AS AP CLASSES FOR 9TH GRADERS WHO CAN BARELY WRITE A SHORT PARAGRAPH...TEACHERS ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR AN EXAM THAT TAKES PREPARATION OF THE 9TH GRADE YEAR AND THEN START IN THE 10TH YEAR. The superintendent must be spiritual minded with a high moral character. Be bilingual A leader that can connect with the economic, educational and social disparities that plague youth in our environment. I feel as though the pressures of being a teacher are already taxing yet truly rewarding. However, as a second year teacher I believe the new superintendent should be able to connect or build a relationship with those who make it happen daily in the classrooms. Having a clear understanding of concerns and making teaching fun again is really important for everyone involved) We have administrators who are responsible for the business aspects of the district, as well as logistics. The Superintendent should be a former educator who has an intimate understanding of what the classroom environment is really like. have classroom teaching experience I'd like a superintendent that understands that the student and teacher are the center of any school system. Too many layers of "administrators" dilute the effectiveness to assist teachers in improving instruction. Also, please select a superintendent that has taught in the classroom for over five years. I want a person who is not a boss but a leader. I want someone who is not big on talk, but big on actions. They need to aware of what is the best services for the diverse community of students in HISD. Need to value teachers who are not in the most affluent schools or high performing schools. Need to give more benefits to the teacher who works in low performing schools with high behavioral issues as compensation for the mental, physical and emotional stress they encounter on the job. Someone who has taught in an actual inner city classroom for at least 10 years and knows what it is really like. I believe the new superintendent should continue to promote programs that encourage and keep our youth in school and focus on education. Programs such as Apollo 20, CTE Programs, Dual Credit Programs needed to be pushed more by students just as much as AP Programs, global student Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 27



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initiative, and college ready. Students need a superintendent that's for the students goals and their future. The district efforts make our students who they are as they grow and as they go out into the real world. We need people who believe in them because not all students have someone at home whom believe in them. I think it is important that the new superintendent places high interest in ALL schools, especially those in low economic neighborhoods that seem to get ignored until the State has to take it over. Strong, determined leader. Someone who doesn't see the role as politician, someone who understands how to trim the fat from central office, and get the needed people into classrooms. Someone who doesn't think more district mandates and meetings is the same as collaboration. I believe the new superintendent must understand the teacher's role and all the current pressures associated with it. I think the student should be taught holistically and not focused on so much the pressures of test taking. I do think all of the mentioned characteristics are necessary within the district; however, I believe professionals with more direct ties to the schools and students would be better qualified to take leadership roles in some situations. I imagine it would be hard for a superintendent to make educated decisions that will directly affect our students in our city. Educated input, of course. But please let professionals who specialize in different areas and haven't been out of the classroom as long hold the most weight when making these decisions. And please establish a way for classroom teachers and community members to be more involved that doesn't involve meeting at a inopportune time at a distant location. Emails, surveys, polls, having representatives visit schools to have BRIEF discussions during faculty meetings...all of the above would help school personnel feel more connected to the inner workings of the district. And it would definitely give the central office more knowledge of what challenges and concerns we have and deal with on a daily basis. It really is more than just statistics on a page. I know that the District needs to stop cheating the veteran Teachers by compressing their salaries and adding years that they will never reach max salary. A 33-year teacher has to give back to the district a $500.00 loss in pay from last year salary scale. The district neesd to appreciate their loyalty. He needs to make it mandatory for the students wear the pants above their waist with a belt. I want the bonus pay to be equally divided because it takes a village to raise a child. We all add to the lives of our students and their future. We need to add co-op back to the Schools for those students that may not go to college. I agree on the visibility of a Superintendent in all schools not only in the high performing schools. Must be knowledgeable in Curriculum and Instructions as it relates to financial status of each school. He is compassionate and have a clear vision of what teachers are required to do about specific job descriptions. In order to reduce the teachers' mobility, have an administrator stay for a minimum of 3 years in a school to show improvement. A system must be established . Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 28



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compassion I think a lot needs to change about the effectiveness of the district. Both as a teacher and parent in the district I am consistently disappointed with the way the district handles every aspect of education. Every positive thing that I see coming from my son's elementary school and the high school at which I teach is directly related to the effectiveness of the campus staff IN SPITE of the district. In particular the use of funds; personally as a parent who pays Pre-K tuition and professionally as a teacher seeing funds consistently misused and thrown away on nonsense programs. Belief in holistic practices. Not super focused on standardized tests. Encourage schools and teachers to make learning fun, so students are more engaged, and then do better. Focus all possible resources on the children, allow teachers to craft their pedagogy without myriads of paperwork and less standardized testing. Our superintendent needs to be well versed in Texas laws and educational policies. I prefer someone who has worked and lived in Texas for most of his/her professional life. A superintendent that would never take a bonus that is higher than the bonus of the highest paid teacher. Will the new superintendent be a certified educator? Hewitt is no educator, and he was the one over the money that was MISAPPROPRIATED and MISUSED!!! How crazy is that?! We don't need a businessman as our superintendent. We need a responsible, understanding and knowledgeable superintendent that is in touch with research in education and its stakeholders. We need someone who can lead the district in a positive non-threatening manner. Great leaders do not need fear as a weapon. It would be in the District's best interest to have a Superintendant that has been an educator one for over 5 years, has an appreciation for the Fine Arts program and recognizes that it benefits students as a whole. The teachers in the district already hold highest value for their responsibilities to their students; but we have not idea to where we are going. There is a great disconnect within the district as to what is taught at the middle levels and what is needed. Major reform needs to occur at the level never addressed: the middle school. I feel a superintendent should understand what it feels like to be in the classroom. To not only recognize the strengths but to understand the struggles teachers face every day. Not one school or class is the same. Although we are working towards and similar goal some cases need to be viewed independently. What works for some may not work for others. Should work towards creating a similar atmosphere across the district. Someone with consistency. The district needs to respect & show that teachers are valued for the longterm. New teachers should be guided with support from a mentor and encouraged to stay with district. HISD trains & then loses the best teachers to other districts. Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 29



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Definitely hold principal accountable for school testing results. Have seen more mature experience teachers leave and inexperience teachers take place and test scores go down. I have been teaching in HISD for 19 years. During the past 6 years, district personnel have worked in a climate of fear, instability, and threat. This does not inspire employees' best work. We need a superintendent who RESPECTS the districts' principals and teachers, supports PLCs and collaboration, and builds a climate of high expectations AND TRUST. A positive environment encourages employees to take risks in the quest for continuous improvement. Constantly firing or moving personnel does not solve problems, it just creates new ones. I think it's very important to find a leader who is willing to continue implementing our current curriculum and procedures, like literacy by 3, and willing to see how things progress rather than trying to make immediate curriculum changes. Be a doer. Be honest. Practice selfless service. Listen and hear teachers. Protect teachers. It is very important that all stakeholders involved have a voice in the selection of the superintendent. Want someone who is in-touch with the "class room". Someone that understands what we deal with everyday. Someone that doesn't rule with fear and intimidation like Terry Grier. Have an understanding of the Houston community. It needs to be someone who understands our district from the inside. I am really tired of having outsiders come in & completely rearrange our district. My vision of our superintendent is to find many hard working and firm principals for schools that are falling apart due to lack of management and zero interests in students' educations. As a parent, I would no longer consider sending my child to HISD. I would choose private school. There are some good elementary school and a few middle schools and high schools that would even be on my radar for my child. Too much emphasis on test taking and not enough emphasis on providing "solid" instruction. As an employee, I'm appalled at how the past Superintendent spoke to employees; so very rude. Please get someone that is polite and genuinely interested in the district and its employees. Please revamp the spec. ed. dept. The morale is in the toilet. Without a decent administration I've decided it's time to look elsewhere for a job. After 26 years with HISD, I find the current Admin and the morale of the district to be absolutely intolerable. There is a clear present of bullying in the district and it has to STOP. Care about teachers. Understand teachers. Listen to teachers. Treat teachers Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 30



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fair. Do not involve politics into education. Do not impose "new curriculum" that has not been "tested" on a regular classroom. I think the superintendent should give all schools the same respect and provide the same resources for all schools. I teach at a school that is nearly falling apart and in desperate need of a new school; that will functional for a great learning environment . Bilingual. Open-minded. Tolerant. I would like to see the new superintendent as caring, patient, passionate, and compassionate. I would like to see the passion in regards to student success but balanced with care for the students' well being. I would like to see the superintendent as calm and well balanced mentally. Mentally capable of being firm and aggressive when needed and calm and peaceful when needed. I would like to see this person as normal and genuinely concerned about the well being of the students. The person doesn't have to be a Harvard graduate to desire that the district produce students ready for Harvard. I would like to see it as someone who has proven success in the classroom with student achievement, regularly. not at this time I believe the superintendent should be one of our own staff members. This person should have a background as a former HISD teacher, a former HISD school administrator, and should currently be employed as an administrator. I hope that the Superintendent would have leadership skills similar to Dr. Grier. It was comforting to know that the Mayor of Houston listened to Dr. Grier's decisions. I also would like for the new Superintendent to be able to provide incentives and bonuses for teachers who go above and beyond. The candidate should be well-educated and informed regarding various financial, educational and statistical data that would make this district thrive. Saving good teachers instead of forcing them into retirement would assist in training the young up and coming educators of tomorrow. I have seen the teacher's moral drop in the last five to eight years. I would like to have a leader who inspires and encourages teachers so that we could have a small town feel again in our schools. Our leader needs to be an experienced (at least 10 years at different levels) with a record of success in the public school system. He /she most know low -income inner city school complexity, particularly in a district the size of HISD. Yes we need an administrator but we need one with the heart of a teacher. A good candidate should have at least 5 years teaching experience and 5 years administrator experience. This way she/he can have a better understanding of what things are like on a campus Children will benefit from a leader who is a true educator with a vision for educating humanity and producing citizens who are prepared for an intellectually-demanding global society. TEA may set many standards, but a Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 31



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great leader will understand what is most important in the classroom; standardized tests with mediocre standards cannot be the driving force. This person better be from Houston or at least from TX and not from another state. We need an individual who has an in-depth knowledge of what this city is like, its needs, problems, successes, etc. The district needs someone that is dedicated to lifelong learning for all students, not some. It is imperative that out minority students feel a sense of importance and learn to develop a role in their own learning. The new superintendent will ensure that all schools, from the best to the worst of neighborhoods, provide students with adequate chances to develop success, while attending a school in a safe environment. Good Listener who exhibits professionalism . Approachable Build Capacity within HISD Value HISD employees and hire internally for leadership and administrative positions. Someone who is an honest, trustworthy, humble, fair visionary. Actually, the qualities of a boy scout would work. Integrity, Realistic Approach to Decision Making, Strong Leadership Qualities, Open-Mindedness to ideas that work for the success of the students and the educational system as a whole, having consultations and promoting experienced and highly educated professionals, meticulous screening and removal of all administrators that failed to perform successfully and did not encourage teamwork in their schools which resulted in law staff morale and mediocre students' scores. I believe a strong leader in the HISD educational community must understand the people that are affected by the district decisions. Each person contributes their uniqueness to the overall and should never be considered "human capital". Someone transparent in their dealings Someone who taught for more than 7 years Someone who understands that the current Aspire system is broken Someone who is not going to undo the good to fix the district, we have a lot of good!!!! Our new superintendent should be someone who is able to instill a culture of trust and promote a strong supportive, collaborative community within the district employees. This person should have a vision for the district that goes beyond the current one that is simply to make the district look good to outsiders. The administrators at the district level, lead by the new superintendent, should promote an environment of support that will encourage teachers and other staff members to remain with the district in order to build a workforce that has experience and can guide our students toward learning skills, including interpersonal skills, that will enable our students to become productive members of the workforce. The superintendent should:

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1. Have wide experience as an educator. 2. Have in mind that a happy and well remunerated teacher will bring thousands of successful students to the community. 3. Work diligently to increase teachers' salaries. 4. Change the way teachers have being evaluated. 5. Create ways to reward teachers who improve their teaching skills by getting masters degrees or doctorates in the field of education. 6. Demonstrate passion for bilingual education. Committed to bilingual/dual language education. Supports developmentally appropriate practices in the early childhood setting. too much emphasis on testing need more creativity and project based learning promote the arts look at education in Finland way too much testing need much more creativity and project based learning promote the fine arts look at education in Finland I believe every school deserves equal opportunity no matter its location within the district. Honest, compassionate about education We need a superintendent that will commit to rebuilding the fine arts programs in HISD. The resources that our neighboring school districts receive for Fine Arts far exceeds what is available in HISD. Music, Art, Theater, and Dance programs in HISD have suffered due to a lack of understanding of how important these programs are to bolstering academic readiness and creativity of students. Open-Minded Visibility, consistency and integrity... I also believe our district would benefit greatly from a decrease in the amount of bureaucracy at the district level. Distribution of leadership is effective to a point... We need the systems, structures and resources of the district to be more vertically aligned and equitably distributed. We have a great amount of capital in terms of experience, personnel, money and stakeholders. It will be to our detriment if we are unable to secure a superintendent that can effectively develop, manage, and increase that capital. Have a deep support for extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. A personable caring and concern for district employees. The consideration that all scholars are not going to college and provide them with highly technical skills through career and technology courses to make a great living. The career and technology component of HISD has been cancelled at most high schools. Funds are not allocated equally to each program and sub groups. Educational opportunities are not equally distributed. Teachers (new) are not provided adequate assistance and training. Low performing schools or Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 33



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students should be granted exposure to academic programs and resources raising the standards of expectations. The quality of a teacher should not lie in the students level of assessment only. Growth should be measured and monitored over three years for teachers, school and students having been given appropriate resources, materials and personnel. The Superintendent needs to fairly assess these issues that thusly affect the overall academic reputation and teacher's retention in the district and individual schools. Trustworthy, concern about how the district could be better than before more tools for failing school. Balance of accountability regarding discipline within a learning community. Principal, admin, teacher. Stop blaming the teacher for all the woes in education. We do not hold the ultimate power regarding discipline but we do need realistic support from people who do have power. Some principals talk disrespectfully to faculty members. In the corporate world if the boss spoke to his subordinates like some principals do human resource would be involved. It is time for that culture to leave HISD now. It starts at the top with the superintendent.

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Administrators need to be held to the same standards as teachers are regarding respect. The last superintendent loved controversy, confusion, mayhem and an "us" versus "them" culture. Teachers and admin should be present for the same thing.....children. We should be on the same side. I think all administrators should teach one class a day to truly have an understanding of what is going on. Maintain effective teachers as opposed to selecting teachers according to age. Student needs come before choice of teacher personnel. Who best meets the needs of the students. For example, I taught at a school that was recognized; however, teachers were removed for younger Teach for America teachers (who generally stayed for only two years). The school has never recovered from that transition. It has consistently been low performing. What happened? I don't know. One thing, there is no stability of teachers. Some of the newer teachers did not remain for an entire semester. The students are the ones that suffer when there is little stability in staff. Even the custodians get to know the students and encourage them as all school staff. The education and general welfare of the student should always be in the forefront. An ivy league school does not insure a better education. Having attended both state and ivy league institutions, my education at the state institution gave me the best skills for working with students within the HISD demographics.

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We have got to stop using EVAAS data to make decisions. It is completely useless data. If you look at it with a statistical analysis lens, you find it completely malleable, allowing groups to use it to reinforce whatever point Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 34



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they are making. We need a superintendent who is willing to meet with and listen to teachers, not just business owners and PhDs. We also need to cut ties with our pipeline to North Carolina, and stop importing their subpar educational products. Our new superintendent needs to be an experienced and successful teacher. They must trust teachers, and scrutinize educational product dealers, instead of scrutinizing teachers and trust educational product salespeople. Put them in a room with children and watch how they interact with them. If they are uncomfortable teaching, then they will not be an effective superintendent. Veteran teachers are the people with the experience, knowledge, and skills to propel HISD into the next century as a great school district. Our next superintendent must be willing to listen to, meet with, and trust the teachers, not just principals, SSOs, and other administrators. The superintendent must also do something to address the inequality in our district. I was a teacher at a school on the east side of the district. Some of my students were so bright and motivated, and were able to test into schools like TH Rogers, but geography limits them from attending schools of those calibers. If you look at it, there are zero choices for excellent elementary, middle, and high schools for our students on the east side of Houston. This is not acceptable. In addition, the superintendent must understand that teaching in Condit and West University is a different experience from teaching at Shady Dale and Robinson. There are significant challenges at our poorer schools in the district, and pretending like teaching at those schools is the same as teaching at any other school is not helpful. We must recognize those challenges and make plans accordingly. A leader willing to stick with common core basic instruction that works for students rather than implementing time wasting new strategies. Leadership that thinks outside the present box to use positive reinforcement to support teachers with their classrooms rather than destroy the integrity which exists with negative lens finding criticism and libelous defaming comments from appraisers. Needs experience in the classroom to know all the difficulties teachers have and appreciate their dedication. The new superintendent needs to guide the low performing schools toward successful growth. He or she should not be allowed let proven teachers be fired out of political maneuvering; such as what has happened under Greer. The new superintendent should not receive any bonus unless the financials are moving in the correct direction at least.

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The superintendent should be willing to accept compensation based on district wide student performance and improvement on financials. I would like to have a Superintendent smart, comprehensive, and impartial, fair enough and respectful of all teachers. I would prefer someone who is bilingual, with a firm background in teaching Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 35



(at least 5 years in the classroom) and experience as an administrator on the campus level (principal).

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I strongly resent superintendents who bounce from city to city like pin balls, and would be disappointed if the HISD Board chose such a candidate to run our district. Edit current evaluation instruments for teachers. Current evaluation tool does not measure the true effectiveness of teachers. We need to put less emphasis on the STAAR test and more on hands on/experiential learning. We need to treat our students as individuals and not robots that are taught how to pass a test. Teachers are a valuable resource and do know something about learning. Use them and listen to them. The person selected should be an educator - someone with an education background and has classroom experience in a public school. The environment of any organization starts from the top. Therefore, the new superintendent must create an environment within the district that all stakeholders matter. Finally, the new superintendent must promote professionalism within the organization with non-threatening tactics. It would be great if the new superintendent had some teaching experience. The next superintendent for the district needs to value relationships and work hard to cultivate a culture of supported innovation. Honest Budget Minded Educated Long term employee of HISD - Decisive and able to make tough decisions based on growth/results and objective student data, not just THEORIES of education - POSITIVE focus on helping all students excel--not dividing the community and unfairly serving those from districts in which board members are the loudest Hire a superintendent who has respect for others and treats employees with common decency. Good character Commitment Capability A superintendent should foster respect for all stakeholders and be a team player.

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He/She should also bring stability to the school district with the hiring of seasoned personnel who do not leave after a year or two. I think the next superintendent should be concerned about ALL children; not just those in well-to-do areas. Last superintendent closed a lot of minority Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 36



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schools. Don't believe minorities meant anything to him. The next superintendent should make sure that all money for the district is used wisely; making the necessary upgrades to those schools truly in need. There are many that are in need right now, but for some reason, won't be getting an upgrade. But then it's said too, that a lot of that money is gone...what a BIG oversight. ALL of the children in the district should be able to get a good education, not just some. The new superintendent needs to be a former educator from HISD. This person should be aware of the differences in the school's demographics and has empathy for the impoverished schools and will fight for all schools to become equal. I hope that the new Superintendant will see school libraries as an essential component of a strong HISD education. Libraries offer a great equalizing force, especially in neighborhoods r from HPL branches. Currently. It is possible for some HISD students to attend K-12 in HISD and never have access to a stocked and staffed campus library to encourage their love of reading and learning. This is important to rebuilding HISD into a strong district for all its students. A superintendent who has experience working with a diverse student population and can meet their educational needs. The chief must be able to work with a diverse community who has a range of needs: from the economically disadvantaged to the prosperous business and industry. A leader who has a passion for all children and their success. Though I am also a certified teacher, I am also a business person and a property owner in Harris County. It is most important to me that the Superintendent of HISD schools possesses common sense, is highly intelligent, well educated, and understands organizational and educational structures. He or she should understand ethics and fiduciary matters and run schools as non-profit entities and not playgrounds for businesses to make a profit. The superintendent should know how to build consensus and that businesses are not, in fact, stakeholders and that there are really only two functions performed by employees: those that deliver instruction and those that assist those that deliver instruction. The superintendent, unless they can expand time, needs to get rid of the layers and layers of administrators, coaches, and all other specialist and let teachers do their job without obstruction from the needs of administrative personnel. Teachers are not secretaries, input clerks, counselors, mothers. Please get someone who is concerned about academics, who understands that consistency is most important and doesn't expect to introduce more than one or two initiatives a year. Please make sure they are philosophically able to integrate their mission and their actions. "Students must read more - but let's test their lexile levels quarterly, along with six to eight other tests, and leave no time for reading; have no librarians; no books of interest." Lastly, the district needs to get a grip on behavioral problems and quit rewarding administrator's for low numbers of issues or suspensions and get off the idea that we are inappropriately punishing minorities; because in HISD schools Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 37



the minority is the white person. No administrator or superintendent should be paid a bonus unless every teacher in the district receives a bonus and it should not be higher than the lowest bonus received by the teacher. The superintendent better learn how to manage money and not be a crook. I would like the superintendent to be a local citizen who has an interest in the culture of Houston, TX...not an outsider who comes here for their own greed and progress. The superintendent should be visible and cooperates with the school principals, community parents and students with love and concern. The Supt. should participate in community events, seen visiting churches, schools, homeless centers where children who attend HISD live. It would be so helpful and important to have a person of color who was raised in Houston. That shows the Supt is aware of Houston's struggles. I am a native born Houstonian and HISD product. I love my school district and Houston. Community Member

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(75 yrs old citizen of HISD) Strong focus on getting away from common core and back to the basics of teaching children how to LEARN. Very strong focus on FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. I do not understand why I pay so much damn money in taxes for such a shitting school system, AND then you constantly tax me with bonds because you "don't have enough to properly maintain schools." Get routine maintenance of facilities into annual budgets. I think many people would like to see someone who is an educator but that's not the role in my opinion. The appropriate hire is someone who can setup a structure of trust, balance, innovation, and hiring high quality leaders for the campuses so that those on the campus are free to make the best decisions (with help from key district leaders) for their campus. HISD is too big to manage from the top; the "bottom" (i.e. campus leadership) must be trusted and hired to be effective leaders to that the district leadership can worry about vision, strategy and resources. *Driven by data and results *Not afraid to admit and confront HISD shortcomings *Refuse to accept achievement gaps *Allow totally open enrollment within HISD *Seek out partnerships with public charter schools to provide options and put empty HISD facilities to good use *Spend time building personal relationships with each board member so that super's vision has the support it needs to move forward. *Start from scratch on budget -- eliminate administrative FTE positions that aren't absolutely necessary and send that money back to qualified teachers. The Superintendent should be an EDUCATOR, one who has experience as a working educator. Good interpersonal skills are needed. Educator over policy manager. I think the job is too big for a single person and would be better executed Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 38



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from a team perspective. I think a Leadership Team of young, intellectuals and community activists would be able to move the district to a more equitable, successful educational institution for all students. This would cost about the same and would stop the "super" human narrative of a superintendent coming to fix all of the problems. It would also fix the problem that having a "super" human has once the "super" goes to their head and they begin to make deals on the side that are more about their interest and their "buddies" interest than the interest of the children. We need a comprehensive approach to educational reform in HISD and I do not believe one person can accomplish that goal. This survey does not touch on the issues that are important. Holding all accountable for their roles and allowing bullying to go on by the HISD Administration. The district needs to understand that children are NOT widgets or numbers to be moved around a playing field. Data has a place. However, you are dealing with students, not things. They all need the human touch that only a teacher in a positive classroom environment can provide. Data does not begin to explain the quality teaching that goes on every day in most every classroom in HISD. The superintendent should also be LOCAL talent, not an outsider We need to hold the students accountable too -- not pass students who don't try and refuse to work. I tutor and it pains me when students are not retained who are capable but didn't try. The message we give is that they just show up and they will be promoted so now they are being left behind to be our future drop outs. We need transparency in the recruitment and selection process from the Board of Trustees. We have yet to see a job description that will hold the next superintendent accountable. We need to conduct a nationwide search to attract talent who has a proven track record of improving education and holding leader accountable in an urban school district. We have over 60 nonperforming schools and it all falls on leadership. Selection needs to be less about who know who but actually based on the equity that will be driven. We need a servant leader with true understanding of how a productive, engaged district runs. We need to attract talent like Kaya Henderson from DC who has tangible performance improvement and not just an idea of what works. Do not let this community down and do not be influenced solely by the board. Select a top candidate and let the community provide information into the selection process. It is difficult to understand how a quality super can be selected by the end of May. That does not allow for a quality search to be conducted. Good people skills, having high expectations of students and focused on graduating students and having them succeed in college. As a retired educator, administrator and current nationally recognized educational consultant, I know from what I speak. Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 39



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The new superintendent needs to be from Houston. We need someone who can unite the community so that we make certain all of our students are successful. We also need someone who has the temperament to get things done without bullying and belittling. It is very important for our leaders to value and encourage everyone, students, parents, community and educators. We're all in this together!! Quality music programs in each and every elementary, middle school, and high school in the boundaries of HISD!! NOT JUST HSPVA should be receiving all the accolades !!! Have a passion for children and the future of the City of Houston I think Houston ISD is lacking core values when it comes to the 4 C's; there's clearly a lack of collaboration whether student to student or student to teacher. I'd like to see HISD move up to the 21st century and start using more collaborative tools in the classroom. There's some great tools in the EDU marketplace that can help facilitate those, some free, including Google Apps where the true backbone of collaborative tools are built in and free (again) for schools. A person who speaks Spanish and also understands bilingual education. Must have experience in this area. The current school board needs to display a more professional image and not be concerned about being in the limelight and focus on all kids within HISD! A supt is needed to clearly define their roles and limit their actions to what is clearly defined for school board members. The state within 18 months will relinquish them from this duty if they do not stay within their elected role. Understands the importance of seeking multifaceted diversity in hiring decisions. Creates a singular vision for the district with goals and accountability measures clearly tied to that vision. Emphasizes the importance of novel and effective professional development. Helps create professional learning networks for educators in the district. The superintendent needs to represent the community. A superintendent that is bilingual can effectively communicate with all stakeholders. The new superintendent should be an individual who has actually taught or has been a student in a large urban district. I think that this survey is not meant to accurately assess the desires of the community and that anyone considering a role such as this one should strive to be all of these things. It feels as if this is an exercise in futility Someone local, an educator, relationship with elected officials and community leaders and love children. I would like to have a superintendent who knows the Houston community and culture; who is/has been an educator; who understands politics, the educational and business community. The next Superintendent needs to be invested in the community through collaboration and trust-building. She or he must understand how to create a succession plan so that we have strong administrators and teachers Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 40



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throughout the district. All board members who voted to spend the thousands of dollars to change the school names instead of using the funds to actually teach the children should be fired and the new superintendent should have at least been a classroom teacher at some point during their career. It is a disgrace what Terry Greer did to HISD and when a superintendent misuses power they should also be fired without the severance and bonus's they give themselves. The system appears corrupt. This is a huge task and I hope there are some common sense people left to make this huge decision. Now days a new superintendent might be able to speak & understand some Spanish. Also, a little off the subject: If a Spanish speaking child has not been in a pre-school program, it seems to be harder for the child to learn when they enter KG - especially if English is not spoken in the home. I think some schools may now have ESL for parents, which should be available to each Spanish speaking parent of schools having the majority of students as Spanish. I think the parents could also benefit by learning beginning math in order to help teach their children that have not been in pre-school and learned some math. I think these parents should be highly encouraged to attend ESL & math classes where their child attends school or in their neighborhood. I believe this would greatly help their child's learning. As the first teacher for a child is the parent - some parents just can't /don't help their children learn at home - that may be because they just don't have that knowledge. I had a hearing impaired child; I had to re-learn math in order to help teach her - at home. We also did a lot of other reinforced learning at home.

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Thank you for this opportunity ! The vanguard programs of HISD have some of the highest ratings in the state. These flagships schools really can shape the brand of HISD as an education provider. Commitment to these programs is very important to me. Balance the needs of community schools in low income areas with the same veracity as speciality schools. Should be from this community and not running from some far away land. High integrity and a genuine compassion for students' education and welfare. A person that is not cut throat. One sees the importance of hiring quality people and seeks ways to maintain them. Develops programs that will truly help kids. Not one that uses children as Ginny pigs. Someone who... Understands different learning styles and encourage teachers to integrate them into daily instruction. Understands the importance of removing momentary incentives for doing your job. That money comes at taxpayers' expense, whether they have children or not. It could also be used for raises to help improve morale.n Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 41



Recognizes and understands the extent to which community demographics affect daily motivation for students, and district staff. Community Member Community Member Community Member

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Be culturally sensitive of the diverse communities. And recognize the importance of schools that are located within the students own communities. The superintendent needs to respect the teachers, not look for ways to dismiss older teachers. Open communicator willing to interact with parents about curriculum. Someone that's willing to make changes with student learning tactics if it reinforces and betters their learning skills. The new super needs to clean house and replace all chiefs. Especially concerned how Chief of Staff and Chief Communications Officer got positions with absolutely no experience and their lack of experience shows in how badly they are functioning and managing. Food service also needs an overhaul with new leadership as woman currently running dept has absolutely no experience and is consistently losing money. Morale at district extremely low. Knowledge of Houston and our diverse areas. Honesty and integrity. He or she needs to develop our own valuable personnel. Not always bring in from outside. The process has already become political, with the name of existing politicians put forth. We need to move away from political advancement and only consider whether a candidate will improve educational outcomes for all students. honesty and integrity; trust and clear communication with teachers- even inspiration -for improving education in the district; able to work in the gaps and inspire; willingness to work with the board but not be 'bought' by the board; someone who respects all stakeholders and considers asking board members to turn off their phones at meetings- very rude; the parents we have involved in the district are not being listened to effectively and respectfully I would like to see a women and a Hispanic superintendent. experience in and an understanding of the district's history and culture Be committed to HISD and Houston; not an interloper. Provide a high class education for our children should be a # one priority for the next Superintendent. & find solutions to prevent the drop out sickness that is affecting our Latino children. Current staff should be considered for this position and more importantly groom existing staff for this position. I would also get rid of any staff that the current superintendent has brought in. He or She should about all the students and their background. Stop closing schools in their communities, forcing them to ride buses to other schools that Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 42



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they might be in conflict with. this survey is kind of silly, you should aim for a new super that can meet all of these requirements effectively. The new Superintendent must bring creative learning and arts experiences to all students in the district. Someone who not only has come up knowing what the needs are to any school district and want to be equal across the line in all districts and not leave some behind because of race, or district. It needs to be someone that is going to be for the children's interest in will not support any HISD Board of Trustees with the Davila name to be appointed as Superintendent! My contribution involves mental engineering (me). The scale of me will involve astrology readings (that I have discovered in my 30+ years of study) establish uniform positive profiling to improve both employees as well as students the value and substance to serve and develop that will last a life time. [email protected] A school district as large as HISD needs someone that can see the big picture, understands Texas politics and that policy and process influence each other on virtually every level. The next superintendent should be diversity oriented. There should be inclusiveness at all levels of HISD, especially providing positive directions for future facility bond programs. Someone who knows and is from Houston and can hit the ground running. I recommend Dr. Adriana Tamez.

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This city is so large. It takes any candidate 2 years to learn the schools and community. We need a ready to go Superintendent. Someone with a home and roots already and has a vested interest in this city. As a former teacher I believe one of the greatest areas of weakness I saw in my time at the HISD was a failure to develop effective methods for developing and retaining the educator talent that passed through the district. Strong legislative advocate High integrity/character Consensus builder Do NOT elevate any HISD personnel. This position is too important to reward administrators who have NOT improved the district already. HISD needs a proven leader !!!!! Would like a clear vision of goals and strategy to obtain those goals to be provided to the community; would like those goals to be developed in tandem with community stakeholders and parents. I believe a Hispanic Superintendent should be considered since the district is 60% Hispanic and I am a firm believer that Public schools are stronger when they reflect the city's racial and economic diversity. The next leader of HISD should be focused on providing resources to Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 43



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schools and programs in historically disadvantaged communities. I would also like to see a de-emphasis on charter schools in favor of community and neighborhood driven schools. He/she should be competent with diverse student populations as well as the defense of brick and mortar traditional public schools. Someone who recognizes and addresses the Hispanic drop-out rate and low educational achievement, and will make a strong and loud commitment to the Hispanic students so that they are on a track for high achievement and NOT directed to trade skill programs/classes. The superintendent needs to be knowledgeable of internal politics, but immune and strong enough to rise above it. While he/she doesn't have to be Hispanic, they should be experienced in working with this key community. I would hope that the new superintendent would ensure quality in all the school throughout the district, and that the culture of testing and punitive results would decrease. I am both a heavily involved parent, product of HISD and currently a district employee. Focused on improving rigor in teaching/learning. Is inspiring by treating all with dignity and respect/listens to ALL voices. Is experienced in the field of urban EDUCATION! Has experienced working with LEP students. Supportive of TEACHERS. I think whoever is superintendent should have taught in a classroom for a minimum of five YEARS, preferably at multiple levels, and have been a principal (again, preferably at multiple levels) for a minimum of five YEARS. Let's listen to our teachers more. Allow them a bigger role in the decision making process. I like the research based best practices question. Having current insight into research and studies regarding education is important. Also recognizing that each school / community is unique and that blanket policies that don't account for localized variations are not welcome. We need to have a complete organization of the all the schools. All schools should be treated equally and held to the same standards. I'm tired of trying to be an involved parent but not knowing or having a clear way to volunteer. A lot of activities I find out the day before it happens. Those are just some examples. Instead of building on or taking away determine what is wrong with the inner performing schools. Make all of HISD school with being showed off. Monitors the important things like student achievement and quality employee retention and ignores political correctness. I believe our next leader needs to have a strong sense of community and feel passionate about supporting neighborhood schools and the parents that live within those zones. I also want our next leader to align schools by their feeder patterns. Within those feeder patterns, we should be working diligently on vertical alignment. This includes administrators, teachers AND Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 44



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parents. If we had more communities across HISD that supported their neighborhood schools, we would see an increase in the number of "successful" schools throughout the district. While I believe the magnet program is important, I don't believe it should be at the fault of the neighborhood schools. Someone who understands that this district is made up of a spectrum of socio-economic groups, and is willing to ensure that ALL children, regardless of race or socio-economic tier have access to a high standard of education. Currently those schools in advantaged districts supplement their schools with grants and funds, where those schools in less and disadvantaged neighborhoods are not able to create these opportunities. This includes a reworking of vanguard and magnet programs and distribution of those programs. I would like an administrator who listens to the principals and teachers. While parent opinion can be important, the parents are not educators. The teachers and principals need to be supported and protected from the individual agendas of the parents. The District is in need of a Superintendent that can effectively improve academic rigor in the poor performing schools. Support coaches and a background check before bringing a noncompassionate coach who does not support the girls or assist females in obtaining a future in a the game they love as well as academics The ideal candidate would recognize that the district has a responsibility to all of its students, including those who are achieving at the highest level. Gifted and Talented, Vanguard, and honors programs should be viewed as jewels in the district's crown rather than areas from which money can be diverted to address other needs and concerns. I'd like to see someone who can hire great administrators to whom he/she can delegate. Some of the mid-level people I've seen are not well-regarded or trusted by people on the ground in schools. I believe the new superintendent should be an effective team leader listening to and incorporating input from students, parents, teachers, and administrators at all levels to foster an environment of caring and individual success. A team is only as strong as its weakest link. HISD is a big district where professional integrity is not consistently in evidence across all departments & schools. The new superintendent must have a resume and professional history that suggests he is a role model for integrity, and must demand the same standard from the entire organization once the job has been awarded. The Board is NOT made up of educators. The Superintendent should be a professional educator, first and foremost' with training and experience to administer the district. As a corporate executive and someone on several Boards, the next Superintendent must be apple to draw clear boundaries between what is best for HISD and the desires of individual Trustees. >go to Austin and do battle for more education dollars Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 45



>spend those dollars replacing schools that are literally falling down >implement a means to fire teachers that can't teach >get rid of the disastrous inverted classrooms which has HS students working 12+ hours A DAY, much of it on busy work Parent Parent Parent Parent

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Have experience with large, urban school districts. Needs to have more parity across all HISD campuses I would like to see someone who chooses well educated and well trained teachers and staff. HISD's vision should come from the Board, not the Superintendent. The Superintendent need not be from an educational background. too much teaching for test proficiency; not enough creative learning; discipline lacking; lack of respect for educators. The new supt. needs to be an extremely strong strategic thinker that has led large groups of people to reach their goals. They need to be able to find great people for the team and motivate them and allow them to perform their jobs. This is a huge district with lots of challenges and they cannot do it alone. Understanding how to mobilize and work with our parents, administrators, teachers, staff, government, community and others is incredibly important. I hope we find someone amazing as we have lots of talented people within our district that need great leadership. We need someone that doesn't make decision based solely on finances but what is best for student learning. Stand up and be vocal about the amount of testing that is imposed and how that is directly tied to raises. Teachers need to be graded on how well they teach knowledge and thinking NOT how well they teach test answers. The magnets need to be supported and not dissembled. A superintendent that keeps his meetings with area stakeholders that are not inside midtown area. A superintendent that understands and provides equal funding for the disadvantaged and title one high enrollment schools. A superintendent that keeps promises made to the black community once the bond is passed. NO MORE CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN SCHOOLS. Provide nurses, counselors in all schools across the city. Someone who realizes the importance of students being well rounded. Keeping the fine arts, music and sports as a priority along with academics. Someone that gives updates like Talk Soup, keeping working parents informed. Thank you for asking my opinion. We need a Superintendent who understands our district. Bringing someone from outside has proven to be problematic. Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 46



Low quality, disengaged burnt out teachers is one of HISDs current problems . Testing is over emphasized instead of pursuit of knowledge and encouragement of curiosity to result in lifelong learning. I want to support public education but it is a challenge currently to find high quality middle and high schools in HISD in your zone neighborhood . There are only a few quality highly schools in HISD ( Debakey, Carnegie , Bellaire, Memorial ) and middle school( Lanier , Pinoak,TH Rogers. If you are not zone or smart enough to lottery into these schools there is no alternative. My son’s at Lamar and complains of very disengaged, rude and poor teachers that don’t know their subject well and absent often. HISD are not attracting the best teachers or retaining the best teachers. There is also no curriculum or emphasis on development where kindness, integrity, caring and high moral character is encourage in addition to achievement in academically and extracurricular activity . Building facilities are not well maintained to foster an environment that shows caring and maintenance. Physical environment is important to foster emotional calm and therefore improve learning the environment . Respectfully , Parent

Dr.Thao Bui MD The new superintendent must clearly prioritize learning, teachers, and reductions in class size over new or restructured administrative positions and "innovative" programs. S/he must have a background as an *actual educator in the classroom*. S/he must have a record of advocacy for minority and ELL students. S/he must have earned *demonstrable respect from teachers* in previous positions.

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S/he should be open to working with communities to respond to major HISD problems: 1) Too much testing, 2) too much busywork and homework (which is compromising the health of our children), 3) a broken and counterproductive teacher evaluation system, and 4) too much centralized control, which impedes the ability of schools to respond to local needs, 5) a resource distribution structure that favors administrators, consultants, and ineffective, short-term, "next-new-thing-in-teaching" programs over attracting and retaining *quality teachers* and reducing class sizes. I believe there are multiple initiatives being implemented solely because they appear to be "forward-thinking" and "21st century" but that in reality go against all research and data about how children learn. I would love for the district to hire someone who has an open mind to what truly works and doesn't want to simply be seen as a pioneer and trailblazer. Speak other languages such as Spanish. Our school population is very Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 47



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diverse. We need someone able to communicate with the majority of parents. Houston is a diverse district full of families of various backgrounds. Rarely is it discussed that the district does not attract upper class families, especially those who are white and Asian. More than 30 percent of the city is white and Asian and yet just 12 percent of students . Families with economic mobility are unwilling to consider city schools because leadership is constantly attacking programs that do work simply because they attract larger concentrations of middle class families. If a program is working and draws a diverse group to HISD, that program should be praised and replicated. Instead, success is viewed as inequitable. It's sad and it makes collegeeducated families flee to private schools and the suburbs. We need a leader who supports success and who has the courage to close faltering schools. We need expanded school choice so that tens of thousands of families aren't fighting for the same 500 seats at highly successful schools. Replicate, support and expand success!!! We need someone who is "in touch" & who will listen & consider what the kids & parents want & need, we are the ones who are in this every day. We need common sense The district is over-run with regulations on vendors. While policies should be in play to a degree the cost for replacing or repairing items with the designated list of vendors is cost prohibitive. Computer carts are an example. Additionally, if a generous donor wishes to dog ear money for a specific school for a lump sum, it should stay at that school. It seems as though HISD has opened a can of worms with school of choice. The zoning lines are completely unfair. For example, our neighborhood has three elementary schools all within a two mile radius of each other, everyone fights to have their children go to Oak Forest. Clearly we can't send every child in the neighborhood to that school but the lines have been redrawn to make houses in an area that are further away but cost more go to this school.

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Trustees and Administration also need more communication in a positive manner. It seems necessary funding for safety requirements go under the radar unless someone rattled the cage and draws Trustee attention to the school. A prime example is fences. The budget for each school is partially based on daily attendance I think. Perhaps HISD should reevaluate this policy. It seems to me students will inevitably be sick or have a death in the family at some point during the school year. Do we really want to expose the other kids to a sick child and/or penalized at child for missing one day of school?

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I would propose that you set out a new policy which would allow students up to 3 sick days per year. Schools should not miss out on funding and be held accountable for a truly sick child. Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 48



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An ability to manage a Board of Trustees that currently lacks direction and unity. The current desire for 5 Board members to work their own pet projects is not their charge as public servants. While they represent member districts they are supposed to make decisions that are in the best interest of the entire district. 3 are currently sitting back to allow 2 others to scream and holler and tell untruths based on anecdotes heard in the grocery store. Their current behavior would seem to indicate an attitude of selfishness while being self-serving. This is not what the HISD represents and I fear it is limiting our pool of candidates for the Supt position. The new superintendent needs to take a strong leadership role through eliminating the bureaucracy and corruption that permeates the school board and administration. Fix our failing schools, I'm tired of hearth about them. At the same time keep our good schools like Lamar strong. I would like to see someone focusing on becoming a great school district. Stop talking about being a "great urban" district and focus on competing with all districts. More focus on getting kids interested in math and science. No cronyism and back room deals - transparency We need someone who can heal this district, bringing back the positive work environment we used to have, where all staff are supported and nurtured. People don't work well under the conditions we have had for the last 7 years. Budget properly that way the all HISD schools have the opportunity to upgrade and get the necessary tools for an excellent learning environment. Also less required testing. It only limits a child's knowledge to what's on a test and not a broader set of knowledge than what is expected. We have to let children think for themselves and think and do beyond that what is required. The ability to take the needs of all students into consideration and ensure that schools in economically depressed areas offer students the same programs and opportunities offered in the more affluent areas. The education of our children has taken a back seat. I see so many negative things about the school district too much office politics with teachers and administration. We need 1st priority should be the education. We do not need someone who believes that standardized testing is the answer to making us a better district. I want one test and that is it...no more!! I would like someone who will put "real life" learning into the curriculum, even at the elementary and jr high level, finances -"balancing a budget" how credit works, loans etc.in high school, - real life "working and how to get and keep a job " etc... I also feel this person has to be able to see when something doesn't work (with enough time to really see that it is not working) and do something else. Pay our teachers more and give bonuses for meeting goals (not based on test scores). Less Homework and more time outside, with physical activity and playtime!! Thank you! I am concerned with school board members being more concerned about pushing their personal agendas forward regardless of the financial health of the school district and the foreseeable benefits to the students. E.g. pushing Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 49



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forward with changing the name of three middle schools. The district can neither afford nor did the parents request this. It came from politicians wanting to make a name for themselves in the media. Please explain why they had to be so secretive about holding the vote for this issue? Because they knew parents would be in an uproar that school funds were going to be wasted instead of spent on education and skills development. I hope the next Superintendent will utilize common sense and put the students, teachers and other staff with direct student contact first before grandstanders on the school board. Would love to see someone who was not as obsessed with testing. Currently our children are losing valuable instructional time due to constant assessments. And teachers are being penalized with under performance. More recess. 2 personal days for each attendance period. Focus on learning in engaging ways instead of testing every Friday. Limit big testing days to 2 hours instead of 4. Especially for elementary. These are kids, not lawyers. Let's please bring some reason to education and understand that this is a time of exploration and processing and the more exciting and engaging and playful it can be the more we will raise these kids to be excited about learning and growing and leading the future. HISD is improving on making all schools accountable but is lacking in the areas of allowing teachers to "Each One, Teach One". We are not allowing the students to grow pass the testing requirements. We are teaching them repetition instead of comprehension. If you don't allow great teachers to reach their full potential, the system has failed. ACCOUNTABILITY, is a shared responsibly of those that you choose to represent our district. Let them nurture their gift with guidelines. Each One, Reach One. The superintendent is a public employee, paid for and accountable to the public. I think this it is important that the person in this position understand this dynamic. Too often there is a disconnect. A Superintendent needs to access what's wrong then fix it - NOT fix problems without a full assessment. Technology/online material is great but cannot replace all textbooks for all subjects, (tech failures/defects can cause more headaches than aid in learning content such as math.) Students who need additional aid to excel in school may be lacking non-material at home this support is not only money/supplies. A superintendent that looks at longterm solutions, other than budgeting more money toward "fixing low performing schools," that eventually show no true progress. Superintendent that recognizes that different tools are needed for different schools/environments; there's no "One Size fits all" in education. Please support good schools. Please figure out ways to convince more middle class families to return to HISD. It will benefit everyone! So many families feel the city schools are not an option and that's being threatened more by funding cuts. Cut from the central administration. There is nothing more important than having a clear vision of what our Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 50



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objectives are and what our system needs to be to accomplish those objectives. Without that vision of success as a foundation, there is no way for a superintendent to steer this district towards that objective. Focus on the classroom. Stop board members from screwing around with renaming schools - that wastes time & money. Furthermore, it is a poor reflection on board members - it demonstrates that they have nothing substantive to bring and are only interested In political posturing. World Class Leader Proven track record for increasing student achievement Proven track record of teacher retention Community minded Zealous education supporter Strongly believes in equity Above all else, the superintendent must demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to fostering the growth and development of the WHOLE child. This means that mental health and physical health are nurtured through support services funded BY THE DISTRICT, rather than the principals' discretionary funds. Every school must have a library, nurse, and counselors who actually have time to address mental health issues, rather than simply test administration and scheduling. In addition, every school must have a school psychologist (LSSP with or without a PhD) even if that person is shared with one or two other schools -- in order to provide the support for teachers, parents, administrators, and students who are facing extraordinary challenges, daily. It defies reason for HISD to exist in close proximity to three universities (UHCL, SMSU, UH) providing graduate degrees in school psychology, and not take advantage of the highly qualified graduates of those programs. LSSP's are trained to do exactly the work that is most needed in HISD -- create positive learning environments, reduce bullying and violence, identify students who may be in need of support before a crisis develops, provide training in academic and behavioral interventions, and assess the effectiveness of those interventions. The district stands to save millions of dollars by hiring LSSP's to address these problems and evaluate effectiveness of programs instead of continuing in the current pattern of hit and miss, spending millions on programs (such as APOLLO) that do not work. HISD needs a superintendent that is willing to ensure educational opportunities are equitable throughout the school district. The magnet process is inefficient in terms of ensuring students have full excess to excellent education. Student giftedness should not be a requirement for students to attend a "good" school. As an example, only South Hampton residents and students that are gifted, per their matrix can attend Lanier Middle school. So you need to be either financially wealthy or academically gifted. That doesn't take into account student who are gifted in other areas, such as the arts or even an average student who has a hard work ethic. One who's willing to study hard and is well behaved, despite not being labeled as Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 51



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academically gifted. The district is broken at many layers. A superintendent would need to have the proven patience and skills set to fix it. The superintendent should be a supportive of all children regardless of gender, sex, race, ethnicity, and gender identity. The district should make their decisions based on the priorities and choose wisely, Please select a candidate who is NOT like Terry Grier. We need someone who is interested in adopting best practices; not someone who wants to make each school the same and equal. We do not need a politically correct bureaucrat; rather, a solid leader who is not afraid to stand up for what is right and to get rid of "dead wood" and waste that is currently in the system. You may want to bring in a leader from another industry altogether. HISD is complex and needs a complete overhaul. The board is difficult too - Mike Lunceford is the only board member who should stay. We need a clean slate for the new Superintendent. For the past several years educational and enrichment opportunities for academically gifted students have continually received less and less funding. At what point, do we stop taking funds from programs that support the stronger students? I feel it is best to find a superintendent who will be supportive of teachers in HISD. There is currently a large disconnect between the staff who are in the classroom, and those who are not. Unite the different departments in administration in order for resources to be used across content areas and departments. Too much waste. The administrator must be strong enough to fight for equal educational opportunities and integrated schools for all of our children, regardless of the political popularity of equal opportunity. HISD needs a superintendent with demonstrated leadership skills who can bring the current irresponsible Board of Trustees under control. The current Board (with the two recently added trustees) has demonstrated poor leadership and very poor stewardship of district funds. Further, this Board seems determined to divert funds to low-performing schools with programs that have failed time and again at the expense of high performing schools and students. The district is on a path not to excellence, but to mediocrity at best and failure at worst. The current leadership is at high risk of driving out the district's highest performing students and most involved parents. While low-performing schools need to be improved, the solution is not to take resources for programs that have no proven record of success at the expense of the high-performing schools and students. The ONE shining star of HISD is its magnet programs. We MUST have a Superintendent who understands and values this and works to keep all the magnet programs at the highest possible level. Magnet programs are the ONLY reason we have not sent our child to private school and moved out of the Houston ISD area. AND, being a family working in education, we understand learning differences among children. GT children CANNOT be Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 52



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viewed as only a way to bring up the bottom students - as tutors or via their scores. GT students deserve funding to provide for their learning differences just like special education / learning disabled students deserve funding. Present opportunities for students of all abilities to achieve higher educational levels, instead of trying to lump them all towards average levels as Grier was doing. Stronger emphasis on magnet programs for kids. The district doesn't operate efficiently. When requests go in from a school, they get lost. There should be a head maintenance/operations group that lets the under groups know what's going on with school needs. I could never figure out why the AC/Heat never worked properly at my kid’s old school, even though numerous requests were put in. Same for plumbing issues. As for education, there is no clear vision in the district. You want the poorer schools to do better, but you don't even give them the basics they need. And you want to dismantle the Vanguard and Magnet programs now. There won't be any reasons left to attend a HISD school.

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I would like the new superintendent to have actual experience in teaching because you need to know kids to be able to know how to run a school district. The superintendent will need to realize and acknowledge there are many types of students and families in this city, and not sacrifice programs that work for one group to fund another group. He/She will want to offer different programs to benefit and push students to succeed. Supporting teachers and administrators, listening to their needs, and helping each school solve their unique challenges should be of paramount importance. LESS TESTING and more support to schools!! Must be a good communicator and someone that's approachable and down to earth. Someone that understands HISD's demographics. I would like to see someone in the superintendent role who is experienced with a multicultural and diverse population, and who can focus on solving the problems of inequity found in the district. I would also like to see schools focus more on EQ in the very early years. An adult without a high EQ will fail miserably, regardless of academic success. I would like to see the next Superintendent involve the community more in decisions. It would be nice to give input before decisions are made. I do not think that having monthly sdmc meetings involve enough participants. The district needs to return to the students and teachers an authentic learning/teaching experience that is multidimensional and flexible. Research shows that reading and math are not the only skills that help people succeed in life. Furthermore, it shows that there are other skills in terms of resilience and grit that make a person successful in life. Students should be taught as a whole person and in more applied ways and less regurgitation. It should be a former teacher or principal preferably someone from H.I.S.D who has been through the system and knows the types of changes we need. Someone who will hire teachers that are certified to teach special needs children and not just a regular teacher. Someone who is willing to listen to Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 53



parents and students needs and concerns.

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Houston is a very diverse city with a very different culture and history in regards to education. We need a Superintendent who supports the schools/programs that are doing well but also puts extra effort into building up the struggling neighborhood schools. We also need to focus on the current programs and stop adding additional programs without fixing the existing issues. We also need a Superintendent that values talent in Houston. Far too often, Superintendents bring in administrators/principals who are not committed to the Houston area. Let's find a Superintendent that identifies "standout" young Assistant Principals with ties to Houston who aren't using promotions as a stepping stone to leave our city and create a real leadership development pipeline for them. Be a real supporter of equality in education. Realize that all students will not excel in science, technology, language arts, and math. Be an avid supporter of the inclusion of art education and vocational education at the high school level. Ensure that all high schools in HISD offer state of the art programs in these areas. The current college prep curriculum has failed many students because they cannot pass the state tests. Realize that many of the drop outs are course completers (i.e. they cannot pass the state tests.) A person who is truly committed to the educational processes and who has a passion in helping children become successful not only in education and learning, but also responsible adults once they leave the Texas public school education system. I support a new superintendent who understands that data driven curriculum/learning is not holistic and needs to be altered to inspire creative minds and students of the world by creating a love of learning, not punishment by standardized testing or high-stakes testing. This position is a critical position for communities since STEM has a major influence in our learning environment, and we are forgetting the role Arts and Social Sciences play in our communities for inclusiveness and understanding. A new leader who can listen to educators/teachers, parents, and students to work with us to develop appropriate teacher evaluations and recruit and maintain influential educators/teachers. I support a new leader who is hands on and in touch with the population it serves. We cannot afford someone who has no intention to restructure Curriculum and Instruction Departments, Senior Support Officers, Advisory Committees, and Shared Decision Making Committees to be more inclusive of parents by a recommendation through an external community partnership and by creating a meaningful curriculum for all students by introducing culturally relevant and diverse ethnic education and learning environment. I am also supportive of a new superintendent who actively hires and supports administrators, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of the students HISD serves or that particular school serves. It is paramount that she/he create and maintain a deep connection to the communities the neighborhood schools are located in, by reaching out to area supporters and pioneers of innovation and education. Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 54



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The current structures, administrators, and faculty do not represent the demographics of our student body. Our current Curriculum and Instruction departments are out of touch with our communities, neighborhoods, students and parents, they do not understand the inequality we face day in and day out and advocate a curriculum that is not inclusive of our diverse ethnic population or sensitive to the barriers English Language Learners face. Above all community must play a part in the decision making process by town halls, committees, meetings and other spaces to adjust learning initiatives that evolve through current policies, practices and events. A superintendent that is inclusive of poor working class communities and communities of color must demonstrate her/his willingness to work with us by creating a space for our lost voices though active partnership and not a typical meeting where we voice our opinions and they fall on deaf ears. Someone who understands inequality and the economic barriers we face will meet with our working class families and not create social divides, or bureaucratic barriers. This is a wonderful opportunity to work with a new leader and my hope is that she/he will want to work with us too. Just be fair! Prefer someone who embraces technology and understands the importance of its role in student learning and District practices. Desire flexibility and team-building skills as well as a deep commitment to excellence and results. HISD should be on the forefront and leader of providing innovative educational opportunity, community enhancement and civic responsibility. Let’s get a Superintendent that is a shill for latest trends. HISD should not be mired in teaching to the test, grooming for always changing job markets and corporate needs, and trying flavor of the week educational initiatives. HISD should be producing citizens that want to build a better Houston. Without a superintendent for the last few months this board has run rogue and has no regard for parliamentary procedures, due process, research or state and constitutional law. Furthermore, while we had a superintendent they managed to lose funds to the tune of $200 million. I think it is VERY important that the next superintendent not be from a pre-approved list of "school superintendents," but instead be someone with a financial background. I would like to see someone who does not continue to throw excessive funds to failing schools and instead understands the importance of modeling failing schools after the successful and thriving schools. Break the mold and try something new for a change! For instance, the current interim superintendent suggests the largest budget cut to Lanier Middle school out of all of the middle schools in Houston and the third largest budget cut out of all of the schools. According to the TEA, Lanier currently gets $9,599 per student. But schools such as Attucks, Thomas, and Forest Brook get $16,419, $14,713, $13,485 per student respectively. This is a clear indication that schools such as Lanier who are successful and who have long waiting lists to get in are being punished for their success. I would like a superintendent whose primary focus is funding a Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 55



well organized school district who puts school learning above personal political goals.

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If the last few viable HISD schools start to decline because all of the people with a choice decide to leave than it will only hurt the less advantaged students over the long run. I would like a superintendent who will write the Student policy in a way that there is not any mandatory punishment but every issue is look at different. Each child is different and should not be put in a box Responsable, capaz, To be representative of ALL students, not just the majority in the district. We need to inspire families to send their kids to neighborhood schools instead of private schools to increase the school's numbers and scores. I expect the district's next superintendent to understand the impact his/her and the board's decisions have on the local level, and how that affects surrounding area neighborhoods, parents, and students. I feel the current model allows for faculty and administrators to have too much leverage in the decision making process at area schools, my children's in particular. Often times, I feel it comes at the expense of the people and community of kids and parents that it's supposed to serve. I think we need someone that knows what they're doing in the school. And I don't think that the student should be resolved around all of the starter test and there's one more test but I do not remember the name because it's changed so much. Please make sure he/she is not on the board of directors of ANY educational company selling products to a district. The amount of under-the-table and on-the-side money transactions must cease. This district is full of fraudulent and unscrupulous people. Bring in an ethical, moral, and emotionally balanced person who can clean out the mess. I am a parent and I am a central office employee. My responses are primarily based on my experiences as a parent. UNDERSTANDING THE TEACHER AND THEIR PURPOSE. I would like to see someone from within the district become the Superintendent. I believe if we hire from within-the person will already know what they are dealing with and knows from 1st hand experience of what H.I.S.D. needs to go forward. Each Superintendent has come in with what they did in another district, state or whatever and implemented their ideals and thoughts. Some good and some bad, but over all the time, money, time and errors has been a down fall. Why should you give money (bonus) when your schools and teachers are in need of more assistance and you can't give it because you don't know how to handle certain areas of the district. Hire from within!! Need to be able to stand up to special interest groups and do what is best for the students regardless of politics and "political correctness" Support of magnet/vanguard programs so there is continued higher learning Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 56



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offered to those who are academically driven/motivated without fear of funds and programs not being offered and backed. It is sad to see that over the last decade, the district has lower the bar in order to be inclusive. It should instead strive to encourage students where their individual strengths are. That is not necessarily a flat line across the board.. The superintendent will need some autonomy from a divisive HISD board. There has been a history of financial impropriety. Transparency is needed to regain trust. It is almost impossible to remove an ineffective teacher. High standards are not being set in title I schools. National standardized tests are needed and the data needs to be reviewed, especially in title 1 schools, which tend to get the teachers shuffled away from neighborhoods with better incomes and parent involvement. In title 1 schools, GT elementary students are not receiving differentiated instruction. The new superintendent needs to evaluate schools top to bottom, making could use of SSO teams to evaluate schools. Avoid major administrative restructuring, keep SSO teams in same area so as not to keep relearning the deficiencies of particular schools, focus on improving the quality of poorly performing title 1 schools, and make no excuses for poor schools. If the expectations are low, these children are robbed of an education. The current HISD board is problematic. Support Neighborhoods that go above and beyond to support their school, don't rob from them. The new superintendent must return to the efforts to have top schools in HISD along with fixing the failing schools. The current destruction of the Vanguard program by current HISD administration by slashing budgets and taking activities away is driving the few parents who choose to send our kids to public, instead of private schools away. We are the backbone of these mostly minority schools, but see the programs that made a few schools ranked as the 'best' in greater Houston getting stripped of what made them great. The "Rob 'Peter to Pay Paul” strategy does not work and we have seen that across the country. The current direction by HISD will see more parents like me move or go to private schools. The public schools will suffer as more family volunteers, like us leave, along with our donations to the PTO and school programs. We don't want failing schools in HISD, and I use to get mad when other parents in Houston said they would not send their 'dog' to an HISD school. I would point out the Vanguard, STEM and other programs HISD offered along with Top Rankings for Vanguard Elementary, Middle and High Schools--that shut them up. But I see that going away unless the current budget cuts are not reversed. John Tobin (Vanguard and Non-Vanguard Student Parent) The superintendent should possess a sound knowledge of education theory and findings. They should be primarily responsible for driving the development of educational policy within the district and be an advocate for informing the community members that education cannot happen at school without the participation of student families. As a parent of a special needs child I would like more involvement and a better curriculum for our children. Someone who understands special needs Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 57



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is not what it was 30 years ago and our children have the ability to learn and grow if only they were guided correctly. He/she must have a clear vision, capability and strategy to maintain and develop strong personalized education programs for fosting future leaders for natural science, social science, engineering, economics, medicine, politics, etc. One who listens I want someone who isn't going to waste taxpayer dollars on things like school name changes, etc. that do nothing to improve education for the kids. - promote teaching our students critical thinking skills - create an environment for our students to foster a love for learning - avoid falling into traps of teaching only to the standardized testing and exams I have complete confidence in my children's school (its leadership, administration, teachers) and its ability to manage its budget effectively (it is truly astounding what they do with what they receive). They school relies on PTO contributions and a teaching staff and parents who all go way above and beyond to provide an exceptional learning experience. However HISD leadership is abysmal. No vision, no budgetary ability, out of touch with parents and kids, board members are divisive and incompetent. You can see in the wide disparities across the district that HISD has NO ability to impact schools. It is only individual schools that are successful and that is only the backs of the staff and parents. Then HISD swoops in to either take credit - or to realign funds - as if this was the answer.

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I think we need a superintendent who will decentralize the district from what Grier put in place and allow the schools more autonomy in budgeting, teaching, and culture. The "one-size-fits-all" approach that Grier and the current board majority take has been extremely harmful to our students and has demoralized our staff and teachers. I have been a parent in the district for 8 years now and I believe the quality of education has gone down since that time. I don't want to put my children in private school, because I believe that Houston needs a strong and vital public school system. This takes parents like me continuing to invest time and money in our public schools. However, Mr. Grier's tenure and the board majority supporting him and Apollo, bond mismanagement, ASPIRE, the removal of magnet funding, and all the other junk matrices and science that drove those programs are driving parents like me out of the district. There are plenty of public school districts in Texas where affluent parents will not send their children (for real or imagined reasons) - Beaumont, Dallas, San Antonio, etc. - we need a superintendent who understands how quickly that exodus can happen and is committed to keeping the district strong for Houston, because that's really beneficial to the city. Less emphasis and spending on technology. Be Patient & Proactive ! This is not an easy job ! Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 58



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School overcrowding is the biggest issue, in my opinion. In our neighborhood (zoned to Mark Twain Elementary), the elementary school has such a good reputation that it has incentivized builders to build townhomes/new apartments. The school is already overcrowded, and is now about to be crushed by an extra 500-1000 apartments/townhomes that are being built. Boundaries need to be redrawn. My son has had his classes in a trailer for two years now. His kindergarten class had 29 students for one teacher. This is a huge problem. Needs to be a strong delegator...many of the jobs this survey mentions should not be the job of the Super. This district is TOO large! We need to consider breaking it up into more manageable sizes. While I have a child that is very successful in a high ranking HISD elementary school, I see a real gap ahead as these children move to the middle school and high school level. I'd like to see a greater emphasis given to continuing to push education at the upper school levels. I'd also like to see them do away with allowing children to be G/T "forever" once identified. A child who tests well at 5 but fails to keep up with class work, or perform at a high level is not an appropriate candidate for this level of curriculum and the result will be the curriculum will be dumbed down to the lowest common denominator. The results may look pretty on paper, but the reality is you are doing a disservice to all children in the district by not helping the ones falling behind up and not allowing those who are truly succeeding to keep on an upward projectory. This has nothing to do with class, ethnicity, etc, and everything to do with motivation and appropriate resources at your schools to appropriately educate ALL you students, not a select few. Handling money and mission is important, yes, but ask the parents what they want, and expect out of school...(should not every school offer the best in everything so our kids are well rounded? Why are there specialty schools, and magnet schools especially for the youngest of kids?) High ethical standards and worthy of community trust; just; respectful and mindful of all stakeholder interests I would like to see the same opportunities for all students, in all communities (this includes minority communities) where students can take classes that will be beneficial to their future. Elevate the level of education and learning to have the students ready for college by defining clear outcomes from early stages in elementary school. Empower the teachers to provide individualized education to highperforming students as well as those needing additional assistance without either of the groups. Candidate should be a problem solver with a track record of measurable accomplishment....especially financial and operational discipline as tools to provide high quality education. Candidate should be fair and consistent in dealing with various political factions...always putting students first. When the new school board members started they did not choose educational quality and fiscal health as their first priorities. They simply cared about showing muscle. I can't imagine why a high quality superintendent would Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 59



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want to deal that bunch. So good luck. The questions, as usual are very subjective. The next superintendent should NOT be a bully, he/she should be someone who has respect for teachers and students, is open to dialogue and someone who strives to unify the district's teachers and leaders. He/she should strive to be a good steward of the District's budget and talents. Good teachers have left... My hope is the next superintendent will treat others with respect. Many things in HISD are done well, but some are not. A superintendent who understands the importance of some data is good. But best is a superintendent who understands that over testing and high stakes testing are not good for students or teachers is best. I understand some high stakes testing is essential for federal funds, but it has gone too far. The superintendent should be leading the movement AWAY from over reliance on standardized testing. Schools do need to be held accountable and we need to have high standards, but there is far too much standardized testing that is being used punitively and not as a valid measure of progress. Currently the district as a whole has a 100 million dollar shortfall in this year's budget. Because of this at my son's school, Lanier Middle School, we are set to have >$422K cut from the gifted and talented program. Meanwhile the HISD trustees voted this year to change the name of our school because they found it offensive. The cost to the district will be hundreds of thousands of dollars not to mention the cost to families in the hundreds of dollars for new uniform purchase. HISD leadership needs to act like leaders and address the real issues we have like how to fund our GT program, not changing names because a very small part of the population (< 1 out of 11) says they want to change the name of a school that has been here since the 1920's. Hire a superintendent who can keep his eye on the ball and get the trustees who are pushing their own personal agenda back to doing the business of running schools. Please give more weight to parent responses to this survey than board member opinions. If you look at the response to decisions board members have made from the parent community, there is a lot of discontent. It appears that more attention to items like renaming schools has been given versus dealing with the budget deficit, emphasis on testing, reduction of resources, administrative accountability and bullying (all the things most parents care more about than renaming the schools). The superintendent needs to be someone who understands effective educational best practices and implements changes that will result in higher quality learning. A child should be able to go to school and not worry about their well being an education is why they attend school. Also a student should not have to worry about accusations from other students my daughter Cassandra Maldonado was falsely accused of taking a purse yesterday at Edison middle school officers were called out to question her she was found innocent but is still shaken up by it how can you HISD allow this to happen now she worried about things that she shouldn't have to worry about.

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In Stevenson middle school my daughter is being bullied by a boy. He hit her. She hit back. They were both punished but the boy keeps teasing my daughter and your administration wants me to talk to the boy's parents. That is not my job The boy has priors and obviously isn't at school to learn. How is my talking to his parents going to help. I believe HISD needs to talk to the boy not me. From a frustrated parent

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Acknowledge that some people really are religious and work not just in the religious field, but work period. All these meetings fall on days that people attend their religious functions. It's hard to be supportive it this is a family's means of providing so miss the meetings. Willing to buck the system and not feel pressure to make everyone happy. I am tired of PC leaders. As a former educator within the district I believe HISD needs a superintendent that practices what (s)he preaches. The new superintendent should understand the teachers and staff (s)he leads. I believe the former superintendent did not care who he stepped on. Look at the data for appropriate play/unstructured vs. testing/structured learning balance. Hands-on learning is just as important. Accountability, joy, and continuous learning is the ideal teacher Understanding of the scientific method and its application to and utilization in educational curriculum; ability to set aside personal, religious, and moral agendas in the best interest of the educational process Superintendent should run the district like a business. Teachers should teach and be accountable to local administration. Superintendent should influence state in reducing incessant high-stakes testing. Need a superintendent who understands the difference between science and religion. Someone who recognizes that it is inevitable that the number of students per classroom is growing and has a plan to address how to effectively teach larger classrooms. Need a strong disciplinarian who supports the teaching staff and is not afraid to tell students and their parents when they are failing. It will be important to demonstrate to the upper middle class families to keep their children in HISD and not transfer to private schools. I know you can't hire based on this, but God fearing and leader Parent Proven experience Management experience with budgets and finances The Superintendent is the CEO of the district is the CEO of HISD. S/he must be able to assemble a team of leaders that will help to execute the larger vision of HISD. It is not their responsibility to oversee all hiring, but to have faith that the people in charge of their roles will execute those tasks for the betterment of HISD.

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How does a parent become involved in the Superintendent search? Please hire a FEMALE someone that cares more about the future of our kids and not the district's budget The incoming HISD Superintendent will be inheriting a system-wide disaster from which the district may need a decade to recover. Toward this outcome, s/he must have and demonstrate respect for local culture and resources, and be committed to building on homegrown strengths (which have been disdained and ignored under the outgoing superintendent) instead of bringing in expensive outside consultants and projects. At the executive, administrative and individual school levels s/he must rebuild and demonstrate respect for teachers that is currently at a historic nadir. S/he must be respectful of and responsive to parent and student opinions, observations, contributions and suggestions. Administratively, s/he must clean house at the upper levels, getting rid of the bloated, wasteful layer of administrators and also the outgoing superintendent's toadies and bootlickers, conducting a thorough review of genuine qualifications and accomplishments of current job-holders appointed by or through that superintendent. S/he should institute a firm institutional intolerance of nepotism and racism in hiring and promotions, down to the individual school level -- this is a shameful problem in HISD, with African-Americans and Hispanics fighting for power. Above all, the new superintendent must be committed to the well-being and education of all students. S/he must respect them as human beings and not consider them mere generators of test data for District or outside experiments. S/he must commit to supporting all students to the greatest degree, and to not support the least by crippling the best. The outgoing superintendent has been anti-intellectual and inhumane, and his policies aimed to gut the best-performing, most successful schools and programs in the district for the purported sake of supporting schools in need. This is counterproductive both at a school level and in community relations. HISD has lost countless families to suburban districts, private schools and charters in the past seven years. Restoring those relationships is key to the health of the district. Flexible and open minded. Education is not about numbers, test, state wide competition only. It is bringing up a child well rounded and positive. As a dyslexia practitioner, I am deeply concerned that many schools do not have state licensed dyslexia practitioners on their staff. We are doing a huge disservice to students diagnosed with dyslexia as the average teacher does not have the knowledge and materials it takes to support these students. I would like for the superintendent to change this policy and integrate state certified dyslexia practitioners in all HISD schools. HONESTY Houston Independent School District - Survey Comments – Page 62



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I am not opposed to a district superintendent assuming the role as business manager, and not having a deep understanding of the teaching process, but rather, have their finger on the pulse of best practices and trends in the education industry. Experience in education is paramount In order to communicate effectively with schools and their staff. Having a strong work ethic as to set an example for the people they influence. Being fiscally conservative so not to go over budget. Having a strong knowledge in education laws in order to communicate effectively with Texas legislators and not allow them to implement laws that go against our educational values. To be able to speak up authoritatively regarding materials needed for our children to learn. My daughter in Barbara bush Elementary did not have a current textbook for 5th grade science and the teacher had to resort to random sheets of paper for teaching . It was a very confusing and difficult year for my daughter due to the fact that we did not have appropriate materials to fall back on when she didn't understand a concept! The next superintendent should be someone who is willing to listen to the parents, keeps the Magnet program, and understands the importance of financing programs at the primary levels since early intervention is paramount to a successful district. Secondary to this, they should be someone who is accessible to teachers and parents and not simply a figurehead. A strong sense of fiscal responsibility and able to get the budget balanced. Stop wasting money on renaming of schools. to know the impotence of art, music, etc. in the schools and this kind of education enriches the other subjects and makes students learn better and focus more on core subjects. These MUST be brought back into the curriculum on a district wide basis. And implemented into EVERY school. A new superintendent should not be aligned with the current board in any way i.e. the candidate should not be a current HISD employee. I support a superintendent who will remove the high-stakes and over testing from HISD. This is my number one concern in HISD. I support the candidate who will listen to the research regarding homework, advocating for significantly less in elementary school (and no homework, aside from reading, until 4th grade). I support the candidate who will listen to the research regarding outside play for elementary students, increasing the number of times students get free play outside. The superintendent has to hold the safety of the students and his faculty/staff as a first priority, the wake of threats to school districts, open carry gun laws and terror attacks. We need an outstanding manager that surrounds him/Herself with top experts / professionals in their field. We do not need bonuses based on test scores. Bonuses should be based on 360 evaluations (parents, administration, students and peer colleagues) with a small (