The Texas Education Agency is extending its control over Houston ISD until 2027 after a comprehensive review. According to KHOU, the state noted academic improvements under Superintendent Mike Miles and the Board of Managers appointed in 2023. Education Commissioner Mike Morath said, “Ultimately, two years has not been enough time to fix district systems that were broken for decades.”
The state extended its oversight of Houston ISD and Commissioner Morath appointed four new members to the HISD Board of Managers: attorney Edgar Colón, Harvard Law graduate and Texas Southern University Board of Regents member Lauren Gore, retired J.P. Morgan Vice Chairman Marty Goossen, and trial lawyer Marcos Rosales, replacing four previous members. The Texas Supreme Court ruled on January 13, 2023, allowing the Texas Education Agency to remove Houston ISD’s elected school board and superintendent due to misconduct allegations and low academic performance at Wheatley High School. Mike Miles was hired as superintendent on June 1, 2023, and the board of managers was appointed to govern the district. Morath stated, “The extension of this intervention will allow the district to build on its progress and achieve lasting success for students once the board transitions back to elected leadership,” as reported by Click2Houston.
Michelle Williams, president of the Houston Education Association, said, “It’s unfortunate that Commissioner Morath isn’t listening to students, staff, and community members who are telling a vastly different story than Mr. Miles,” as mentioned by KHOU. The Texas Education Agency requires Houston ISD to meet certain goals for the state takeover to end, including having no multi-year academically unacceptable campuses, following special education rules, and maintaining strong board governance. With a new Board of Managers in place, the Texas Education Agency plans to support ongoing progress in the district.
