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Texas Education Agency Extends HISD State Takeover

Houston Independent School District's journey towards improvement and community engagement.

News Summary

The Texas Education Agency has announced a two-year extension of its state takeover of the Houston Independent School District, now lasting until June 1, 2027. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath noted significant improvements in academic performance and operational management within the district. This decision aims to ensure continued progress toward student success before the transition back to an elected board. Despite recent gains, community unrest and declining enrollment remain challenges for the district during this extended oversight period.

Houston, Texas

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has announced an extension of the state takeover of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) for two additional years, pushing the timeline to June 1, 2027. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath highlighted significant academic and operational improvements within the district during the first year of intervention, prompting this decision.

Moriath noted that HISD has made “tremendous” progress, particularly in student academic performance. Such advancements include marked gains in areas such as school finance, operations, special education compliance, and governance by the appointed Board of Managers.

The extension was communicated to both the appointed Board of Managers and the elected Board of Trustees through a formal letter. The main objective of this action is to empower HISD to continue its progress and establish enduring success for its students before transitioning back to being overseen by an elected board.

According to the TEA’s timeline, the transition of HISD back to its elected board members will be outlined around the new deadline of June 1, 2027. Throughout this period, the TEA will gradually replace one-third of the appointed Board of Managers with elected trustees each year until all nine board members are once again elected.

Morath emphasized that two additional years are necessary to address systemic issues that have plagued the district for over a decade. Reflecting this view, recent academic performance metrics demonstrate substantial improvement; the number of schools receiving D or F ratings dropped from 121 in 2023 to just 41 in 2024. Conversely, the number of A- and B-rated schools increased from 93 to 170 during the same timeframe.

Remarkably, three schools within HISD improved their ratings from “F” to “A,” while Wheatley High School managed a significant climb to a B rating. To successfully end the state takeover, HISD must avoid the emergence of multi-year failing campuses, comply with special education regulations, and show continuous improvement in board governance.

In regard to special education, HISD has achieved timely evaluations and meetings, reporting a 100% compliance rate for initial evaluations completed on time. However, the district faces challenges, including the substantial loss of over 7,400 students in enrollment following the first year of intervention.

This decline has been exacerbated by public dissatisfaction with the state takeover and the current leadership. Recent community responses indicate a mixture of expectation and confusion regarding the removal of board members despite academic advancements. In fact, a proposed $4.4 billion school bond aimed at improving facilities was rejected by Houston voters, signaling hesitation among the public regarding the TEA’s direction for HISD.

Community protests against the TEA’s intervention and the New Education System reforms implemented under Superintendent Mike Miles continue to unfold as families raise concerns about the future of educational quality and governance in the district. Superintendent Miles is set to maintain his leadership role throughout the extended takeover, focusing on solidifying HISD’s advancements while addressing ongoing community concerns.

Ultimately, the TEA’s decision to extend the state oversight reflects a commitment to ensure all Houston schools meet educational standards and provide acceptable learning environments. The coming years will be pivotal for HISD as it navigates the challenges ahead while striving to secure a stable and successful future for its students.