Connally schools superintendent appointed during Texas’ takeover of district

May 6, 2026 - 20:41

Texas education commissioner Mike Morath has moved to install new leadership in four school districts across the state over the past several weeks, with the Connally Independent School District being the latest to see a change at the top. The appointment comes as part of the state's ongoing intervention into the district, which has faced financial and academic struggles.

The newly appointed superintendent steps into a role that carries significant weight. The district, located just outside Waco, has been under state scrutiny for failing to meet certain performance standards. State officials have cited concerns ranging from low student achievement to fiscal mismanagement, prompting the Texas Education Agency to step in and restructure the district's administration.

Morath's decision to appoint a superintendent rather than leave the position to local school board members signals a firm hand from Austin. Under Texas law, the commissioner has the authority to take over a district's operations when it is deemed to be in a state of crisis. In Connally's case, the takeover includes not only a new superintendent but also a board of managers that will replace the elected school board for the time being.

Local parents and community members have expressed mixed reactions. Some welcome the state's involvement, hoping it will bring stability and improved outcomes for students. Others worry about the loss of local control and the precedent it sets for other districts across Texas. The new superintendent has not yet laid out a detailed plan for turning the district around, but state officials have indicated that academic recovery and financial accountability will be top priorities.

The Connally district serves roughly 3,000 students and has been a part of the Waco-area community for decades. With the state now firmly in charge, all eyes will be on whether this intervention can deliver the results that local leaders could not.