Texas to move forward on Houston ISD takeover after meeting with state lawmakers

HOUSTON (CBSNewsTexas.com) Texas lawmakers were told Wednesday that the state is about to begin a takeover of its largest school district.

On March 15, members of the Texas Black Legislative Assembly delegation in Houston met with Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath to express concern about the state’s plan to take control of the Houston Independent School District (HISD).

In an effort to prevent the takeover, caucus members argued that the takeover would be counterproductive. They said the area has been steadily improving over the past few years and that this plan will negatively impact teachers and students.

However, they were told that TEA planned to go ahead with the takeover of HISD.

In a statement, a caucus spokesperson said they “want to reassure people that we will not give up so easily and that we will continue to pursue all options for the time being, including legislation.”

To that end, Rep. Alma Allen, a Democrat whose district includes part of south Houston, has filed a bill that will slow down the takeover process.

Under current law, TEA is required to either take over or close counties that have been inactive for five years or more. House Bill 3780 would make these measures optional, allowing TEA to take other, less drastic options.

“We are disappointed to learn that TEA is about to take over HISD, a move that will affect more than 194,000 students on 276 campuses across the county,” said Ron Reynolds, chairman of the Texas black legislature.

“Ultimately, we need to focus on the best ways to help our students and teachers, and taking over a school district that we know hasn’t worked in the past is not the way to move forward.”