Texas Education Agency

A judge has made a decision that will stop the Texas Education Agency from taking over Houston Independent School District for the time being.

The Houston Federation of Teachers says the proposed state takeover of the Houston Independent School District is unconstitutional under U.S. and Texas law because it disenfranchises and discriminates against people based on race and national origin.   

The Texas Education Agency is hosting a series of meetings to provide information and gain feedback from the community to help with their take over process. But it left concerned parents and faculty members of Wheatley unsatisfied since they feel their questions aren’t being answered. 

The American Federation of Teachers has filed a freedom of information act request with the Texas Education Agency to get those answers.

The Houston ISD board will meet with an attorney to seek legal advice because the 23-page letter from the Texas Education Commissioner changes just about everything for the district. 

A series of community meetings have been scheduled regarding the application process. The TEA says the public is welcome to attend and ask questions about the process. Here's a link to the full list of applicant requirements for the board of managers.

The long talked about takeover comes after an investigation by the TEA over allegations of the trustees’ violation of the Open Meetings Act and consistent poor academic performances from Wheatley High School.

"A lowered status means for some reason the district is doing something wrong and possibly the student wouldn't be as well prepared to function in college as another student. So it is potentially a huge ramification for students," says Andy Dewey with the Houston Teachers Federation.

A report shows the TEA recommending the district's accreditation status be lowered, a conservator be appointed, and a board of managers be installed to replace the existing Board of Trustees.

This week’s panel: Ben Streusand, conservative commentator, “Three Amigos”, KSEV Radio; Carmen Roe, Houston attorney; Antonio Diaz-, writer, educator and radio host; Jacquie Baly, UH Downtown Political Science Professor; Ben Ferguson, conservative radio host; Craig Jackson, Professor, TSU Thurgood Marshall School of Law, , talk about the possible ouster of the Houston ISD...