Houston Leaders Honor Legacy of Former U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige

Houston leaders are paying tribute to former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige, whose influence on public education was felt both nationally and in Houston. Paige, who passed away this week, served as superintendent of Houston ISD before being appointed Secretary of Education under President George W. Bush. His career earned recognition for championing accountability, student performance, and structural reform in large public school systems.

Paige led Houston ISD during a period of significant change, pushing for stronger academic standards and data‑driven decision‑making. His work in Houston became a model for federal policymakers and ultimately helped shape the framework behind the No Child Left Behind Act. Local officials, former colleagues, and education advocates described him as a steady, principled leader committed to expanding access and improving student outcomes.

Why His Legacy Matters

Paige’s leadership at HISD helped bring national attention to challenges facing large urban school districts. His emphasis on accountability influenced education policy for decades, and many of today’s school performance standards trace their roots to initiatives he implemented in Houston. City leaders noted that his work continues to shape classrooms, teacher expectations, and district performance measures.

Houston’s education community has highlighted his mentorship of young educators and his steady advocacy for students in underserved neighborhoods. Several former colleagues said he remained engaged with Houston schools long after leaving national office.

What’s Next

Local organizations plan to honor Paige through public remembrances and discussions about the lasting impact of his policies. Houston ISD leaders have also indicated they will highlight his contributions as part of an ongoing review of the district’s historical milestones.

This article is a summary of reporting by Houston Public Media. Read the full story here.