Texas Schools Reforms Face Political Pushback
Texas Democrats and activists push to reverse state control of Houston schools amid ongoing debate over education policy.
2 min read
A coalition of Texas Democrats and education activists is challenging the state’s takeover of Houston Independent School District (HISD), which has led to significant academic improvements. In June 2023, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) appointed a nine-member Board of Managers and selected a new superintendent, Mike Miles. Under his leadership, HISD transitioned from 56 F-rated campuses to just five this year, with reading and math scores showing marked improvement, according to a report obtained by The Daily Wire.
Commission Calls for Reforms
This week, the newly formed Commission on the Takeover of HISD released an 81-page report recommending reduced state intervention and increased local control. The report criticizes the reforms, alleging they have diminished curriculum quality, harmed educator-student relationships, and undermined democratic governance. The findings are based largely on anonymous testimony from parents, students, and educators.
With midterm elections approaching, the debate over school district control has intensified, reflecting broader political tensions. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa has positioned herself against state takeovers, vowing to remove TEA Commissioner Mike Morath and restore local control to Houston schools if elected.
Leaders Behind the Push
The Commission is co-chaired by state Sen. Molly Cook, Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons, and Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen. Cook, the first openly bisexual member of the Texas Senate, has spoken about her abortion experience and supports transgender participation in sports. Bossen has drawn attention due to comments made by his girlfriend, Sade Perkins, who faced backlash for her remarks on the Camp Mystic flooding incident.
Other members include Domingo Morel, a NYU professor with an equity award; Kay Wasden, a Black Lives Matter donor; and Steven Nelson, an education researcher who has defended critical race theory and previously worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center, which has been criticized for funding hate groups.
Broader Implications
The conflict highlights a growing divide over the role of state intervention in education. While the reforms have improved academic outcomes, critics argue they have disrupted local governance and community trust. As the debate continues, the outcome could shape the future of public education in Texas and beyond.
Source: Daily Wire
