Morath: 'Exciting to see so many Houstonians express a willingness to help move the school system forward'

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) said it has received nearly 400 applications for the Houston Independent School District (HISD) Board of Managers, per Houston-based media outlets’ reports.

Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported that the TEA fielded 374 applications as of Thursday.

Last month was when the TEA announced that it is taking over HISD, marking the first time a large, public urban school district has fallen under the control of the state.

The intervention was prompted by the public school district’s consistent low academic performance, with one of its high schools – Wheatley in Houston’s Fifth Ward neighborhood – receiving an F rating.

State control means that Superintendent Millard House, II and the entire HISD Board of Education will soon be replaced by a slate of individuals whom the TEA will select out of the hundreds of applications.

KPRC reported that the state seeks community members who possess a “wide array of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives” and a belief that “children can learn and achieve at high levels” with the right amount of support.

The TEA additionally expects these individuals to “work together as a governance team,” per the station.

“I am looking for Houstonians with wisdom and integrity who can be laser-focused on what is best for students,” TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said in the report. “It is exciting to see so many Houstonians express a willingness to help move the school system forward in service of students.”

Houston FOX affiliate KRIV reported that the HISD Board of Managers will consist of nine people, and the board will be established on or before June 1.

KRIV reported that the current school board will continue to lead the district until the TEA-mandated body’s formation. 

A key responsibility of the Board of Managers will be to work closely with the state-appointed superintendent, per the station.