Texas gubernatorial candidate and state representative Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, announced her plans to end state takeovers of local school districts and change the way Texas evaluates schools. During a press conference at the former Pease Elementary School in downtown Austin, Hinojosa stated, "We fight for our public schools because they are essential to the American dream." Hinojosa is promoting Team Texas Public Schools, a group aimed at training teachers and parents from both political parties to protect neighborhood schools. The candidate also called for the removal of Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath and the elimination of state takeovers, stating, "It is never the right answer to struggling schools to take power away from parents and communities.
Hinojosa's stance comes as multiple Texas school districts face budget deficits, declining enrollment, and potential state takeovers due to low performance on standardized tests. If elected, Hinojosa plans to revise how the state evaluates the successes and failures of districts and schools, and return power to local communities.
Governor Greg Abbott's campaign office did not return a request for comment. Last year, Abbott celebrated the takeover of Houston ISD as a success, citing improved letter grade campus ratings.