Reports that Texas school districts are at risk of being “taken over” by the state government have concerned local residents. Many Texans reacted with outrage, criticizing the Republican administration for interfering too heavily in the state’s education system.
Earlier this month, ProPublica reported that since 2020, the Texas Education Agency has taken over eight school districts, four of them in 2026. In addition, at least 10 other districts are reportedly at risk of state intervention.
According to the outlet, all of the districts had new leaders installed, each with ties to Mike Miles, the controversial educator chosen to oversee the Houston school district in 2023. The report indicates that the changes have made education professionals uncomfortable and that “if anything doesn’t align with improving test scores, it will be taken away.” The takeovers have also often involved layoffs and school closures.
Texas Residents Are Not Happy With Republicans ‘Taking Over’ Local Schools
The report sparked outrage among Texans on Reddit’s r/Texas, many of whom believed the Republican administration was overstepping its authority by taking control of local school districts. One user said, “The party of small government is making sure they have control of all the small government it’s putting everywhere.” Someone else replied by calling Texas “the Ultimate Nanny State.”
Others argued that the policy was a bad idea because of Texas’ long history of independent school districts, which many viewed as one of the state’s strengths. One Texan commented, “It’s funny that in school and college in the 90s, we learned over and over again the local control aspect of Texas schools. It meant independence, and not all education had to be the same. It was a major point of pride. Guess we’re finally losing that battle.”
Some people also criticized the state government, saying, “A few people complain about their children being ‘indoctrinated,’ so the GOP centralizes power to indoctrinate all children. Their constant projection is both pathetic and dangerous.”
Overall, the comments highlighted the negative reaction these takeovers are generating among many residents. It is still too early to know exactly how the situation will develop, but some locals already have a plan for how to respond: “Remember to vote in November! Then get your mug for MAGA tears!”
