HOUSTON (May 23, 2025)—Leaders in the Texas House and Senate reached an agreement on House Bill 2 to expand funding for Texas public schools on Thursday. Among many advances, this legislation increases public education funding by $8.5 billion, provides $4.2 billion for teacher and staff pay increases, and allocates nearly $2 billion towards early childhood education. Taylor Landin, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the Greater Houston Partnership, released the following statement: “The $8.5 billion increase in funding for public schools is an investment in our children and fuels Texas' economic growth for the next generation. Houston business leaders applaud Lieutenant Governor Patrick and Speaker Burrows for their leadership and dedication to their robust, comprehensive approach to education modernization that we have seen throughout the 89th Legislature. Any individual component of House Bill 2 would have marked a major milestone, but combined, they represent the most significant investment in education in the history of Texas education to date.” The Greater Houston Partnership is committed to supporting businesses across the Houston region and working to maintain Texas’ exemplary business environment.   CONTACT: Brina Morales                                                 Sr. Director, Communications     bmorales@houston.org

A new report and podcast are casting a national spotlight on one of the most important education stories in the state – the dramatic turnaround at Houston ISD under Superintendent Mike Miles. The Manhattan Institute's City Journal's 10 Blocks podcast, which features public policy conversations, recently interviewed education analyst Neetu Arnold about her report on the reforms at HISD. Arnold discusses the New Education System, which has raised teacher pay at underperforming schools, expanded instructional time, and created a more structured learning environment. These changes have already shown promising results, including improved student outcomes and fewer disciplinary actions. In January, the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results also showed the progress the district has made. Here are a few of the highlights: Fourth-grade reading proficiency saw a 4% rise compared to flat or declining trends nationwide.  In Fourth-grade reading, Black students reversed a long-standing decline, achieving an 8-point increase in their scale scores. Economically disadvantaged students, who make up 78% of HISD’s population, outpaced growth rates in comparable districts. For fourth-graders, the proficiency rate is approaching HISD’s historic high of 24% from 2011. In middle school, the 21% proficiency rate represents the highest reading performance in the past two decades. “The 2024 NAEP results speak for themselves and continue to validate the tremendous achievement gains we saw throughout last school year. This is a testament to our students and especially the teachers and staff who work every day in the classroom, providing high-quality instruction to every student.” - Greater Houston Partnership President and CEO Steve Kean said in January. The Partnership recognizes that a strong public education system is essential to creating economic opportunity, strengthening families, and securing Houston’s long-term competitiveness. Arnold acknowledges the initial resistance to these reforms, but points to the data-driven improvements as evidence of why bold action was needed. Her podcast interview makes the case that Houston ISD’s turnaround can serve as a model for other large urban districts across the country.