The salaries of some Houston ISD leaders rose by more than 20% over the 2025-26 school year, according to an analysis of district records.
After being promoted from Academics chief to a newly created deputy superintendent position in February, Kristen Hole’s salary increased by $82,750 to $310,000 in July. Three other executives in human resources, nutrition services, and school operations, who moved into new roles, received raises of about 22% to 48%.
HISD did not respond to a request for comment.
The Chronicle’s analysis of the district’s top 100 highest-paid positions, who earned between $179,000 and $462,000, found that most of the district’s top earners received pay increases last year as many moved into new roles. A few principals were also among HISD’s top earners— those leading North Forest, Northside, and Austin high schools.
State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles is the highest-paid executive in the district, earning $462,000, after receiving a 22-percent raise in June 2025 as part of his contract extension.
Critics of the state appointment of HISD leadership have noted that the pay raises have come while student enrollment is declining and the district implements sweeping changes to the way teachers are paid.