mike morath Archives - The Waco Bridge

Justin Hamel / The Waco Bridge / CatchLight Local / Report for America

Connally ISD shares the demographic profile of school districts vulnerable to state takeovers

By Jaden Edison and Rob Reid, The Texas Tribune Jan. 27, 2026June 18, 2026

Inequality helps explain why many of the schools under intervention in Texas share nearly identical characteristics.
“Not everybody gets a hot breakfast and Mom taking them to school or putting them on the bus and giving them a kiss on the cheek,” said Jill Bottelberghe, Connally ISD superintendent.

Education

Connally ISD is among the latest state takeover targets. What can parents expect?

by Raquel Villatoro Dec. 22, 2025June 18, 2026

Connally ISD officials say a state conservator will likely begin work in January, but day-to-day changes aren’t expected until fall.

Education

‘Fundamental mission failure’: Texas education chief will replace Connally ISD board, install conservator

By Jaden Edison, The Texas TribuneDec. 11, 2025July 10, 2026

Morath said the failure of two Connally campuses to meet state standards over five consecutive years reflects “the inability of the district to implement effective changes to improve the performance of students.”

Education

Campus closure or takeover are Connally ISD’s only options, TEA chief says in visit

by Raquel Villatoro Sept. 17, 2025Sept. 19, 2025

“These are kids that are full of hope and opportunity, very well-behaved,” Morath said during a site visit Tuesday. “They’re eager to learn, and I know that the administrative team here is working hard to try to provide improved quality of learning. The question is, how do we go even faster? How do we give kids the absolute best?”

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