Education experts expect the Houston ISD takeover timeline to speed up after a change of power in Austin following the 2026 midterm election. Gina Hinojosa is the governor-elect.
Hinojosa said during her campaign that she wants more control returned to local districts and that she would replace Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, according to the report. University of Houston professor Duncan Klussmann said the commissioner has broad discretion over how a district can exit a takeover, and he expects that discretion to look different under the new governor. He said HISD has already met most of the current criteria to end a takeover and that he expects a faster transition back to local control, including no multi-year failing campuses.
Morath appointed HISD Superintendent Mike Miles. HISD said any discussion of a leadership change would be speculative and premature to comment on. HISD parent Jessica Campos said she is hopeful but realistic about the possible end of the takeover and wants more transparency on issues such as curriculum and special education. Klussmann said the path forward depends on who Hinojosa appoints to key roles.