Dallas Independent School District officials today congratulated Trustee Mike Morath on his appointment by Governor Greg Abbott as the new Texas Education Commissioner. Morath will replace Michael Williams, who announced his resignation earlier this fall.
Morath has served on the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees since 2011 and was elected to a second term in 2014. He represents District 2, which covers sections of North Dallas and Near East Dallas. District reforms he supported during his tenure included: helping to implement the new Teacher Excellence Initiative, making Dallas ISD the first major school system in Texas to pay teachers based on performance rather than tenure; advocating for Public School Choice to provide specialized programs that expand educational offerings for students; and encouraging the expansion of early childhood programs, among others.
In his professional career, Morath serves as chairman of Morath Investments, which manages a portfolio of investments. He previously served as President and COO of Minute Menu Systems, a company that assists child care providers in administering a federal food program for low-income children.
Dallas ISD Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa congratulated Morath on the new position and thanked him for devoted service to the children of Dallas.
“I am proud to have worked alongside Trustee Morath, who has served as an innovative and forward-looking member of our board,” Hinojosa said.
Board President Eric Cowan also complimented Morath.
“Trustee Morath has brought balanced and positive leadership to our board and will be missed,” he said. “We wish him well as he takes to a larger stage to contribute to the progress and improvements of our state’s public education system.”
Upon Morath’s resignation, the Board of Trustees will take action to fill the vacant seat. Dallas ISD board policy BBC legal states, “If more than nine months remain on the vacating member’s term, a special election to fill the vacancy will be held.” Morath’s term expires in 2017, therefore a special election will be required to fill his seat. The individual elected will fulfill the remaining portion of Trustee Morath’s term. The board will determine a date for the special election.
