From The Texas Tribune · Sneha Dey, Megan Menchaca · · 1m 20s
Houston Democrats Push School Takeover Limits
Houston Democrats propose stricter rules to end state school takeovers after Houston's district crisis.
In brief
Houston Democrats propose stricter rules to end state school takeovers after Houston's district crisis. Houston Democrats want state education officials to require two years of acceptable grades before ending school takeovers in Houston. Originally reported by The Texas Tribune.
Houston Democrats Push School Takeover Limits
Houston Democrats want to limit state-appointed officials' power during school takeovers of struggling districts.
Houston Commission Recommends Guardrails
A Houston commission recommended raising the bar for state education commissioner intervention during school takeovers.
Commission Report Details Challenges
The commission found broken community relationships, a hostile environment for teachers, and unsustainable financial stewardship during Houston's takeover.
Molly Cook Proposes Higher Threshold
State Sen. Molly Cook plans legislation to require 10% of a district's campuses failing ratings before triggering a takeover.
Two-Year Grade Requirement
Cook's proposal would end takeovers after two consecutive years of acceptable grades for struggling campuses.
Local Referendum for Takeover End
The commission recommended local referendums to decide when takeovers end and setting guardrails for state-appointed board members.
Houston ISD Enrollment Drops
Houston ISD lost tens of millions of dollars due to enrollment drops and had to dip into reserves for reforms.
Superintendent Miles Defends Reforms
Houston Superintendent Mike Miles said enrollment declines are due to low birth rates and immigration losses, not the takeover.
The short version
Houston Democrats want state education officials to require two years of acceptable grades before ending school takeovers in Houston.
