State Takes Over Lake Worth Schools After Five Years of Failing Ratings

Texas Education Agency steps in

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath has issued a directive to appoint a conservator and a board of managers for Lake Worth ISD. This action follows the state’s legal requirement that, when a school fails to meet accountability standards for five consecutive years, the TEA must intervene. The intervention can involve closing the failing school or replacing the district’s elected board with a state‑appointed board of managers.

Marilyn Miller Language Academy’s record

The trigger for the takeover is the Marilyn Miller Language Academy, which earned its fifth consecutive “unacceptable” accountability rating for the 2024‑25 school year. The TEA noted that it has been eight years since the academy received an acceptable rating. Since the A‑F accountability system began in 2019, the academy’s final rating has been “Improvement Required,” the lowest possible score.

District‑wide performance

The TEA’s letter stated that every campus in Lake Worth ISD earned either an F or a C. Five campuses received F ratings and one received a C. Currently, five of the district’s six campuses are rated academically unacceptable for consecutive years.

TEA’s assessment of student achievement

“Lake Worth ISD has demonstrated a chronic inability to support students to learn and achieve at high levels,” the TEA wrote. “Across all grades and subjects, only 22% of students in Lake Worth ISD are meeting grade level. This is 28 percentage points below state average.”

Commissioner’s decision

In his letter, Morath informed the district on September 3 that the academy’s ratings were final and that he would be required to take action—either close the school or appoint a board and conservator. The district did not appeal the performance ratings.

Commissioner’s rationale

“Ultimately, the Lake Worth ISD school board has, collectively, through action and inaction over many years, failed its students,” Morath said. “The inability of the district to implement effective changes to improve the performance of students in the district or at the campus necessitates the interventions announced by this letter.”

Public interest argument

“Furthermore, the interventions are in the public interest as the failure of governance is demonstrated by the continual academic deficiencies at the campus and across the district,” Morath added.

District’s response

Lake Worth ISD said Thursday afternoon that the TEA’s action does not change its commitment to its mission or its partnership with the community. Superintendent Dr. Mark Ramirez stated: “We accept the TEA’s decision and view this as an opportunity to accelerate our progress. Our focus remains clear: supporting teachers, improving instruction and doing what’s best for kids. We are committed to transparency, accountability and partnership as we work side‑by‑side with TEA to ensure lasting improvements for our students.”

Timeline and comparison to Fort Worth

It will take time for Morath to name a board of managers and a conservator. When the TEA announced its takeover of Fort Worth ISD on October 22, a conservator was not named until November 6. The Lake Worth board of managers will consist of community members, and anyone interested can apply on the TEA website.

Transition process

Until the TEA transitions the district to the new board and conservator—a move that could occur sometime in 2026—the current superintendent and school board remain in charge. It is unclear whether Morath will replace Ramirez; in previous takeovers, the commissioner replaced both the board and the superintendent.

Review and potential return to elected control

As in Fort Worth, the current Lake Worth board of trustees will have an opportunity to participate in an informal review of the board of managers and the conservator’s appointments on December 19. At that time, the district can present information or supporting documentation. After the informal review, if the TEA moves forward, the district can file a petition for review with the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

Potential return to trustee control

The current school board could return to elected positions if the state ends its intervention while they are still in office. Trustee elections will continue on schedule, so newly elected trustees may not have decision‑making authority if elected during the appointment period. Returning to trustee control can take two years, with one‑third of the appointed board of managers replaced by elected trustees every 12 months.

Superintendent’s turnaround plan

Lake Worth ISD learned of the TEA decision on Thursday afternoon and said they will continue implementing a “bold, strategic and comprehensive turnaround plan focused squarely on academic improvement, particularly in foundational literacy and math”. The district said it has already seen improvements due to those strategic approaches.

High school rating appeal success

The district also appealed TEA’s accountability rating for Lake Worth High School and won, elevating the rating from a 69 to a 79—just one point shy of a B. Ramirez said, “This victory underscores the immediate, positive impact of our collective effort.”

Key Takeaways

• TEA orders state takeover of Lake Worth ISD after five consecutive years of failing ratings at Marilyn Miller Language Academy.
• Commissioner Mike Morath will appoint a conservator and a board of managers; the process may begin in 2026.
• Superintendent Dr. Mark Ramirez vows to accelerate progress and has already seen improvements in foundational literacy and math.

Lake Worth ISD faces a challenging transition as the Texas Education Agency moves to restore academic standards and governance. The district’s leadership remains committed to working closely with the state to achieve lasting improvements for its students.