Texas School District Managers Prepare for Removal Under New Administration
State-appointed school board managers brace for leadership changes following Governor-elect Hinojosa’s election victory.
1Imminent Leadership Transition
State-appointed managers overseeing eight Texas school districts are preparing for potential removal starting January 19. Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa campaigned on ending state takeovers and replacing current Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath. These managers currently hold authority over elected trustees, but their tenure depends on the incoming administration's new education leadership.
2Governance Power Shift
During state takeovers, appointed managers assume full authority, stripping elected trustees of voting rights on budgets and policies. Hinojosa’s new commissioner will have the immediate power to replace any or all existing board managers. District leaders are now coordinating with elected trustees to ensure a smooth transfer of administrative responsibilities.
3Houston and Fort Worth Planning
Ric Campo, president of the Houston ISD board of managers, is actively preparing a transition package for elected trustees. Similarly, Fort Worth ISD’s Pete Geren confirmed he is ready for removal. Both leaders emphasize that their primary goal is maintaining operational stability for students despite the uncertainty surrounding their future roles.
4Legal Basis for Intervention
Texas law mandates state intervention when a single campus receives five consecutive academically unacceptable ratings. While some praise this as an aggressive improvement strategy, others view it as an overreach. The law requires the commissioner to determine transition timelines, with Houston’s return to elected control previously scheduled for announcement by June.
5Community and Teacher Response
Hinojosa’s election win was met with relief by many teachers and parents who opposed state control. Houston Federation of Teachers organizer Jessi Heiner described the victory as a critical step toward saving the public education system. Supporters hope this shift will finally return decision-making power to local communities across the state.
6Impact on District Operations
The state takeover of Houston ISD led to significant teacher turnover, with rates nearly doubling the state average in the 2025-26 school year. Student attrition has also accelerated annually since the intervention began. Critics of the current model argue these metrics demonstrate the negative consequences of removing local oversight from school districts.
7Standardized Reform Model
Superintendent Mike Miles implemented strict mandates in Houston, including standardized lesson plans and daily quizzes. While some national reformers view this as a successful model for struggling students, others argue it stifles local autonomy. New leadership could choose to reverse these policies, though some experts warn against discarding potentially effective academic reforms.
8Legislative Approval Hurdles
Hinojosa can appoint an acting commissioner immediately, but a permanent appointee requires two-thirds approval from the Texas Senate. Given the Republican majority in the Senate, this confirmation process could prove difficult. If the Senate rejects her nominee, Hinojosa may appoint someone else during the legislative recess to maintain temporary control over the agency.
9Case-by-Case Considerations
Raymond Tijerina, president of the South San Antonio ISD board, urged the new administration to evaluate districts individually. He noted that his district has shown positive progress since 2025 and requested more time. However, other officials remain resigned to the fact that political changes will likely result in their swift removal from office.
10Financial and Contractual Risks
Superintendent Mike Miles holds a contract that could trigger a payout of up to $924,000 if he is removed without cause. However, termination without compensation is possible if he fails to follow board directives. The complexity of these contracts adds another layer of difficulty to the transition process for the incoming administration.
11Future of State Takeovers
Hinojosa’s promise to permanently end state takeovers requires legislative action to change existing state law. While Democrats gained a House majority, the Republican-controlled Senate remains a significant barrier to such reforms. Instead of takeovers, the new commissioner might opt to close failing campuses, which remains a legal alternative under current Texas education statutes.
12Focus on Student Stability
Despite the political limbo, district officials emphasize that student progress remains the priority. Fort Worth ISD reported improved benchmark exam results, signaling that academic gains are continuing. The ultimate success of the transition will depend on whether the new administration can balance political goals with the need for consistent, high-quality classroom instruction.