Houston seeks re-election to Anniston school board at-large seat
Houston's challengers are Donald Gilley and Trina Chatman.
Houston, 72, says he entered a system in crisis when he took office in 2016.
'The students, school system and city deserve more than they have received over the last 27 years. When this board was elected by the voters it walked into burning buildings. All systems and processes were broken,' he said.
'Academically we were deemed a failing school. Finances were in shambles, we were in the red $2 million (negative operating dollars), we borrowed money to meet payroll, we were not meeting our IRS or Social Security obligations, we were sending money back to the state and federal government and we had crumbling infrastructure, etc.'
A Louisiana native, Houston has lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, South Carolina and now Anniston. He holds a bachelor's degree from Grambling State University, an MBA from Liberty University, and an Executive MBA from the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business. He retired as vice president and general manager for BAE Systems and currently serves as owner and CEO of R&R Consulting LLC.
He credits the district's turnaround to bold leadership and strategic hires, including that of Dr. D. Ray Hill as superintendent in 2019 and Joanna Martin as chief school financial officer in 2021.
Under his tenure, Houston said the board has:
— Increased the general fund from a $2 million deficit to a $16 million surplus.
— Secured a deal for new air-conditioned buses with digital tracking.
— Reorganized the central office for better accountability.
— Boosted third-grade reading scores by over 20 percent, becoming one of 12 districts in the state to do so.
— Raised the state report card score from 65 percent to 78 percent.
— Expanded Gifted Program participation by five percent.
— Introduced Saturday and summer school, and implemented the Multi-Tiered System of Supports.
— Renovated facilities including new roofs, HVAC systems, Lott Mosby Stadium, gym floor, greenhouse, breezeways and digital marquees.
— Increased community engagement through newsletters, family summits and local partnerships.
— Launched 1:1 technology programs and introduced STEM labs in grades one through five.
'We can't go back!' Houston said. 'Our students deserve to be equipped for an ever-changing world — and that starts with bold, informed leadership. Willing to make complex, complicated and tough decisions for the betterment of students and school system.'
Houston said his strategic vision for the future includes closing academic gaps in reading and math, expanding career pathway programs, enhancing community and family engagement, using artificial intelligence more effectively, and adapting to reduced federal and state funding.
'Why would anyone serve on a school board if not for the children? For without the children, there is no world,' Houston said.
Calling on voters to look at results, not rhetoric, Houston added, 'Voters on August 26, 2025, let your voices be heard! Do not be moved by words but deeds!'
Houston is one of several candidates running in the August election, which will determine who will help guide Anniston City Schools through its next chapter.
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