Texas Education Agency halts HISD's superintendent search
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Texas Education Agency sent a directive Monday to HISD ordering the 'HISD Board to immediately stop the search for a new school superintendent until the TEA gives permission otherwise.'
Board agendas and documents show finalist interviews were scheduled Monday and Tuesday. Those will have to be cancelled. The board was expected to name a 'lone finalist' to the job later this week.
If the board doesn't follow the TEA's directive, the agency can immediately appoint a board of managers.
Dr. Grenita Lathan has been serving as interim superintendent after Richard Carranza left the position in March 2018.
ONE ON ONE: ABC13 talks about new changes with HISD's interim superintendent
According to a second letter received by the district Monday and obtained by 13 Investigates, TEA has expanded an ongoing investigation to include a look into 'Alleged Violations' of Texas Education Codes governing 'purchasing contracts.' The new letter adds specifics to an investigation launched into potential Open Meetings Act violations and other governance issues. None of the investigations has concluded.
The letter detailing the new investigation was received just hours before TEA suspended HISD's Superintendent search.
HISD Board President Diana Davila tells ABC13 the state education agency is reviewing three years of HISD documentation and is currently going through 12,000 district emails in its investigation.
