Hinojosa, who won a historic midterm election that swept Democrats into statewide office, has promised to fire Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath on her first day and to unwind state takeovers of local school districts. Her victory speech included a blunt vow: "In case you have not heard, on day one, I will fire Mike Morath."

Pete Geren, president of the state-appointed Board of Managers that replaced Fort Worth ISD's elected trustees under TEA intervention, said voters sent an unmistakable signal in the midterms.

"The voters delivered a pretty clear message about their priorities, whether it was a city or county with an intervention district or not," Geren said.

Geren was appointed less than a year ago, and the appointed board only began its work this school year. With Hinojosa set to be sworn in as Texas' 49th governor on Jan. 19, he conceded that significant changes could be coming. Asked whether he, other board members, or Superintendent Dr. Pete Licata could be removed, Geren said that call belongs to the next TEA commissioner.

"That'll be up to the governor and her appointment to TEA," he said. "The new TEA commissioner on day one could make the decision to replace all the appointed board members for every intervention district across the state. I don't know what they plan to do."

Morath's current term expires Jan. 10. In a written statement provided through the Texas Education Agency, he said the agency's work continues and that he is praying for the success of incoming leaders while committing to a smooth transition for the next commissioner.

Parents who opposed the state takeover said they are encouraged by Hinojosa's plans. Dionna Deardorff said she believes the governor-elect made public education her top priority because she recognized it as the defining issue for Texas families.

"I'm really excited," Deardorff said.

Keith Annis, another Fort Worth ISD parent, welcomed Morath's departure and the prospect of returning the district to elected governance.

"I am happy that he will be gone," Annis said. "It's a wonderful new day in Texas and here in Fort Worth. The sooner we can get to a return to local control, the better."

The sentiment extends beyond Fort Worth. Arlington ISD Board Trustee Larry Mike questioned the premise behind years of state intervention.

"You've heard the mantra for years that public schools are failing, well if that was the case, who do you look at?" Mike said.

For his part, Geren said his focus remains on student achievement regardless of whether he keeps his seat.

"For me, the most important issue is literacy," he said. "Most of our kids can't read, and all our kids need to read. That's the reason that I sought the position on this board."

He added that he will support whoever is chosen to lead the TEA and Fort Worth ISD going forward.

The immediate question for Fort Worth ISD, Lake Worth ISD and other districts under state intervention is who Hinojosa names as the next education commissioner — and whether that person maintains, modifies or ends the takeovers. For now, district leaders, parents and educators are waiting to see how one of the governor-elect's signature campaign promises reshapes public education across Texas.