A Texas Observer investigation revealed that HISD Superintendent Mike Miles earned about $190,000 over the last three years moonlighting for Third Future Schools, the charter network he founded. You would think a $462,000 salary plus a $173,660 bonus from HISD would be more than enough to demand his full attention on Houston students alone.
As education advocate Geier told the Texas Observer: “We’re in an age in education where we’re competing for students. His primary responsibility is increasing student achievement and enrollment in Houston… It seems like there’s a huge conflict of interest there.”
That is what the Legislature thought too. The Texas Observer reports that House Bill 3372 bans superintendents from moonlighting with companies or school systems connected to their work. HISD initially said Miles “had complied with the new law,” but after further questions to the appointed board, the district said they canceled the contract after it was “carefully reviewed for compliance with HB 3372.”
And it gets worse. The Houston Press reports today that an audit of Third Future Schools–TX found “substantial doubt” about its ability to continue, with a “deficit in net assets of about $7.4 million” as of June 2025. This makes the fact that " nine school districts are set to hand over 15 public schools to Third Future Schools-Texas (TFS-Texas)" even more suspect. The grift is real.
In February, Miles said he would pilot Futures 2 schools at two HISD schools in the Fall. Now, it’s “6 next year, 25 the next, and up to 100 by 2031. Students would spend hours on online AI instruction with promises of “swimming and music” in the afternoon. We’ve heard this before. In 2023, he promised dinner, extended care, and enrichment for NES schools and people believed him. What they got was test prep, school closures, and fear.
The cracks are real and growing. Three years into this takeover, it’s normal to feel worn down, but this is exactly when it matters most. It only ends if we keep organizing, voting, and showing up.Let’s keep fighting for our kids.
👉AT THE BALLOT BOX: The governor appoints the head of the Texas Education Agency, which has the power to take over local school districts. The Legislature writes the laws, but the agency writes the rules for how takeovers happen and end. Over the past decade, the TEA commissioner, Mike Morath, has gained sweeping authority. When we elect a governor who cares about public education, she will fire Morath, and the rules change. The takeover ends. It’s just that simple.
👉LEGAL: Miles and Morath are bending and breaking existing law. The takeover practices are overarchingly discriminatory. File grievances and lawsuits. Even though the fox (TEA)is guarding the henhouse, grow the body of evidence against this harmful takeover.
👉PEOPLE POWER: We don’t show up just to persuade the rubber-stamping board. We show up to shine light, shape public narrative, and make sure every decision is seen.
Mark your calendars to speak at the May 14th HISD Board of Miles meeting! The world is watching.
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