Texas-Sized Troubles: Exploring the Risk of State Takeover in the Houston Independent School District

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Abstract

The Houston Independent School District (HISD), Texas’s largest and fourth-largest district in the United States, has encountered numerous challenges and troubles over the years, eventually leading to a state takeover by the Texas Education Agency in recent years. Among the plethora of challenges within HISD include issues such as absenteeism, poor academic performance at several schools, and failure to maintain financial stability. By examining previous state takeovers of similarly situated school districts in urban areas, researchers explore, qualitatively, the factors that may have contributed to this transition and highlight the potential consequences and risks that HISD educators may face during this change, leading to job satisfaction and other job-related issues. The article seeks to provide a thorough understanding of the complex dynamics involved in HISD’s takeover, and it offers practical recommendations for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders committed to the future of HISD and the retention of educators.

Authors

• Virginia S. Redwine Johnson, Texas A&M University

• John A. Williams, Texas A&M University