San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Houston ISD concedes legal battle to TEA
The Houston Independent School District board has ended its lawsuit against the Texas Education Agency, effectively waving the white flag in its legal fight against an attempted state takeover.
The motion passed last week with support of eight of the nine trustees following a brief closed session. Trustee Kathy Blueford-Daniels, who represents District II that houses Wheatley High, voted against the measure.
Superintendent Millard House II said he does not know what the board’s decision will mean for the state’s takeover effort because that agency has made no announcement or decision.
“That was a board decision in an effort to get to
the table to have conversations with TEA,” he said.
Dani Hernandez, board president, said the board remains committed to students and student outcomes.
“We are now at the point where it is time for us to move forward,” she
said during the meeting. “It is in our students’ and our employees’ best interest for us to end this lawsuit … We look forward to bringing both organizations to the table soon for the best interest of children.”
The district is withdrawing from the lawsuit to “end further expenditure of district resources, as there is no further legal recourse,” according to the motion.
The board’s decision helps put the focus “back on what matters: the students, staff, and families of HISD,” TEA Commissioner Mike Morath wrote in a statement.
“TEA remains committed to ensuring students in Houston receive a highquality education that prepares them for success and will pursue a path forward that accomplishes that objective,” Morath wrote. “Until the Agency makes any formal decision, I’m confident Superintendent House and the Board will continue their work to help the students of Houston.”