Texas school accountability ratings trigger intervention risks

Two middle schools in the Austin Independent School District, Burnet and Webb, have received their fifth consecutive ‘F’ rating in the 2026 Texas school accountability results. Under Texas law, reaching five consecutive failing grades allows the education commissioner to choose between closing the campuses or replacing the elected school board with a state-appointed board of managers.

In Houston Independent School District, the timeline for ending state intervention may be delayed following new accountability ratings. Four elementary schools—Benevidez, Foster, Highland Heights, and Mading—received ‘F’ ratings for the 2025-26 school year.

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath noted that for state control to revert to local electoral control, the district must eliminate multiyear academically failing campuses, ensure special education compliance, and maintain an efficient board of managers. The current state takeover of Houston ISD is scheduled to end in June 2027, though the timeline remains subject to academic improvements.