Parents and teachers of Houston ISD have been on edge since Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner warned of an impending Texas Education Agency (TEA) takeover of the district. In January 2023, the Texas Supreme Court threw out the past injunction, allowing for TEA to go through with the takeover that has been on its do-to list since 2019 following years of low performance at Wheatley high school in the district.

CHILDREN AT RISK does not believe that the Texas Education Agency’s takeover of HISD will be good for kids.

Houston ISD stands as the largest school district in the state, serving over 196,000 students. State take overs may be well-intended but have a track record of failing to deliver on promises.

Like school districts across the nation, HISD has struggling schools. Of their 265 campuses, Houston ISD had 101 A or B schools in the 2022 CHILDREN AT RISK School Rankings. From 2019 to 2022, HISD increased their number of Gold Ribbon schools from 17 to 24.

If TEA does decide to make HISD their latest project, we urge them to keep three things in mind:

1. Don’t mess with success – HISD has many challenges, but it also has many successes including magnet programs, an increasing number of Gold Ribbon schools and intensive supports like wrap around services. Learn from what is working and spread that success.

2. Double down on early education – Pre-K and early elementary grades aren’t part of the STAAR test but the learning in these grades is just as important. Keep class sizes manageable and kids engaged to ensure that these critical fundamentals are established.

3. Keep kids first – Time on task and individualized learning are keys to student growth. Maximize both of these with teacher training and daily schedules that allow for these efforts.

Whether it is the TEA or the elected board of Trustees who are running Houston ISD, the focus must remain on what is best for Houston’s children. Adequate funding, consistent leadership and community support are needed for successful schools, but effective classroom instruction and policies most important for children and our future.