TEA Appoints Connally ISD’s Superintendent & Board of Managers

The TEA today (May 6, 2026) announced the appointment of a new superintendent and a three-member board of managers to oversee the operations of the 2,034-student Connally ISD.

Education Commissioner Mike Morath named Dr. Josie Gutierrez as the district’s new superintendent, who will begin working immediately under a 21-day interim contract, pending formal approval by the board of managers that Morath also appointed.

The TEA’s press release says Gutierrez is an experienced education leader with over 30 years of service as a former teacher, principal — and most recently as Waco ISD assistant superintendent of human resources.

Morath — in December 2025 — announced the TEA would take over the district due to Connally Junior High and Connally Elementary each receiving their fifth consecutive failing accountability rating, triggering mandatory state intervention.

Andrew Kim, the conservator Morath previously appointed to oversee the takeover, will retain his role and will continue assisting with the transition.

Meanwhile, the Waco Tribune-Herald-Post this week reported (paywall) that in anticipation state’s imminent takeover, the district is cutting 97 jobs, including 48 teachers and all of its principals.