Texas Removes Monitors Overseeing Austin ISD Special Ed Department

Austin ISD will now manage its special education programs without state oversight for the first time in nearly 3 years.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Texas Education Commissioner is removing the two state-appointed monitors who have overseen Austin Independent School District's special education department since 2023, when a state investigation found the district repeatedly missed deadlines for evaluating students who needed special education services. While the district has made progress, the commissioner warned they still have work to do to improve instruction for students receiving special education.

Why it matters

This decision marks a significant milestone for Austin ISD, as the district regains control over its special education programs after years of state oversight. However, the commissioner's warning highlights the ongoing challenges the district faces in ensuring quality special education services for all students.

The details

In 2023, a state investigation found Austin ISD had sometimes waited up to 9 months to evaluate students who needed special education services, far exceeding the 45-day state requirement. The district entered an agreement with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to meet several corrective action plans, including clearing a backlog of over 600 late evaluations. While the district reported progress, including clearing the evaluation backlog, the commissioner said the district failed to meet all requirements by the original deadline and was given a one-year extension to update its data systems.

  • In 2023, a state investigation found Austin ISD had missed deadlines for special education evaluations.
  • In 2023, the district entered an agreement with the TEA to meet corrective action plans.
  • In February 2024, the district cleared the backlog of late special education evaluations.
  • On February 17, 2026, the TEA commissioner removed the state-appointed monitors overseeing Austin ISD's special education department.

The players

Mike Morath

The Texas Education Commissioner who is removing the state-appointed monitors overseeing Austin ISD's special education department.

Matias Segura

The Austin ISD Superintendent who will address the change in oversight along with the school board president.

Lynn Boswell

The Austin ISD Board President who will address the change in oversight along with the superintendent.

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What they’re saying

“For the sake of all Austin ISD students, I expect to see focused, sustained efforts by the school board to prioritize excellent classroom instruction, ensure all students are learning, and eliminate board distractions that divert the focus of the superintendent and his administrative team from prioritizing student achievement.”

— Mike Morath, Texas Education Commissioner (kxan.com)

What’s next

The Austin ISD Superintendent and Board President are set to address the change in oversight at a 2pm press conference today.

The takeaway

While this decision marks progress for Austin ISD, the commissioner's warning underscores the district's ongoing challenges in providing quality special education services. The district must now demonstrate its ability to independently manage its special education programs and ensure all students receive the support they need to succeed.