On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath announced the Texas Education Agency will replace Houston Independent School District’s Board of Trustees and Superintendent Millard House II.

See Superintendent House’s statement below:

I stepped into my role understanding the obstacles we faced as a district including a looming TEA intervention. 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. 

I am proud to say, in the last 19 months, we have already seen vast improvements. Because of the hard work of our students, teachers, and staff, we have lifted 40 of 50 schools off the D or F TEA accountability ratings list. Together, with our parents, community members and leaders, we developed the district’s first comprehensive five-year strategic plan to build a better HISD.

Wednesday’s announcement does not discount the gains we have made district wide. I am confident our educators and staff will continue to do the necessary work to ensure positive student outcomes at every level. For our students and families, it is education as usual, and the school year continues as normal. As we wrap up this school year, my focus will be on working with our Board of Trustees and the TEA to ensure a smooth transition without disruption to our core mission of providing an exceptional educational experience for all students.

In a letter to HISD families and staff, Commissioner Morath said he will focus on recruiting a group of Houstonians to serve on the Board of Managers.

The TEA’s job description says appointed managers would have to be eligible voters within district boundaries. It also outlines that the board should include some members from across the district, current district parents, people with leadership experience, and people with backgrounds in fields such as teaching, social work, psychology, business, finance, or law.

The TEA is accepting applications for managers until April 6. HISD does not play a role in the assignment of board managers.

The TEA will host a series of community meetings to provide information regarding the Board of Managers process. Community members are invited to come and learn more and ask questions about the process:

All trustees will remain in their positions representing their respective districts until the TEA appoints a Board of Managers. Once appointed, the current elected trustees will maintain their seats and can continue serving in an advisory capacity, but they will have no authority.

For more TEA updates and Frequently Asked Questions, visit our TEA information webpage.