Hinojosa wins governorship, but Austin schools still face state rules

Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday to become Texas' first Democratic governor since 1994. Her victory arrives at a critical moment for Austin ISD, which currently faces a state takeover due to budget issues and failing test scores. Hinojosa, a former Austin ISD trustee, has pledged to reshape how the state manages public schools.

The new governor promised to replace Education Commissioner Mike Morath on her first day in office. She aims to end state takeovers of public schools and repair what she called the damage of the Texas vouchers scam. During her victory rally, Hinojosa stated that she would fire Morath and work to preserve local control in school districts.

However, education policy experts note that changing the commissioner may not be enough to stop immediate action against Austin ISD. State law requires intervention when schools receive five failing accountability ratings. Burnet and Webb middle schools recently received their fifth failing ratings, triggering these mandatory state actions.

Rachel White, an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, explained that a new commissioner is still bound by existing statutes. White noted that even if Hinojosa replaces Morath, the law compels the state to step in. The main difference will be how the new leadership applies that intervention.

Replacing Morath also faces a legislative hurdle. Hinojosa would need to nominate a new commissioner, who then requires confirmation by the Texas Senate. That process demands approval from two-thirds of the senators present. Although Democrat Vikki Goodwin will preside as lieutenant governor, Republicans will still control the chamber, making the confirmation process complex.

Several other factors could influence the district's immediate future. A pending appeal of the accountability ratings could potentially remove the threat of intervention by December, before Hinojosa takes office. Additionally, parent petitions to close Burnet and Webb schools have not yet been validated. These open questions could steer state action in different directions.

Duncan Klussmann, a professor at the University of Houston, agreed that the new commissioner will have discretion. He suggested that instead of taking over the entire district, the state might choose to close only the chronically failing schools. This approach would allow the district to retain more control over its remaining campuses.

Local leaders see this election as an opportunity to change the state's approach. Trustee Candace Hunter, who won re-election Tuesday, said the new governor has a promise to keep. She expressed a hope that the state will support districts rather than displace their leadership. Union leader Ken Zarifis also believes the new administration will interpret the laws differently, offering relief to families who have been fighting for change for months.