Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa said her transition team is interviewing candidates to replace Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath, a potential leadership change as she pursues revisions to school testing and accountability.

Hinojosa announced her initial transition team at the University of Texas in Austin on Thursday, Nov. 5. The group includes former Republican state Rep. Ernest Bailes, along with education and labor representatives, according to Texas Public Radio.

Hinojosa defeated Gov. Greg Abbott after campaigning on public education. She is Texas’ first Latina governor-elect and the first Democrat elected governor since 1990.

Rockwall ISD’s accountability ratings

TEA administers the A–F accountability system. Rockwall ISD received a 91 in the 2026 ratings, up from 87 in 2024, according to the district’s announcement.

All three district high schools earned A ratings: Rockwall High School scored 96, Rockwall-Heath High School scored 95 and Rockwall Quest Academy scored 92.

Hinojosa has advocated replacing the A–F system. A change in commissioner would not itself revise those ratings or eliminate requirements established in law.

Testing changes already underway

Texas has already enacted a replacement for STAAR. House Bill 8, passed in 2025, provides for the Student Success Tool beginning in the 2027–28 school year, according to TEA.

Hinojosa opposes that replacement and has called for a different approach. Changing the state’s statutory testing requirements would require legislative action. Federal law also requires reading and mathematics assessments annually in grades three through eight and once in high school.

Appointment faces Senate review

Morath’s term has been reported as ending Jan. 10, before Hinojosa’s Jan. 19 inauguration. An expired term, however, does not automatically leave an office unoccupied: Texas generally requires officers to continue performing their duties until a successor qualifies.

Hinojosa’s nominee would face confirmation by the Republican-controlled Texas Senate. Recess appointments are also subject to constitutional restrictions, including rules governing nominees rejected by the Senate.

Bipartisan transition

Bailes opposed Abbott’s voucher proposal and lost his 2024 Republican primary after Abbott supported his challenger, Texas Public Radio reported.

Hinojosa also campaigned on ending the state’s voucher program and stopping TEA takeovers of local districts. Those goals involve separate legal and legislative processes beyond selecting a commissioner.

The 2027 legislative session begins Jan. 12.