 has extended its state takeover of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) through June 2027.){kind=link}
June 12, 2025 | Houston, TX – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has extended its state takeover of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) through June 2027, marking a significant development in the ongoing effort to reform the state’s largest public school district.
The extension comes as TEA Commissioner Mike Morath announced the removal of four members from HISD’s appointed Board of Managers: Audrey Momanaee, Cassandra Auzenne Bandy, Rolando Martinez, and Adam Rivon. While no specific reasons were publicly cited for the removals, Morath stated that the decision reflects a need for leadership that “better represents Houston’s diversity.”
Superintendent Mike Miles Responds
In the wake of the shakeup, HISD Superintendent Mike Miles offered praise for the outgoing board members, crediting them with supporting district reforms during a turbulent first year of state oversight. “They played a key role in helping implement changes that have already begun to show results,” Miles said.
Among the improvements cited by Miles were:
- Rising student test scores
- Increased teacher compensation
- Expanded implementation of the New Education System (NES), focused on standardized instruction and curriculum
Despite these gains, HISD continues to face challenges, including declining student enrollment and concerns over teacher turnover.
What the TEA Takeover Means
The state takeover of HISD began in June 2023, originally prompted by years of underperformance at certain campuses, governance concerns, and failures in special education compliance. Under the terms of the extended intervention, the TEA will continue to oversee the district’s operations until it satisfies three key benchmarks:
- No campuses receive failing grades for multiple years
- The district fully complies with federal and state special education standards
- Governance improves to emphasize student achievement and outcomes
Community Reaction and Concerns
The sudden removal of four board members—some of whom were vocal community advocates—has sparked renewed debate over the state’s role in local education. Critics argue the prolonged takeover undermines local control, while supporters say continued oversight is needed to stabilize and improve HISD after years of dysfunction.
The TEA has not yet named replacements for the removed board members, but it has emphasized a commitment to transparency and community representation moving forward.
Related Reading:
- “‘Nothing but praise’: HISD’s Mike Miles on ousted board members” – Houston Chronicle
- “Adam Rivon responds to removal from HISD Board” – Houston Chronicle
Let me know if you’d like this adapted for a newsletter, advocacy piece, or educational blog post.