Lake Worth ISD families react to TEA takeover of district

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) issued an accountability sanction against the Lake Worth Independent School District on Thursday afternoon.

While some parents were caught off guard by the news of the state takeover, others told NBC 5 they knew this day would come.

 “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.”

The notice comes after warnings from the state and the implementation of improvement plans.

The TEA will now assume governance responsibilities over all six LWISD schools.

Ciara Washington says her daughter just transferred to LWISD from Dallas ISD.

“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 so she’s already adjusting. Now it makes me a little more nervous.”

 Victoria Cano’s siblings are also new to the district.

“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.”

According to state records, the campus serving first through fifth graders has performed badly for five years in a row, triggering the state sanction.

Collins Middle School, next door, also received a failing rating.

LWISD has over 3,200 students, over 50% are Hispanic, and the majority are economically disadvantaged.

The district’s overall state rating is a ‘D.’

There are different opinions when it comes to what led to this failure.

Sayas says children are not receiving the resources they need.

Washington used to work at a daycare and knows these types of professions require a specific type of person.

“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,” said Washington. “I think it’s more like something to do for them, and I don’t like that.”

 When asked about the role parents play, Cano agrees it starts at home.

“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.

Statement from Lake Worth ISD on ‘What This Means for Families and the Community’

• Schools remain open. Teachers, principals, and staff will continue their vital work with

students.

• The elected Board of Trustees will be released from duties, at which point the Board of

Managers will assume governance responsibilities.

• This ruling also requires the Commissioner to appoint a new superintendent. This

announcement will be made in a future communication with the district.

• District leadership will collaborate with the TEA-appointed conservators and Board of

Managers to ensure strong implementation of improvement plans.

• Community input will continue to matter. Parents, staff, and local partners will continue

to be key voices in the district’s ongoing improvement journey.