TEA monitoring of Round Rock ISD board ends after 18 months

What they’re saying: In a press release from the district, Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez stated that he is grateful for the presence of the monitor over those months, and that the decision to end monitoring is a “reflection of the collective work of the board of trustees” to improve its practices and service to the community.

Board President Amber Landrum said June 22 that the decision is the culmination of a “long journey,” and echoed Azaiez’s sentiment regarding the work of the board.

“I want to thank Dr. Faltys for his work and support throughout the monitoring process,” Landrum said. “I look forward to moving forward alongside with the rest of the board and continuing our important work in student outcomes.”

Terms to know: TEA monitors report on the activities of the board of trustees or the superintendent to the agency, but are different from a conservatorship or board of managers.

What happened: According to RRISD documents, a complaint against the district from October 2019 stated previous Board President Chad Chadwell did not recuse himself from discussion about a grievance against himself, alleging a conflict of interest and board overreach. The TEA installed a monitor for RRISD in September 2021, announcing in December of that year its assignment of former Carroll ISD Superintendent David Faltys to the district. On June 16, the monitoring of the district came to an end, with monitoring reports stating that Faltys felt the board had met the requirements of its corrective action plan.

What’s next: The board of trustees will continue regular operations without the presence of a TEA monitor, and monitor reports will no longer appear on board agendas.