EL PASO, Texas – As the 2026 election cycle draws to a close, Texas Democrats are outlining an ambitious agenda to reshape the state’s education system. Governor‑elect Gina Hinojosa, who will assume office in January, has called for the dismissal of Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath and the elimination of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test.
Democratic Majority Poised to Take Key Education Posts
With Democrats expected to hold the majority of statewide offices after the January inauguration, the party will also control the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE). This new alignment gives them the leverage to pursue policy changes that have long been championed by progressive educators and parent groups.
Gustavo Reveles, an El Paso representative on the SBOE, told ABC‑7 that the board’s upcoming agenda will focus on “greater flexibility for local districts, reduced reliance on high‑stakes testing, and policies that support family involvement in schools.” Reveles emphasized that the changes aim to restore parental choice and strengthen community ties to local schools.
Key Proposals Under Consideration
Eliminate the STAAR test. Hinojosa argues that the standardized test places undue stress on students and teachers, diverting attention from core learning. Instead, she proposes a system of formative assessments that allow teachers to gauge progress without high‑stakes penalties.
Replace the TEA commissioner. Critics of Mike Morath claim his tenure has been marked by top‑down mandates that limit local control. The governor‑elect’s plan calls for a new commissioner who will prioritize school‑choice options, such as charter schools and voucher programs, and respect parental authority over curriculum decisions.
Expand school‑choice opportunities. The Democratic agenda includes expanding voucher eligibility, increasing funding for charter schools, and encouraging private‑sector partnerships that can provide additional resources to underserved districts.
Potential Impact on Texas Families
If enacted, these reforms could reshape daily life for Texas families. Parents would have more say in selecting educational pathways for their children, and schools could adopt curricula that reflect community values rather than state‑mandated standards. Supporters contend that reduced testing will free up classroom time for core subjects, arts, and character development.
Opponents, however, warn that eliminating the STAAR test could diminish statewide accountability and make it harder to compare student performance across districts. They also caution that rapid leadership changes at the TEA could create uncertainty during the transition.
Next Steps
The SBOE is slated to convene its first meeting of the new term in early February, where it will vote on leadership positions and set its policy priorities. Meanwhile, Governor‑elect Hinojosa’s transition team is preparing a list of potential commissioner candidates to present to the board.
Local educators, parents, and community leaders are encouraged to attend upcoming public hearings and submit comments on the proposed reforms. As the Democratic majority prepares to implement its vision, the conversation about how best to serve Texas students and families is only beginning.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
