Houston, Texas has just been taken over by the state, due to major issues such as poor academic performance and concerns about breaking state law. The takeover, led by GOP Governor Greg Abbott, has been a long time coming, as the state and the Houston Independent School District have been at odds for years. The district, which serves around 200,000 students, has been struggling with poor academic performance and the behavior of its trustees.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will name a new superintendent and replace the district’s board of trustees with a board of governors appointed by TEA Commissioner Mike Morath. The district’s current superintendent, Millard House, will remain in his position until Morath appoints a new one.
Morath claimed that the takeover was necessary due to the district’s failure to improve student achievement and the actions of its trustees. He acknowledged that some schools in the district were among the highest-performing in the state, but that many other schools were not providing adequate support to students.
Democratic lawmakers and union leaders have criticized the state takeover, pointing out that previous takeovers have not always improved student achievement or management.
In the coming months, the district can request a review by the State Office of Administrative Hearings, but the state is not scheduled to appoint a new superintendent or board of managers until June 1. This takeover is just the latest in a growing trend of state takeovers of public school districts, with at least 22 states taking control of over 100 districts since 1989.