Houston ISD’s self-discipline incidents have gone down districtwide, together with in-school
suspensions and referrals to the Self-discipline Various Training Program (DAEP).
Incidents like possession of firearms, nonetheless, have elevated by 133.33% and expulsions present blended outcomes throughout HISD’s campuses, in keeping with Superintendent Mike Miles.
HISD’s self-discipline incidents have gone down by 21% general, with HISD divisions exhibiting the next reductions in instances:
Central: -16.5%
West: -35%
North: -14%
South: -17%
Which incidents elevated probably the most?
Possession of firearms has elevated by a whopping 133.33%, leaping from 18 instances in 2024 to 42 in 2025 (up to now).
“And that’s why we’re additionally doing issues like placing within the weapon detection methods, which we’re not finished with, however we’ve got made good progress,” Miles mentioned. “It has been going pretty easily. We’re hoping that that’s not a panacea, nevertheless it ought to assist.”
Earlier this yr, HISD began a speedy overhaul of its safety system, following gun threats and security issues at its campuses. It launched a brand new “weapons detection system” referred to as OpenGate, beginning at Lamar Excessive Faculty.
Miles additionally identified the declines in different incidents, together with cursing at employees (16%), power mobile phone violations (41%), assault/contact with a instructor (28%) and bullying (10%).
Additionally, preventing, insubordination, drug-related violations, terroristic threats and skipping additionally noticed declines.
In- and out-of-school suspensions
In-school suspensions (ISS) have decreased by 15% and out-of-school (OSS) suspensions decreased by 21% throughout the district. West division campuses have proven probably the most enchancment in each.
Highschool ISS and OSS numbers have decreased probably the most.
Board member Adam Rivon requested Miles if college students obtained counseling or psychological well being sources earlier than being suspended. Miles responded, saying HISD gives “regular issues” like counselors, principals, APs (assistant principals), workplace managers, social staff and menace identification instruments. Miles added that New Training System (NES) colleges foster a extra “protected and orderly” setting than non-NES colleges.
He defined that if a pupil is taken out of sophistication, they don’t seem to be suspended however can use Zoom to attend the remainder of the category by a laptop computer, referring to “Staff Facilities.” That is the place college students with behavioral points are positioned and people excelling at school observe supplies individually or in groups.
“That has labored properly to not solely make youngsters extra orderly and respect the varsity setting, nevertheless it has stored them from being suspended,” Miles mentioned.
NES vs. non-NES colleges
HISD reported incidents at NES colleges have declined at a charge of 27% larger than these at non-NES campuses (10%).
“That’s outstanding to me,” Miles mentioned.
Nevertheless, ISS incidents have elevated by 5% in non-NES colleges and decreased by 32.5% at NES colleges.
“What’s occurring right here on the incidents, particularly in NES, is a extra protected and orderly setting,” Miles defined. “It’s about ensuring there are some strict guidelines, not unfair guidelines, and that we don’t droop youngsters immediately.”
DAEP information
Districtwide, college students who’ve violated the HISD code of conduct or dedicated offenses like felonies are referred to the Self-discipline Various Training Program (DAEP), a separate program. At DAEPs, college students should concentrate on teachers, behavioral help and obtain counseling to handle the problems resulting in their removing.
HISD said its DAEP referrals have lowered by half throughout the district, its campuses throughout all 5 divisions and its NES and non-NES colleges since final yr.
Elementary colleges improved most, adopted by excessive colleges and center colleges.
Expulsions
Whereas expulsion numbers look alarming, a better look tells a unique story.
“Expulsions are literally up somewhat bit, however have in mind we’re not speaking about 1000’s of incidents,” Miles defined.
Expulsions range throughout campuses in all divisions:
Central: 160%, as incidents went up from 5 instances in 2024 to 13 in 2025
West: 175%, as incidents went up from 4 instances in 2024 to 11 in 2025
North: -56%, as incidents went down from 16 instances in 2024 to seven in 2025
South: -33%, as incidents went down from 9 instances in 2024 to 6 in 2025
Non-NES colleges’ instances jumped from eight to 18, leading to a 125% enhance, whereas NES colleges’ instances decreased from 26 to 19, with a -27 % lower.
Expulsions dropped in excessive colleges by grade degree however rose barely in elementary and center colleges, with two and 4 extra instances, respectively.
