Lake Worth ISD’s board of trustees convened on Monday for its first meeting since the Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced plans to take over operations of the district.
The session, originally intended to showcase student achievements and honor top‑performing teachers, shifted quickly to address the looming change.
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath confirmed that the state will replace the elected school board with a state‑appointed board of managers.
Trustee Mary Coker opened the meeting with a rallying statement.
“This is challenging, but we’ll get through it. Remember these kids, these cute little kids that are out here. This is why we show up every day,” she said, underscoring the district’s commitment to its students.
The move comes after several consecutive years of failing academic ratings at the district’s flagship Marilyn Miller Language Academy.
Currently, five of the district’s six campuses are rated academically unacceptable, a fact that has prompted state intervention.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Ramirez, who has led the district for six months, highlighted recent gains and urged the community to view the intervention as an opportunity.
“We choose to view this intervention not as punitive but as TEA fulfilling its statutory ability to focus on student outcomes,” Ramirez said.
“I love this work. I believe in this district, and I will continue to give everything I have until I am asked to step aside.”
Other speakers addressed the uncertainty ahead and voiced support for Ramirez.
Third‑grade teacher Katrina Lemond spoke on behalf of the faculty.
“I respectfully ask the Texas Education Agency to consider the positive steps we’ve already seen under Dr. Ramirez’s leadership and the potential loss that may come from removing him before his work is ready to take root,” she said.
State Board of Education member Brandon Hall also offered encouragement.
“I hope each one of us will step up and take responsibility for this. We can’t do anything to change the past, but we can take responsibility for this going forward,” Hall said.
He urged educators and families to stay engaged, noting that there will be opportunities to provide input in the days ahead.
It remains unclear whether Morath will also replace Ramirez.
In previous state interventions, the TEA commissioner has sometimes removed both school boards and superintendents at the same time.
The timeline for naming a new board of managers and a conservator has not been announced.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Worth ISD is under state takeover, with the elected board to be replaced by a state‑appointed board of managers.
- Superintendent Dr. Mark Ramirez has been in the role for six months and is being defended by teachers and board members.
- Five of six district campuses carry an academically unacceptable rating, prompting TEA intervention.
The situation remains fluid, with the district and its stakeholders navigating the transition while striving to maintain focus on student outcomes.
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