The Texas Education Agency announced Thursday that Michelle Cruz Arnold, a member of Houston ISD’s state-appointed board of managers, has resigned.

Cruz Arnold was among the state’s initial appointees when it took over Houston ISD in June 2023. The TEA has appointed Karen Duffy, a former teacher and parent of two HISD students, to replace her on the nine-member board.

“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,” Cruz Arnold said in a statement. “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.”

This is the second change to the appointed board of Texas’ largest school district since the TEA replaced half the Board of Managers in June 2025. At that time, the TEA removed then-board Vice President Audrey Momanaee, Cassandra Auzenne Bandy, Rolando Martinez and Adam Rivon.

An HISD parent, Arnold has led government relations and advocacy for College Board — a national nonprofit best known for its SAT and Advanced Placement exams. She also has experience leading public policy for the Greater Houston Partnership, which serves businesses across the region, and managing government relations for the Texas Education Agency, according to HISD’s website.

The Texas Education Agency did not immediately respond to questions regarding the selection of Cruz Arnold’s replacement. 

In a statement, HISD’s board president Ric Campo welcomed Duffy to the board and thanked Cruz Arnold for her service. Duffy is an appointed member of HISD’s District Advisory Committee. 

“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,” Duffy said in the TEA announcement. “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.”

HISD’s state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles said in a statement that Cruz Arnold was “an important partner in the transformation” of the district.

“She brought valuable perspective, asked thoughtful questions, and consistently kept the focus on expanding opportunities for students,” Miles said in the statement. “I appreciate her partnership, her service to the District, and her continued support of the work underway.”