URGENT UPDATE: Texas superintendents are sounding the alarm on state takeovers of school districts, declaring these measures an unsustainable approach to enhancing student learning. During a panel at The Texas Tribune Festival on Saturday, leaders from across the state voiced their concerns over the impact of state-appointed boards replacing democratically-elected school boards.
Currently, two of Texas’ largest districts—Houston ISD and the recently taken-over Fort Worth ISD—are under management by the state due to failing ratings at their schools. Martha Salazar-Zamora, superintendent of Tomball ISD, a high-performing district with approximately 22,000 students, emphasized, “Do I think that’s sustainable? Absolutely not. I don’t,” highlighting the risks to local control and the overall public school experience.
This urgent situation unfolds as Texas faces mounting budget deficits, putting additional strain on districts already grappling with financial challenges. With a troubling history, the Texas Education Agency has taken over 11 school districts since 2000, often citing it as a last resort for improving academic performance. However, this approach has sparked significant backlash, especially in Houston, where the upheaval led to a mass exodus of students and teachers despite claims of no failing schools under state-appointed superintendent Mike Miles.
Superintendents at the festival were firm in their stance that while accountability measures are essential, the decision-making power should rest with local school boards. Matias Segura, superintendent of Austin ISD, is currently facing the difficult decision of potentially closing about a dozen campuses to avoid state sanctions that could dramatically impact his district’s more than 70,000 students. “Right now, if we continue our trajectory, we will not be able to serve our students, and that will ultimately lead to a state intervention at some point down the road,” Segura stated, stressing the urgency of taking action.
As Texas moves forward, the implications of these takeovers could resonate widely across the educational landscape. The superintendents are calling for a collective effort to retain local control and foster environments where students can thrive without the threat of state intervention.
Parents, educators, and community members are encouraged to engage in discussions about the future of their local schools as these developments unfold. The ongoing debate over educational governance in Texas is far from over, and officials warn that the current trajectory could lead to further crises if not addressed promptly.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story as Texas superintendents advocate for a sustainable future for public education.
