More Houston ISD schools could join the NES model as interest grows — but the district hasn’t said which campuses could be impacted.
HOUSTON — More Houston ISD schools could soon join the district’s New Education System, a model that has already reshaped more than 100 campuses since the state takeover — but key details about which schools could be affected remain unclear.
District leaders say at least nine principals have voluntarily expressed interest in joining the NES model, signaling a possible expansion of the system that has drawn both support and criticism across Houston.
The NES model was introduced after the state’s takeover of Houston ISD in 2023. Since then, dozens of campuses have transitioned to the system, which includes a more centralized curriculum, longer school days and increased funding per student.
HISD now has about 130 campuses operating under the NES model.
District leaders say those changes are helping drive improvements, which is contributing to the growing interest from additional schools.
“They see what’s happening at other campuses across the district. The gains. And while everyone’s making gains, PUA and NES, they know that the NES model comes with a strategic amount of resources,” said Kasey Bailey, west and central division chief.
However, the model has also faced pushback.
Some parents have raised concerns about how much control individual campuses have under the more centralized structure.
For now, district officials have not said which campuses are being considered or when any changes could take place.