Lathan out, Saavedra to return as Houston ISD superintendent

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - In a surprise move on Thursday night, the Houston Independent School District Board of Trustees voted 5-4 to remove Dr. Grenita Lathan as interim superintendent. They are choosing to replace her with former HISD superintendent Dr. Abelardo 'Abe' Saavedra, trustee Wanda Adams tells FOX 26 News. 

The board says Dr. Lathan will return to her previous position in the district. It was explained that having a sitting superintendent expressing interest in the full-time position was seen as a potential deterrent for outside candidates.

Shouts from the crowd in attendance at the board meeting on Thursday, much of it captured on Facebook Live video from Houstonians for Great Public Schools, included accusations of racism by the board. Board sources tell FOX 26 that several board members appeared fixated on finding a Hispanic superintendent.

Some expressed concerns over past turbulence during Dr. Saavedra's previous tenure as superintendent in Houston.

Dr. Lathan will still be allowed to apply for the full-time position. She has been serving as interim superintendent since Richard Carranza prematurely vacated the role back in March of this year.