Local legislators say announcement regarding possible TEA takeover of Houston ISD expected on Wednesday

TEA to make HISD announcement on Wednesday

Local legislators say the Texas Education Agency is expected to make an announcement regarding the possible takeover of the Houston Independent School District on Wednesday morning.

HOUSTON - FOX 26 has learned from local legislators that an announcement about the possible Texas Education Agency takeover of Houston ISD is expected on Wednesday.

State Representative Ron Reynolds tells FOX 26 that TEA Commissioner Mike Morath will be meeting with legislators at the Capitol at 9 a.m.

TEA Commissioner Mike Morath confirms state takeover of Houston ISD

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath talks with FOX 26 about the TEA announcement.

MORE: Houston ISD students prepare for possible state takeover of school district

The TEA has been in a legal battle over a possible takeover of the district since 2019.

By law, the state can step if one campus in the district gets a failing grade for five years in a row, which happened at HISD's Wheatley High School in 2019. However, in the years since, the campus has improved to a "C" rating. Houston ISD overall has a "B+" rating.

State lawmaker confirms TEA takeover of HISD is imminent

We no longer have to wonder if the Texas Education Agency will take over the Houston Independent School district. According to Representative Ron Reynolds, it's a done deal. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner also weighs in.

Earlier this month, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner raised the alarm, saying that he was told by several sources that the state intended to take over the district and the announcement would come soon.

Mayor Sylvester Turner discusses possible TEA takeover of Houston ISD

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner discusses the latest updates on a possible TEA takeover of Houston ISD and his concerns. (NOTE: This interview is from March 3)

Since then, those for and against a takeover have been vocal about their positions.

MORE: NAACP Houston, city leaders march at Wheatley HS to protest TEA's possible HISD takeover

Over the weekend, some local organizations, city officials and state leaders attended a march at Wheatley High School against the rumored takeover. Some students also went to Austin on the Monday of their Spring Break to voice their concerns about the takeover.

"I think our school is really great," said Maria Mendez, a sophomore at Worthing High School, told FOX 26. "What is it they can improve on? The changes that are going to happen, it might hit us hard."

MORE: Houston teachers react to looming state takeover

While some are against the takeover, others think it’s time for a change with HISD.

"HISD has become a major train wreck, and it’s time we step in and help out," said Orlando Sanchez, a former Houston city councilmember. "There’s been substantial amounts of fraud at HISD. We’ve got to break the cycle. We’ve got to focus on the children."

Stay tuned to FOX 26 and FOX26Houston.com for the very latest on this story.