KPRC 2 Investigates spoke with the Harris County District Attorney regarding our investigation into the Houston Independent School District budget.
On Monday, Feb. 2, we revealed a $2 million “key action” in the 2024-2025 budget, which included a plan to ‘ask voters for a bond election in November 2024.’ We discovered that HISD allocated nearly $1.4 million to hire a consulting group specializing in communications, governmental relations, and campaigns. The district also posted social media videos ending with the phrase “RENEW HISD” in the highly produced 30-second clips.
Recommended Videos
Related Story: Houston ISD superintendent still ‘not available’ to speak over $2-million dollar ‘Key Action’ tied to November bond
Legal experts questioned whether or not HISD’s actions during the initiative’s rollout were legal.
“I think that’s electioneering,” State Senator Mayes Middleton told KPRC 2 Investigates during an interview in his office.
In Wednesday’s report, Middleton noted that a county’s District Attorney can file charges in cases of electioneering, but often they do not.
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare emphasized his commitment to tackling public corruption.
The DA’s office stated that it would require assistance from the public or law enforcement to initiate investigations.
“We encourage anyone who has information or concerns about public corruption to come forward,” the DA’s office said.
Related Story: Houston ISD approved $2M to campaign for the massive failed bond. Was it legal?
In less than 24 hours, over 30 Houstonians emailed Sean Teare, copying KPRC 2 Investigates, to demand an investigation by the DA’s office into HISD’s bond rollout.
“Anyone that emails our office specifically around a public corruption concern, will receive a response within 24 hours giving the details on what the next steps are,” said Teare.
Those steps usually include filling out an affidavit.
By mid-afternoon, Teare’s office was sending out responses to those who emailed, indicating their appreciation while also acknowledging their complaint had been forwarded to the Chief Prosecutor of Public Integrity.
Teare also briefly touched on KPRC 2′s investigation.
“We’re not going to comment on the story. I can confirm I saw the story. I thought it was well done,” said the district attorney.
Related Story: ‘It makes me mad knowing we’re wasting money’: Former Houston ISD parent tracks district’s spending this year
Teare added that as district attorney, he will not weigh in on investigations involving public officials to ensure that everything is done by the book.
When asked if he can understand why parents are emailing KPRC 2 Investigates with questions and emailing his office because of the story? Teare did not hesitate, “Of course, I live in Houston. I was born and raised in Houston. The vast majority of my friends have children that go to HISD right now, I know the concern,” said Teare.
KPRC 2 Investigates also reached out to HISD Superintendent Mike Miles, who still refuses to answer our questions.
The district’s communication team made it clear that Miles was not available for an interview. Mario Diaz responded asking, “When will he be available? Or are you making it clear he will never talk to me?”
But that email went unanswered.
