Morath on TEA decision to take over HISD: 'Ultimately, this intervention is necessary'

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has moved forward with taking over the Houston Independent School District (HISD), per reports from Houston-based media outlets.

It marked the first time a large, public urban school district has fallen under the control of the state, putting to rest weeks of persistent rumors.

TEA Commissioner Mike Morath confirmed the state’s plans on Wednesday, Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported. 

"Ultimately, this intervention is necessary," Morath said, according to the station. 

KTRK reported that the state notified HISD, which educates nearly 200,000 students and is among the largest in the U.S., of the decision in writing.

Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported that the district has been the subject of state takeover talks since 2019 because low academic performance, with one of its high schools – Wheatley in Houston’s Fifth Ward neighborhood – accorded an F rating. 

Morath said that changes won’t happen immediately, but Superintendent Millard House, II and the entire HISD Board of Education will soon be replaced by a slate of officials appointed by the TEA, the station reported. 

Per KHOU, it’s unknown if teachers will be laid off.

In response to the announcement, KTRK reported, House, who assumed the helm of the district in the summer of 2021, said he was aware of the possibility of TEA control since his first day on the job.

“My team and I remained focused on building a framework that prioritized a high quality educational experience supported by world class talent for all students,” he said in a statement. “Today's announcement does not discount the gains we have made district-wide.”

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner claimed nearly two weeks ago that his sources in the Texas Legislature told him the state could replace HISD’s entire leadership.

Turner, who’s in his final term in the city’s highest office, was among those who opposed the takeover.