Steady Hand Appointed Amid Lake Worth School Takeover

0:00It's March 24th, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Dallas News Today, your AI-powered local news. Lake Worth Independent School District is moving forward with a state takeover after years of falling test scores. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath announced the intervention last December, and on Monday, the district named Trent Dowd as Acting, Superintendent. He steps in temporarily until the state appoints a new leader and a board of managers to replace the current trustees. The takeover stems from ongoing academic struggles, including one school earning five straight failing ratings. The previous superintendent, Mark Ramirez, resigned earlier this month after bringing fresh ideas to the district. Dowd, with over 20 years in education, including Stince as principal and chief financial officer, aims to keep things steady with state testing. Just stays away. District leaders and community members see Dowd as a steady hand during this shift. Her president, Tammy Thomas, praised his recent leadership and said he'd be her top pick

1:02for the role. Dowd stressed putting the roughly 3,177 students first, no matter how long he serves. State officials expect to name the new board and superintendent later this spring. So far, only 14 people applied for the manager spots. Far fewer than in a similar Fort Worth case. Another training session for applicants is set for this Saturday. Even with changes ahead, the district plans to stick to its current teaching plans and focus on kids through the uncertainty.