Houston Independent School District’s appointed board of managers and its elected trustees began meeting on Nov. 12 to lay the groundwork for a potential transition of authority back to the elected board as early as mid‑January. Board President Ric Campo told the gathering that the managers are “working ourselves out of a job” and are eager to ensure a seamless handoff for the district’s students, parents and staff.
Preparation for a smooth handoff
During the regular board of managers meeting, Campo explained that managers started discussions with the trustees on Nov. 9. The purpose, he said, is to prepare for a “smooth … prepared transition” whenever the elected trustees resume authority. While no specific timeline was provided, the board is treating the possibility of a mid‑January change as a realistic scenario.
Background of the state takeover
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) took over HISD in June 2023, appointing Superintendent Mike Miles and a board of managers to address chronic performance issues. Under the original agreement, the district was expected to remain under TEA control until at least June 2027. However, Governor‑elect Gina Hinojosa announced on Nov. 3 that she intends to replace TEA Commissioner Mike Morath on her inauguration day, raising the prospect of an earlier return to local elected control.
Eight Texas public school districts are currently governed by appointed boards, all installed under Morath’s tenure. State law passed in 2017 and 2021 requires the TEA commissioner to intervene when a campus receives five consecutive failing accountability ratings, giving the agency broad authority to assume control of struggling districts.
Voices from the community
Students and parents used the Nov. 12 meeting to voice their concerns. HISD student Eliana Gottlieb asked the board of managers to share needed information with the elected trustees and to include students in the transition process, emphasizing that “the people this district serves should be part of it.” HISD parent Neely Stuart urged the managers to wind down major decision‑making as the handoff approaches, noting, “You never had a political mandate from us, the people of Houston. We in no way voted for you.”
Administration’s stance
Campo said the board will respect whatever timing and structure the incoming governor and the next TEA commissioner decide on for the transition. “We will respect whatever decision that [the] governor‑elect and the next education commissioner make about the timing and the structure of the [HISD] transition,” he stated.
Next steps
According to a Nov. 6 district news release, the appointed managers will hold multiple meetings with the elected trustees to brief them on district operations, finances and ongoing initiatives. These sessions are intended to equip the trustees with the information they need to assume full governance responsibilities without disruption.
The upcoming weeks will be critical for both the appointed managers and the elected trustees as they work together to safeguard the educational experience of more than 150,000 students across Houston. Community members are encouraged to stay informed through district communications and upcoming public meetings.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
