The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has commenced the second phase of transitioning governance authority for the Marlin Independent School District (MISD). This step aims to transfer control from the appointed Board of Managers back to the elected Board of Trustees, highlighting improvements in student academic performance and governance practices.

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath has appointed Byrleen Terry and Winnette Outland, elected trustees, to MISD's governing board. They will immediately take on their roles alongside a seven-member board consisting of four elected trustees and three appointed managers. Terry and Outland are set to serve for the duration of their elected terms.

Commissioner Morath also selected Kathleen Barrett to fill a vacancy on the Board of Managers created by Terry's transition. The entire transition process began in January 2024 and is scheduled to conclude by January 31, 2026. By then, three remaining elected trustees will join Marlin ISD’s governing board, ending the Board of Managers' appointment.

The TEA initially removed governing authority from Marlin ISD’s Board of Trustees in January 2017 after five consecutive years of unacceptable academic ratings. Commissioner Morath extended this arrangement in January 2019 due to continued poor performance through 2018. A transition timeline was announced in January 2021 but was delayed until January 31, 2024, due to COVID-19-related challenges.