Introduction to the Houston ISD Board of Trustees Election
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has recently held an election for its board of trustees, with Maria Benzon, Michael McDonough, and Bridget Wade leading their respective races. However, the newly elected trustees will not have voting power until at least 2027 due to the ongoing state takeover of the district.
The State Takeover of HISD
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) took over HISD in June 2023, citing the poor performance of Wheatley High School as the reason. As a result, the elected trustees were replaced by a "board of managers" appointed by the TEA. The takeover means that the elected trustees will not have any governing power until at least June 2027.
The Roles of the Elected Trustees
Although the elected trustees do not currently have voting power, they can still influence public discussion and represent the community. Placido Gomez, a trustee who was elected in November 2023, believes that the trustees have a responsibility to be active and represent the people who elected them. "It’s technically true that we don’t have the power to vote on things that have consequences in HISD, but we do have the power to influence the public discussion and I think that’s also very important," Gomez said.
The Future of the HISD Board of Trustees
When the takeover ends, the elected trustees will be restored to their roles three at a time over a three-year period. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath will decide which three trustees are restored at each interval. The newly elected trustees could gain voting power before the end of their four-year terms, and they will have control over the district’s $2 billion annual budget, employee terminations, property tax rate, and more.
The Election Results
The early voting results showed that Maria Benzon was leading Robbie McDonough in the District 5 race, while Michael McDonough was ahead of Kendall Baker in District 6, and Bridget Wade was leading Audrey Nath in District 7. Two positions, District 1 and District 9, had only one candidate running unopposed and did not appear on the ballot. The terms for those candidates, Felicity Pereyra and incumbent Myrna Guidry, will begin in January.
Conclusion
The election of the HISD board of trustees is an important step towards restoring community control over the district. Although the newly elected trustees will not have voting power until at least 2027, they can still play a crucial role in representing the community and influencing public discussion. As the takeover comes to an end, the elected trustees will regain their roles and have control over the district’s budget, policies, and direction. It is essential for the community to stay engaged and informed about the developments in the HISD board of trustees and the future of the district.
