HISD's superintendent explains why he's calling for school closures after saying he wouldn't

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After telling staff no campus closures would be coming in the 2026-27 school year, Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles explained why he's recommending a reversal.

For the past dozen years, Pastor Charles Turner has enjoyed connecting with several Fifth Ward schools including Fleming Middle School.

"A lot of times people do backpacks for back-to-school," Turner explained. "A greater need was just hygiene items."

Now, Turner's preparing to help families deal with what he believes could be a rotten result. "We probably saw it coming, but if he said they're not going to close schools and he closes schools, I think we call that lying," Turner said.

On Thursday, HISD Superintendent Mike Miles announced plans to close a dozen schools. The majority are on the east end, including near Turner's New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

The thing is, the announcement comes about three months after Miles told school leaders no closures were coming after this school year.

However, Miles told ABC13 on Friday, things have changed, including how many students have left the potentially impacted campuses.

"A larger than expected decline in enrollment for various reasons and a couple of structural problems that came up within the last six months," Miles explained.

Closures that are happening at districts across southeast Texas. However, in Fort Bend ISD, the board has made plans known for several months, held special workshops and sent surveys.

HISD will give parents a couple of weeks before an unelected board votes. "Even community is different and every community does it differently," Miles explained.

Miles told school leaders if closures came, they'd have to make sure impacted students receive a better learning experience. Looking at Texas Education Agency data, more than half of the campuses being closed would be shifted to schools that scored lower.

"It's not just the grade because all of our schools are going to be A or B within a year and half," Miles said. "We've solved that problem."

Turner said it's not just about grades, but community. He says moving students even a few miles may make it harder for families to afford drop off or pick up students.

Challenges he's looking to tackle after getting news he feels is foul. "Really concerned with how that's going to impact families, the students and of course the educators as well," Turner said.

ABC13 asked Miles what could happen to teachers at impacted schools. Miles said if they're educators that they would bring back for the next school year, they'll be offered opportunities at other campuses.

HISD's board is expected to consider closures at its Feb. 26 meeting.

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