Monica Zdrojewski has been named as Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ new chief of staff, according to an HISD statement released to Houston Public Media.
Zdrojewski’s appointment comes just over a week after it was announced that Mike Miles’ former chief of staff, Kerri Briggs, would be leaving the position. On Dec. 2, Briggs will take on her new role as the executive director of Educate Texas — a public school and higher education advocacy group organized under the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT). The CFT made the announcement last week on its website.
“Houston ISD is pleased to announce that Monica Zdrojewski has been named chief of staff,” HISD Chief of Public Affairs and Communications Alexandra Elizondo said via a statement. “The team at HISD wishes Kerri Briggs all the best in her next professional venture as executive director of Educate Texas.”
According to HISD, Zdrojewski was previously the deputy chief of staff and has experience in public education.
“Zdrojewski’s extensive background in public education, combined with her commitment to student success and systemic innovation, positions her to be an effective leader in advancing Houston ISD’s mission,” Elizondo said. “The superintendent and [Zdrojewski’s] colleagues on [the] cabinet are excited to work with her in this new capacity.”
According to Zdrojewski’s bio on the HISD website, she has previously worked as an elementary school teacher. Before joining HISD in 2023, Zdrojewski worked at the Texas Education Agency where she worked with districts across the state to implement new school models. She also previously served as an assistant director with City Teaching Alliance — a 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps train teachers to work in urban classrooms.
Briggs’ departure comes on the heels of continued public criticism against Miles’ handling of HISD. During the Nov. 5 Election, the school district failed to pass a $4.4 billion bond proposal that had been opposed by many local groups, including both the Harris County Republican and Democratic parties. The bond would have funded rebuilds and renovations for dozens of school campuses.
According to a recent report by the Houston Chronicle, Biggs was one of the more than 40 HISD employees making a yearly salary of more than $200,000. As Miles’ chief of staff, Briggs made $252,500 a year, making her tied for second place with Chief Finance Officer James Terry in compensation. Miles currently has the highest HISD salary of $380,000, according to the Chronicle.
