The state seized control of Houston ISD on Wednesday, capping a four-year legal battle that some Houston leaders say is driven by Texas Republican leaders trying to push a conservative political agenda on the embattled urban district.

Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath said the takeover is both mandated by law and the best option for getting the state’s largest school system back on track. The TEA will appoint a board of managers and a superintendent to oversee the 187,000-student district after the school year ends in June.

“Even with recent improvements and despite good intentions from many, Houston ISD as a system continues to allow chronically low achievement in multiple schools,” Morath said. “State intervention is necessary in several years in an attempt to shore up support for students in those schools.”