The Houston Federation of Teachers (HFT), representing the educators of the largest school district in Texas, has cast a ballot of deep dissent, signaling a sweeping "no confidence" in Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles. The union's top brass delivered the resolution to the full membership for a definitive vote, as reported by FOX 26 Houston.

The resolution's roots are in a wide range of grievances, that, have festered during Miles' nearly one-year tenure. The union criticized actions including the scrapping of the HFT's monthly meetings with HISD administration and Miles' enlarged jurisdiction over district spending – now able to shell out up to $1 million without board approval. The HFT also pointed out the growing number of uncertified teachers and a spiking teacher turnover rate, which has reportedly doubled in the past year, as outlined by The Houston Chronicle.

"The takeover of Houston ISD is a politically motivated, irresponsible experiment that is worsening inequities and disenfranchising Houston voters," the union articulated in a statement obtained by FOX 26 Houston. Matters escalated following the board of managers' April movement to authorize Miles and the district administrators to mull over a 2024 bond election – potentially asking voters to greenlight a multibillion-dollar investment without electoral control over decision-making in the district.

"No trust, no bond," Jackie Anderson, HFT president, declared. According to the FOX 26 Houston interview, she expressed a stark mistrust in Miles' leadership and opposition to handing over a "taxpayer-funded blank check" to him. While the resolution is symbolic, the union is showing its teeth by demanding Miles be replaced with someone "who will not treat our community with disdain, will work to restore trust with employees and parents, and will end the harm being done to our students from Miles' 'reforms,'" as stated by The Houston Chronicle.

Despite the clamor, HISD is not sanctioned to yield to the union's demands. Although Texas law prohibits public sector strikes, such a no-confidence vote stands as one of the most poignant expressions of disapproval a union can make. HISD officials have yet to respond to requests for comment on the issue, and the results of the ratification are poised to be unveiled next week.