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Reactions to the Texas Education Agency announcing that they would take over Houston ISD were strong on Wednesday.
The takeover, which has been four years in the making, was put on pause after a legal battle in court. The Texas Supreme Court confirmed in January that TEA Commissioner Mike Morath had the authority to and mandate to make the move under state law after Wheatley High School failed to meet state standards for five consecutive years.
The TEA will appoint a board of managers who will assume control in June, replacing the elected board of trustees. The elected board will maintain their seats, but they will not have any authority. Morath also confirmed to Houston Public Media that superintendent Millard House II will be replaced.
Dani Hernandez is president of the HISD Board of Trustees, and spoke to Houston Matters on Thursday. She said the TEA’s announcement was surreal because TEA first announced potential takeover plans the day after she won her election in 2019.
“At this point I know that everybody on the board, the superintendent… is willing to work hard for the students,” she said.
Hernandez said the budget has to be passed by June, and while the current board has not met since the official announcement, she said she would imagine that they would try to pass the budget by June.
“I am willing to work with the Board of Managers to try to transition them, and be the voice of the community,” she said. “Making sure they understand the history of HISD and where HISD has been going.”
She said she anticipates still attending meetings and voicing concerns when necessary. In fact, she said she plans to run for re-election for her seat, which is a volunteer position. Elections will still continue for appointees even though they won’t have any voting power.
“Any trustee that’s elected will be able to at least have conversation, let the appointed board know what the community is voicing and make sure that the community voice is heard,” Hernandez said.
The TEA is estimating that this could be a four-year process; Hernandez said that is concerning.
“If the TEA is taking over, they should be able to work things out a bit quicker than an elected board,” she said. “It is concerning that it is a lengthy amount of time, but I’m still willing to be there for HISD and make sure the community’s voice is heard during that time period.”
Hernandez said as long as they are there, they will continue to provide education and care to students.
“If there is an appointed board and superintendent, the community needs to be sure to voice their concerns with them as well,” she said. “Because at that point, community needs to be heard whether it’s an elected board or appointed board.”