Lake Worth ISD enters state control following academic decline

Lake Worth ISD, a school district of approximately 3,200 students northwest of Fort Worth, Texas, is entering its first full year under state control starting August 11. The intervention follows years of academic decline and leadership challenges in a district where nearly 90% of students are economically disadvantaged and many are English language learners.

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath replaced the district's elected trustees with a five-member board of managers on April 23 and appointed a new superintendent. The previous superintendent, Mark Ramirez, resigned after being passed over for the position of takeover superintendent.

The new state-appointed leadership faces the dual challenge of implementing academic turnarounds and rebuilding trust with families and the local community.