Texas School Districts Prepare for Governor's Takeover Shift

Texas school board managers prepare for removal

Appointed school board managers in Texas districts under state takeover said they are preparing to be out of a job as soon as January.

Governor-elect pledges to end takeovers

Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa campaigned to stop state takeovers in public schools and replace Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath with an educator on her first day in office, January 19.

State takeover authority shifts

During a state takeover, a commissioner appoints managers who assume the authority of locally elected trustees.

Houston ISD board president plans transition

Ric Campo, Houston ISD board of managers president, said he’s making the assumption that elected trustees must be ready by January for a smooth transition.

Smooth transition goal

Campo said he’s working to ensure elected trustees have the information they need to do the best job they can after transition.

“I’ve always said, in public and to the elected trustees, that we’re working ourselves out of a job, and we’re happy to do it”

Fort Worth ISD board president prepares

Pete Geren, Fort Worth ISD board president, expects he and other board managers will be removed soon but is unsure when.

State takeover law details

Texas law requires a commissioner to take over a district after one campus earns five consecutive academically unacceptable ratings.

Teachers welcome change

Teachers and parents praised Hinojosa’s win as a way to restore local control to school districts.

“Everybody thought this trend of the state running schools was unstoppable”

Houston ISD performance

Houston ISD saw rising teacher turnover and accelerated student attrition since the state takeover began in 2023.

Education reforms under takeover

Teachers face strict mandates to implement standardized lesson plans and materials under state-appointed superintendent Mike Miles.

Potential policy shifts

New managers could reverse reforms implemented since the state takeover began.

Education expert warns against reversal

Michael Petrilli, president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, warned against reverting to pre-takeover conditions.

“To throw the whole baby out with the bathwater would be a huge mistake”

Commissioner transition process

Hinojosa would appoint an acting commissioner immediately but needs Senate approval for a permanent appointee.

South San Antonio ISD board president

Raymond Tijerina hopes South San Antonio ISD’s board remains in place longer due to positive progress since takeover.

Fort Worth ISD progress

Fort Worth ISD reported measurable student progress in fall benchmark exams.

“Evan Anderson, Fort Worth ISD’s senior executive director of communications and community partnerships, said the district’s students are making "real, measurable progress." For example, a fall benchmark exam showed student progress in every STAAR-tested grade.”