In a wave of protests, parents from Meyerland Middle School, Crockett Elementary School, and Herod Elementary School gathered to voice their opposition to the ultimatums given to school principals by the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Parents claimed that principals were being forced to resign or face termination.

The controversy came to light when Herod Elementary's principal, Jessica Berry, shared a copy of the resignation agreement she received with local news outlet KPRC 2. According to the agreement, if Berry signed, her resignation would be effective on June 7, 2024, and she would receive three months' salary as severance. However, by signing, she would be prohibited from ever working for the district again or suing the district.

Berry chose not to sign the agreement and is now speaking out about her experience. She expressed concerns about the potential consequences of speaking up, as it could jeopardize her entire career. Berry was appointed as Herod's principal in February 2022.

Berry revealed two memorandums she received, listing strikes against her, including missed deadlines, failure to follow directives, and the implementation of a corrective action plan following a complaint made to the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

An HISD spokesperson stated that principals were asked to resign due to their failure to meet performance expectations. The district explained that the quality of a school, often determined by its rating, is a crucial factor in evaluating the performance of principals. Schools with an A or B rating are seen as creating a positive learning environment, while schools with a lower rating may indicate unmet student needs.

Berry acknowledged the importance of school quality but believed that the district was not considering the full picture beyond standardized testing scores. She emphasized the impact of COVID-19 on the education system and the state takeover of HISD, which resulted in several principals being asked to resign.

Berry revealed that she knew of four other principals facing similar ultimatums, with some choosing retirement or resignation. She also stated that she and over 100 other principals were allegedly on a list that indicated potential job loss if they did not show significant improvement.

To address these concerns, HISD Superintendent Mike Miles clarified that the district did not plan to fire over 100 principals. The district had previously stated that 125 principals demonstrated the necessary leadership qualities to retain their positions, while 117 others were required to show improvement to maintain their jobs for the next school year.

Following the revelations, Berry anticipated possible retaliation for speaking out, including being removed from her position. She expressed her dedication to the education of all students and her concerns about career-ending consequences.

HISD issued a statement emphasizing the need to serve all students effectively and cited data evaluation and on-the-job observation in staff decision-making. The district assured affected school communities that a collaborative process involving surveys, community meetings, and opportunities to meet incoming principals would be implemented to prioritize their needs.

As the protests continue and parents demand transparency and fairness, the future of these principals and the overall direction of HISD remains uncertain.