Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath has appointed a conservator to oversee the Lake Worth ISD after saying in December that the district suffered from a ‘chronic inability to support students.’
The TEA said on Thursday that Andrew Kim, a former superintendent now serving as a co-conservator for the Socorro ISD in El Paso, has been appointed conservator to oversee the Lake Worth ISD’s board of trustees, superintendent, and school administrators. Kim is expected to hold the position for approximately two years, during which time the district will be under the control of the Texas Education Agency.
“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,” Kim said.
Kim was recently working with Dr. Michael Hinojosa, the former superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District, to turn around the Socorro ISD, and they did the job there faster than expected. Hinojosa had already been working in Lake Worth ISD and now Kim will take over as conservator.
Morath is still working to identify a new superintendent for the district and candidates for the board of managers, a group of community members who will take over for the elected board of trustees and work with the district’s superintendent to improve the district.
The TEA shared the following work history for Kim:
Current TEA Co-Conservator in Socorro ISD. In this role, Mr. Kim works with the district’s superintendent and board of trustees to address and correct longstanding financial challenges.
Former Superintendent of Comal ISD (2012 – 2022)
Former Superintendent of Manor ISD (2005-2012)
Director of Research and Development, Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute at the University of Texas at Austin (2022-Present)
Appointed Chair of Texas Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability
Appointed to Texas School Safety Center
Appointed to State Board for Educator Certification
A community meeting is being scheduled for Jan. 14. The time and location are to be determined.
What is a conservator?
According to the TEA, “a conservator will provide support and coaching to staff, recommend improvement actions, and provide progress updates to the agency. The conservator has the additional authority to direct, approve, or disapprove an action of the board of trustees, superintendent, and/or campus principals. Conservators are expected to help implement and sustain improvements within two years of placement.”
Former Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa, currently serving as a conservator in the El Paso area, told NBC 5 News that conservators can have a very heavy-handed role in the operation of a district.
Why is the district being taken over?
When a school in a district fails to meet accountability standards for five consecutive years, the TEA is required by state law to intervene in what is commonly called a “state takeover,” where the commissioner must either close the failing school or replace the district’s elected school board with a state-appointed board of managers.