As the South San Antonio Independent School District struggles with governance chaos and ineffective leadership, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is stepping in to explore alternative management options for the district. The TEA has begun accepting applications for a potential board of managers that may take over the governing duties of the existing board, should Commissioner Mike Morath deem it necessary after thorough review and consultation.
Last month, Dr. Abelardo Saavedra, the TEA conservator overseeing the South San ISD Board of Trustees, recommended in a letter that state intervention was needed as the elected board failed in its leadership and community engagement efforts. Following this recommendation, which KSAT reported, The agency is now seeking community interest for the seven-person board by opening the application process. Deputy Commissioner for Governance Steve Lecholop emphasized the need for candidates with "a mindset that every student can learn and can reach grade level if given the proper support."
While Commissioner Morath has not yet decided on a full takeover, his instruction to begin the search for potential board of managers applicants indicates that the state is considering further actions. Morath will evaluate the board's progress against criteria designed to assess its capacity for effective self-governance. These criteria were outlined in a settlement agreement the board signed in September 2023, which gave them one year to demonstrate their ability to govern, as mentioned in an article by the San Antonio Express-News.
Amidst the complexities of this situation, two community meetings have been scheduled to answer questions concerning the potential appointment of a board of managers. Interested individuals are invited to apply and attend the meetings, with the assurance that an educational background is not a prerequisite. According to KSAT, Lecholop expressed enthusiasm about "engaging more with the South San community and with the San Antonio community to try to find seven exceptional people that would serve if that is the ultimate decision made by the commissioner." The meetings are set to take place at South San Antonio High School Auditorium next Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
If appointed, the board of managers would supersede the current board of trustees, who would continue to be elected but hold no authority. The TEA plans to assess the board of managers' progress every two years, determining whether to reinstate power to the elected board or maintain the appointed managers' oversight.
