Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath told a group of school leaders on Wednesday that he is committed to a smooth and successful transition for the incoming education commissioner. The remarks came after Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa said in her victory speech Tuesday night that she would fire Morath on her first day in office.
KPRC asked the Texas Education Agency about an X post that claimed Morath gave a "farewell speech" to superintendents. The agency said Morath was already scheduled to visit Troy Independent School District and then meet with superintendents at the Region 12 Education Service Center. A TEA spokesperson said Morath also expressed appreciation for the educational leaders in the room. The agency said he was present for the entire session and gave introductory and closing remarks.
Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Morath to lead the agency in 2016. Morath's term is set to expire on January 10. Hinojosa is set to be inaugurated on January 19. As governor, Hinojosa will be able to appoint a new education commissioner when Morath's term ends. Hinojosa has been critical of the TEA and promised during her campaign to return school districts under state intervention "back to their communities" and to appoint an educator to lead the agency.