More Houston ISD Schools Could Join NES Model, But Details Unclear

District leaders say at least 9 principals have expressed interest, but it's unknown which campuses could be impacted.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:51am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred, warm-toned shapes and colors representing a classroom, conveying the emotional tone of an ongoing debate over education reform.The growing interest in HISD's centralized NES model reflects the complex debate over balancing standardization and local control in public education.Houston Today

More Houston Independent School District (HISD) schools could soon join the district's New Education System (NES) model, which has already reshaped over 100 campuses since the state takeover in 2023. While district leaders say at least 9 principals have voluntarily expressed interest in the NES model, they have not specified which schools could be affected.

Why it matters

The NES model has drawn both support and criticism across Houston, with some parents raising concerns about the level of control individual campuses have under the more centralized structure. The potential expansion of the model to more HISD schools will likely continue to spark debate about the best approach for improving student outcomes.

The details

The NES model was introduced after the state's takeover of HISD 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, and district leaders say the changes are helping drive improvements, contributing to the growing interest from additional schools.

  • HISD underwent a state takeover in 2023.
  • The NES model has been implemented at over 130 HISD campuses since the takeover.

The players

HISD

The Houston Independent School District, the largest public school system in Texas.

Kasey Bailey

The west and central division chief for HISD, who commented on the growing interest in the NES model from additional principals.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Kasey Bailey, West and Central Division Chief, HISD

The takeaway

The potential expansion of the NES model to more HISD schools highlights the ongoing debate around the best approach to improving student outcomes, with concerns about centralized control balanced against the potential benefits of increased resources and a standardized curriculum.