Texas' Schools Chief Could Get More Muscle Under Legislative Proposals

AUSTIN — Former Dallas trustee Mike Morath is a popular guy. He’s seen as sharp, energetic and strategic.That’s a big reason lawmakers have filed bills that would give the state’s education commissioner significantly more power.The position would have more authority on a variety of measures — from determining how to implement the new A-F accountability system for schools to creating a grant program for him to dole out as he sees fit.Longtime Texas education observers say the moves have met little resistance this session because of Morath. Still, they worry it sets a precedent that could be hard to dial back.“It’s risky because while there’s wide support for the current commissioner, you never know who the next commissioner is going to be,” said Monty Exter, a lobbyist for the Association of Texas Professional Educators. “Do you want the next one building everything from the ground up, too? Commissioners come and go.”Texas Education Agency officials said Morath could not comment on pending legislation.  Continue reading...