In a packed auditorium filled with concerned citizens, educators and community leaders, Texas state representatives from Houston and across Texas convened an ad hoc House Committee hearing at the University of Houston to address the controversial state takeover of the Houston Independent School District (HISD).
Houston Reps. Alma Allen, Christina Morales and Gene Wu began the hearing with a press conference followed by a public meeting as a call to action. In the presence of HISD’s Director of Public Affairs, they expressed deep concern over the state’s intervention in HISD.
“Don’t be fooled. Nothing [good] has happened in HISD because of the takeover,” Allen said. “The purpose of this ad hoc committee meeting is to give educators and parents and all the other community members a chance to share their thoughts and experiences involving the district takeover.”
In June 2023, Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath replaced HISD’s superintendent and elected school board after Wheatley High School’s consecutive failing accountability grades, initiated the takeover under a 2015 law.
Over three dozen speakers criticized Miles’ district leadership, increased teacher turnover, and proposed $4.4 billion school bond. Others criticized the New Education System reforms, including timed lessons, district-produced curriculum and additional directives.
HISD District II Board Trustee Savant Moore shared his concerns about closing North Forest High School, removing a gifted and talented magnet program that his children were involved in, the university interscholastic league activities, and the job cuts of librarians.
“As your trustee, I’m fighting for our community’s future, advocating for transparency, equity and essential services in our schools,” he said, “and for a school district that actually listens to its constituents, which it currently doesn’t.”
Michelle Williams, president of the Houston Education Association, has become the symbol of resistance against the takeover. Williams was removed from her post at an HISD elementary school in March and assigned to work at a bus depot. The district cited her social media activity as grounds for termination.
Williams recently won a hearing against the district because HISD violated the Texas Open Meetings Act and used “contradictory, incomplete, and retaliatory evidence” when not renewing the union leader’s contract, according to a statement by independent hearing examiner Karen A. Egbuna.
“I have worked 10 years for HISD. I have never been surrounded by such unethical people who do not tell the truth under oath,” she said. “Teachers are going through it and that’s why I fought that because I knew they didn’t have a case.”
The hearing also featured testimonies from various community members who shared their perspectives on the takeover’s impact. Parents, students and local activists voiced their concerns about the potential consequences for the district’s future.
“We get nine bathroom passes for the whole entire year. Students are avoiding drinking water daily so they don’t have to use the bathroom, causing dehydration, said Remi Smith, senior at Worthing High School. “Teachers are being bullied. If teachers are sitting for too long, their desks are being taken away. And because students are afraid that their teachers are going to be fired, we cannot complain to the district when they come to monitor classrooms.”
Former HISD educator Larry McKenzie faced termination from his position last year after the district accused him of threatening the HISD board of trustees in a public meeting.
“I actually believe that I was the first teacher that was fired in HISD,” he said. “I don’t have to threaten anyone. I’ll speak truth to power. I’m a teacher who is not afraid. So if you need someone to speak, look for me.
