News Type
TEA Media Contact
TEA Announces Houston ISD School Board Changes
AUSTIN, Texas – July 16, 2026 - The Texas Education Agency (TEA) today announced the resignation of Houston ISD School Board Member Michelle Cruz Arnold following three years of dedicated service to the district and community.
“Stepping into this role, my goal was to lend my time and energy to support our district through a critical and unprecedented chapter, and I am deeply grateful for the privilege it has been to serve the students and families of Houston. As the district continues to make meaningful progress, I have decided that this is the right and natural time for me to conclude my journey on the board,” Cruz Arnold said.
“To my fellow board members, thank you for your unwavering partnership, your brilliant minds and your relentless work ethic. The hours we have spent collaborating, debating and navigating complex challenges and opportunities have been incredibly intense, but always deeply rewarding. It has been an honor to serve alongside you.”
To replace Cruz Arnold, TEA is appointing Karen Duffy, effective immediately. As a former teacher, active community volunteer and parent of two current Houston ISD students, Duffy will bring over 20 years of experience and expertise to the district’s governance team.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve on the Houston ISD School Board, and I would like to acknowledge and thank outgoing member Michelle Cruz Arnold for her incredible service to the district. As an HISD parent, this role is deeply personal for me and I look forward to working with my fellow members, district leadership team and our community as we maintain a relentless focus on student outcomes,” Duffy said.
“I want to congratulate and welcome Karen Duffy to the Houston ISD School Board. As a former educator and current Houston ISD parent, paired with a deep understanding of public education and our district, her insights and expertise will bring incredible value to the board,” said Houston ISD School Board President Ric Campo.
“I also want to thank Michelle Cruz Arnold for her three years of service. Board service is not easy, but her commitment to keeping students first was unwavering. I am both grateful and honored to have served alongside her and look forward to her continued advocacy on behalf of our district’s students, teachers and community.”
Karen Duffy Biography
Karen Duffy is a community volunteer and former educator with more than 20 years of experience in education, nonprofit and volunteer leadership. Duffy currently serves on the Houston ISD District Advisory Committee where she advises leadership on policies that support student success. She has also held several board member roles with the Travis Elementary PTA, including two years as president, and is a member of the Leadership Team at the Oak Forest Foster Closet, serving foster, kinship and adoptive families. As a parent of students at two campuses in HISD, Duffy is committed to transparency, ethics and effective oversight.
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