Clarifying The Undemocratic Takeover
So, when TEA takes over Houston ISD in June, they will replace all of the elected trustees and give power to a board of managers appointed by Mike Morath and Greg Abbott. That much we knew. A look at the TEA FAQs regarding Houston ISD gives us more details, such: Authority is removed, but trustees remain elected officials. Board elections continue and when a Board of Managers is removed, elected board members return. The timeline includes how elected trustees will be phased back in to power, which will be done in thirds after the board of managers meets the goals acceptable to TEA.
So, the part of democracy where those we elect do the actual work is placed on a ventilator, but the campaigning and political consultant fees continue? Can’t wait to see the campaign messaging: “I’ll do these things if Greg Abbott gives HISD back to us!”
Once I read the official correspondence from TEA to the Board of Trustees, I saw this:
While the Board of Managers is in place, my hope is that members of the Board of Trustees will choose to continue to be engaged by members of the Board of Managers in an advisory capacity, to help facilitate a seamless return for those local elected officials when the time comes.
So, it’s nothing statutory, but just an invite–maybe. Whatever cover of democracy TEA and Abbott are attempting is just that.
If you want official stuff, then, visit TEA’s page on the Houston takeover.
La Marisoul and Los Texmaniacs Drop Las Nubes
Little Joe y La Familia made the tune, Las Nubes, a theme song of the Chicano civil rights and farm worker movement. A somber tune about suffering and challenge ends up giving one hope for the future. It’s been recorded and re-recorded many times, each time with its own brand of sabor. La Santa Cecilia vocalist La Marisoul, Los Texmaniacs, and Little Joe, all Grammy winners, have come together to produce a conjunto version of the song, filled with soul and acordeon. I love it, especially as things seem to be going to crap in the world–politically, at least. There’s always hope, right? Check it out:
doscentavos.net 