> At a Glance
> – Andrew Kim, former Comal ISD superintendent, named conservator for Lake Worth ISD
> – Two-year state oversight begins after TEA cites chronic academic failures
> – Community meeting scheduled for January 14 (time/location TBD)
> – Why it matters: Local elected control suspended as state takes unprecedented intervention to fix failing schools
The Texas Education Agency has officially seized control of Lake Worth ISD, appointing veteran educator Andrew Kim as conservator to oversee all district operations in what marks a dramatic state intervention after years of academic struggles.
State Takeover Details
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath announced the appointment Thursday, citing the district’s chronic inability to support student achievement. Kim assumes immediate authority over the board of trustees, superintendent, and campus administrators.
Kim brings extensive turnaround experience, having recently helped stabilize Socorro ISD in El Paso alongside former Dallas superintendent Michael Hinojosa. Their work there exceeded expectations, completing the turnaround faster than anticipated.
> “Having served in district leadership during times of change, I understand both the urgency and care this work requires. This appointment is an opportunity to apply that experience thoughtfully, with a clear focus on supporting students, strengthening operations and positioning the district for long-term success.”
>
> – Andrew Kim, TEA Conservator
Kim’s Background and Authority
The conservator’s powers include directing, approving, or rejecting any decisions by district leadership. His mandate covers:
- Providing staff support and coaching
- Recommending improvement actions
- Delivering progress updates to TEA
- Implementing sustainable improvements within two years
Andrew Kim’s Recent Roles:
| Position | District/Organization | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Conservator | Socorro ISD (El Paso) | Current |
| Superintendent | Comal ISD | 2012-2022 |
| Superintendent | Manor ISD | 2005-2012 |
| Director R&D | UT Austin | 2022-Present |
What’s Next for Lake Worth
Morath continues searching for:
- A new superintendent to lead daily operations
- Community members to serve on a state-appointed board of managers
- The elected board of trustees will be replaced once the board of managers is seated
Key Dates:
- December 2023: TEA announced intervention plans
- January 14, 2024: Community meeting (details pending)
- Approximately 2026: Conservatorship expected to end
Why This Happened
State law mandates intervention when any campus fails accountability standards for five consecutive years. The commissioner must either close the failing school or replace the elected board with appointed managers.
Michael Hinojosa, currently serving as conservator in El Paso, explained:
> “Conservators can have a very heavy-handed role in the operation of a district.”
Key Takeaways
- Lake Worth ISD becomes latest Texas district under state control
- Andrew Kim takes over with broad powers to implement reforms
- Local democratic control suspended during two-year conservatorship
- Community meeting January 14 will provide public forum for questions
- State intervention follows years of academic performance issues
The conservatorship represents the state’s most aggressive intervention tool, with Kim holding ultimate authority over all district decisions until the TEA determines the district can operate independently.
