Texas Education Agency Taking Over Hisd | Here's What Happens Now

Introduction

In a surprising turn of events, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has announced its plans to take over Houston Independent School District (HISD) by June. This means that the TEA Commissioner will appoint a new Superintendent and board of managers to replace the elected school board members. As one can imagine, this move has sparked strong and mixed reactions from the community.

Lack of Communication and Community Engagement

One of the main criticisms of the state takeover is the lack of community engagement and communication. Parents and students have expressed their frustration at the lack of information provided to them, particularly considering the timing of this decision during spring break. It's a classic case of dropping a bombshell when people are least expecting it.

Failure of H ISD and the Impact on Students

The state takeover of H ISD is seen as a necessary step due to the long time failure of the district. While other school districts in Texas have managed to fix their schools, H ISD seemed to have buried its head in the sand, refusing to address the issues at hand. The victims of this failure are none other than the students themselves.

Teacher Concerns and Potential Departures

Teachers have made their concerns known, with many expressing their intention to leave the district if a board of managers takes over. This has added to the anxiety and stress already present within the community. While H ISD has made some improvements since the intervention of the TEA, the question remains: what will be different with this new takeover?

An Alum's Perspective

Art Smith, a lifelong resident of the 5th Ward and a graduate of Wheatley High School, the school at the center of the failing grades, sees the state takeover as a positive development. Having received an email from the TEA back in 2019 inviting him to training sessions for potential board of managers members, Smith experienced firsthand the seriousness of the situation. He believes that this is the best thing that could happen for every student, giving them a fair chance going forward.

Timeline and Duration of the Takeover

The actual takeover is set for this summer, but the TEA is already accepting applications for the board of managers. However, it is unclear how long the takeover will last. According to TA Commissioner Mike Morath, takeovers can last anywhere from 2 to 6 years. The hope is that the necessary improvements can be made as quickly as possible, ensuring that the exit criteria are met.

Looking Ahead: Community Information Sessions

To address the concerns and questions from the public, the TEA will be hosting a series of community information sessions. These sessions will provide an opportunity for families to have their voices heard and to gain a better understanding of the future plans for the district. The sessions will be held at various locations throughout the month of March.

Conclusion

The state takeover of Houston ISD has caused quite a stir within the community. While some see it as a necessary step to address long-standing issues, others are skeptical about the effectiveness of a board of managers. Only time will tell what the future holds for the district and its students. The hope is that this intervention will bring about positive change and provide every student with a fair chance at success.