The state of Texas has chosen a former Waco Independent School District administrator as superintendent to lead Connally ISD during its state takeover. Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath picked Josie Gutierrez to lead the 2,000-student district, citing her success in improving outcomes and strengthening teacher retention as former deputy superintendent and an assistant superintendent […]
school takeover
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Q&A with Andrew Kim: Connally ISD’s new state conservator sees a path to “excellence”
The veteran educator says more teacher development training, more instructional time and a change in expectations will turn around the struggling district.
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Connally ISD cancels bond plans as it seeks to shrink its footprint
Connally ISD board of trustees called a $5.9 million bond election in February, then canceled it based on declining enrollment and the projected cost savings due to consolidating three elementary schools.
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Connally ISD will consolidate elementary schools starting next school year
The Waco-area school district said declining enrollments necessitated the changes.
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Connally ISD shares the demographic profile of school districts vulnerable to state takeovers
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.
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State appoints conservator over Connally, two other ISDs
“The work ahead will focus on partnering with district leadership to strengthen academics and keep Connally ISD students, teachers and staff at the center of every decision,” Kim said.
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School struggles, data centers, downtown visions and more: Six storylines we’re following in ’26
Amid optimism about Waco’s growth and opportunities, some worry about school takeovers and cuts to social safety net services.
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Connally ISD is among the latest state takeover targets. What can parents expect?
Connally ISD officials say a state conservator will likely begin work in January, but day-to-day changes aren’t expected until fall.
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‘Fundamental mission failure’: Texas education chief will replace Connally ISD board, install conservator
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.”
