News Story

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has formally initiated the process to transition governance of the Marlin Independent School District from the state-appointed Board of Managers back to its locally elected Board of Trustees. This significant move marks the beginning of a return to local control, starting with the reintegration of two elected trustees, Billy Johnson and Rosalyn Dimerson, into the district's governance as part of the current Board of Managers. This strategic blend of the Board of Managers with elected Trustees signifies a pivotal shift towards restoring full local governance, creating a new five-member governing board.

Marlin, TX — The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has formally initiated the process to transition governance of the Marlin Independent School District from the state-appointed Board of Managers back to its locally elected Board of Trustees. This significant move marks the beginning of a return to local control, starting with the reintegration of two elected trustees, Billy Johnson and Rosalyn Dimerson, into the district's governance as part of the current Board of Managers. This strategic blend of the Board of Managers with elected Trustees signifies a pivotal shift towards restoring full local governance, creating a new five-member governing board.

In a letter to Marlin ISD Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath announced the selection of Johnson and Dimerson as the initial trustees to make this transition. Their addition to the Board of Managers underscores the collaborative efforts between the state and local entities to enhance the district's governance and academic performance.

“This transition signifies an important milestone for Marlin ISD,” Commissioner Morath said. “Through diligent oversight and the collaboration between the Board of Managers and Superintendent Henson, MISD has made substantial improvements in both academics and governance. I am confident the governing body of Marlin ISD will continue to propel the district forward and allow for a successful resumption of duties for the elected trustees.”

Further developments include Commissioner Morath's appointment of Marsha Ridlehuber to fill the vacancy on the Board of Managers left by Billy Johnson, who had vacated his seat following his election as a trustee. Ridlehuber, a seasoned educator with extensive experience in district administration at Marlin ISD and previous service on the MISD Board of Managers, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role.

"As we embrace this pivotal transition in governance, our focus remains steadfast on sustaining the academic excellence and operational integrity that have defined Marlin ISD's recent achievements,” Henson said. “The integration of our elected trustees with the Board of Managers symbolizes not only a return to local governance but also the unity and collaborative spirit that propels us forward. We are grateful for the guidance of the Texas Education Agency and remain committed to building on our successes for the benefit of every student in our district.”

This governance transition marks a significant milestone following years of dedicated effort to overcome challenges, a journey that began with state intervention in January 2017, led by Commissioner Morath in response to Marlin ISD's history of academic underperformance. The subsequent extension of the Board of Managers' oversight and the adjusted transition timeline, necessitated by the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, set the stage for a transformative era under the leadership of Dr. Henson. Hired after the initiation of the Board of Managers process, Henson's visionary leadership has been instrumental in catalyzing the district's remarkable turnaround.

Under Henson's stewardship, Marlin ISD has experienced unprecedented progress, culminating in an Overall B (86) in the 2022 state accountability ratings and the restoration of its Accreditation status, the highest accountability gains in the state of Texas that year. These achievements underscore the district's resilience and the effectiveness of its leadership amidst the challenges of state oversight. Henson's approach, characterized by strategic initiatives and a focus on academic excellence, has not only addressed the issues that initially led to state intervention but also set a new standard for educational leadership and community engagement within the district.

The transition process is carefully structured and mandated by state statutes, with Commissioner Morath overseeing the phased reintegration of elected trustees. This process will continue until the Board of Managers' term expires on January 31, 2026, at which point the district's governance will be fully restored to the elected Board of Trustees.