(Texas Scorecard) – Houston Independent School District is accused of illegal electioneering by Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office in an opinion sent to district officials.
The legal opinion reported by KPRC 2 highlights concerns over the district’s use of taxpayer dollars to promote its $4 billion bond measure, which voters rejected in November 2024.
The failed bond proposal was one of the largest school funding proposals in Texas history and faced significant opposition from community members and taxpayers wary of the price tag.
Houston ISD budgeted $2 million for a campaign to promote the bond, which included advertisements, mailers, and social media outreach. Critics, including parents and state officials, have questioned the legality of the district’s actions.
District officials, including Superintendent Mike Miles, argued that the funds were critical to modernizing aging facilities.
Miles was appointed to head Houston ISD by Education Commissioner Mike Morath when the Texas Education Agency took control of the failing district in 2023.
According to the opinion letter, the attorney general’s office had previously sent a separate communication to Houston ISD alleging that the district engaged in electioneering. According to the Texas Law Library, the Attorney General can issue opinion letters upon request from officials to help interpret state law. Opinions from the AG are considered persuasive but are not legally binding.
The letter reportedly threatened legal action if the issue remained unaddressed.
Texas Election Code states that “An officer or employee of a political subdivision may not knowingly spend or authorize the spending of public funds for political advertising.”
The Harris County DA’s Office has confirmed it is reviewing several complaints but has not announced whether charges will be filed.
Next steps by the AG’s office have not been announced but could involve a full investigation or civil penalties if evidence of wrongdoing is substantiated.
Houston ISD is facing a $250 million deficit and is reportedly operating 51 schools below 50 percent capacity. The district is considering a plan to shut down some schools as enrollment in the district has dropped by 30,000 students over the past five years.
Houston ISD has not responded to a request for comment about Paxton’s letter.