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Texas leads the country in takeovers of public school districts due to poor academic performance, with more districts becoming at risk of state intervention every year. 

We’re examining how these takeovers — and the reforms implemented by appointed superintendents and board managers  — are affecting the educational experience of thousands of children and families in some of Texas’ largest districts.

Since 2023, seven districts, including Fort Worth and Houston, have had Texas education Commissioner Mike Morath replace their leaders. Austin ISD now faces a potential takeover as well after two campuses received five years of consecutive failing accountability ratings from the state.

Whether you’re a parent with questions about your district’s future or a teacher who has seen the environment on your campus change after a takeover, we want to hear from you. Fill out the form below to help us continue our reporting.

María Méndez works on efforts to better connect with Texans and writes explainers and guides. She strives to answer Texans' questions about politics and public policy and to help them find resources....

Megan Menchaca is the Houston-based K-12 education reporter for The Texas Tribune. Before joining the Tribune in 2026, she was the senior education reporter at the Houston Chronicle and the higher education...

Eva-Marie Ayala is a veteran journalist who’s covered Texas education for more than two decades. She began her career at her hometown newspaper, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram before joining The Dallas...