Texas Education Agency Takes Control of Lake Worth ISD After Five Years of Failing Schools

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced a new accountability sanction against the Lake Worth Independent School District on Thursday afternoon, declaring that the state will assume governance of all six LWISD schools to boost campus performance.

The State Takeover

The TEA’s decision follows a series of warnings and the implementation of improvement plans that were not sufficient to lift the district’s ratings. As a result, the agency will now manage day‑to‑day operations, while the elected Board of Trustees is relieved of its duties. A Board of Managers will take over governance responsibilities, and the Commissioner must appoint a new superintendent in a forthcoming announcement.

Parent Perspectives

While some parents were taken aback, others told NBC 5 that they had anticipated the takeover. “I was surprised,” said Miller Language Academy parent Rachel Sayas. “I’m very surprised on it, but I do understand not toward the elementary but the high school. I think the elementary they do a great job here. They’re very good at protecting our kids here, but the high school could do a lot more for our children.”

Ciara Washington, whose daughter recently transferred from Dallas ISD, expressed concern: “It kind of makes me feel worried or nervous,” she said about the takeover. “We just adjusted to this school, my daughter just started a few weeks ago, so she’s already adjusting. Now it makes me a little more nervous.”

Victoria Cano, whose siblings are new to the district, added: “My siblings just came here from a better school that had all As, and like coming to this one, I’m glad they’re finally doing something about it, and I don’t have to worry about my siblings coming to a failing school.”

Washington also highlighted staffing challenges: “I really don’t think there’s enough people that like the job, that are here for the kids and want to be here for the kids,” she said. “I think it’s more like something to do for them, and I don’t like that.”

Cano emphasized the home‑school partnership: “Putting your kids to read at night, taking away their iPad, and instead of letting them watch dumb Youtube videos they can put them to do some actual school work because it really is important to be smart in this life,” she said.

School Performance and Demographics

State records show that the elementary campus serving first through fifth graders has received a failing rating for five consecutive years, triggering the sanction. Collins Middle School, adjacent to the elementary campus, also earned a failing rating. With over 3,200 students, more than 50 % of whom are Hispanic and the majority economically disadvantaged, the district’s overall state rating is a ‘D.’

District Response and Governance Changes

Lake Worth ISD released a statement outlining what the takeover means for families and the community:

• Schools remain open, and teachers, principals, and staff will continue their vital work with students.
• The elected Board of Trustees will be released from duties; the Board of Managers will assume governance responsibilities.
• The Commissioner must appoint a new superintendent, with the announcement to follow.
• District leadership will collaborate with TEA‑appointed conservators and the Board of Managers to implement improvement plans.
• Community input will continue to matter; parents, staff, and local partners remain key voices in the district’s ongoing improvement journey.

Key Takeaways

• TEA has taken over Lake Worth ISD to address five years of failing elementary and middle school ratings.
• Parents express mixed emotions: some were surprised, others felt the takeover was inevitable.
• The district’s demographic profile includes over 3,200 students, more than half Hispanic, and a majority economically disadvantaged, with an overall ‘D’ rating.

The state takeover marks a significant shift in Lake Worth ISD’s governance, with a focus on implementing improvement plans and maintaining community engagement as the district works toward better educational outcomes.