In 2008 several layoffs occurred as a budget deficit for $64 million appeared suddenly, and The Dallas Morning News stated that this damaged his period of leadership.
[5] During his tenure he attempted to become superintendent of the Clark County School District in Las Vegas.
The DMN stated that the move to Cobb "caught many people off guard, including the school board" and that it resulted in "a sense of betrayal".
[5] At the time he had already signed a contract renewal as DISD superintendent for three years when he announced he was moving.
[8] In January 2022, Hinojosa announced he would resign before the end of 2022, potentially to run for mayor of Dallas.