Stop the Houston ISD takeover

Help build support for Houston public schools.

A toolkit for leaders and members

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath is moving to dislodge the elected Houston school board in order to take control of the Houston Independent School District. Houston is the seventh-largest school district in the United States and one of the country’s strongest-performing large school districts. Morath is using the performance at one school in order to take over a district of 284 schools with 214,000 students. Since 2017, for the first time in its history, the Houston school board has been governed by a majority of black and Hispanic board members.

The whole takeover scheme raises many unsettling questions about the state’s true agenda, and we are demanding answers about what this really means for our students, our educators and our public schools, which—despite this state overreach—are some of the best in Texas.

Attend the March 16 rally in Austin

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Resources

What is behind the state takeover of Houston’s public schools?

Facts about Houston Schools and State School Takeovers

Press Release | HFT: Parents, Educators Demand Answers About Proposed State Takeover of HISD

Press Release | Educators Question State Takeover of HISD

Social media toolkit 

View our social media toolkit document with graphics, sample messaging and content, to spread awareness and gain support for Houston’s public schools.

Take action

Sign the petition and help us defend Houston’s public schools by telling Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath that Houstonians are opposed to a takeover of Houston schools. Add your name now.

Attend a community meeting hosted by the Texas Education Agency; these meetings are intended to provide information regarding the board of managers process. Community members are invited to come to these meetings to learn more and ask questions about the process. Additionally, for an application to serve on the Houston ISD Board of Managers, click here.