School boards in Lake Worth and Fort Worth are raising concerns about the lack of elected representation as Texas-appointed managers take control of both districts. Elected trustees say the absence of voting members leaves the community without the oversight that state law intends to maintain during the transition.
Lake Worth ISD missed its August deadline to schedule a November election for three trustee seats. Superintendent Ena Meyers stated that a staff member responsible for board services resigned during the leadership change, causing the district to overlook the timeline. By the time officials realized the error, there was insufficient time to notify voters or allow candidates a fair opportunity to run.
State-appointed conservator Andrew Kim acknowledged the missed deadline in September and confirmed that a special election will be called at the next available opportunity. The district now anticipates holding elections in May 2027 for Places 3, 4, and 5. Place 4 is currently vacant following the resignation of Sonja Norman, while Mac Belmontes remains in Place 5 as a holdover.
The delay creates a legal complication for Place 3. Armando Velazquez was elected to this seat in November 2025 but resigned months later. Texas law requires such vacancies to be filled by appointment or special election within 180 days, a deadline that the May 2027 date would exceed.
In Fort Worth ISD, an elected trustee seat has remained vacant for more than seven months after Wallace Bridges resigned. The board of managers decided not to appoint a replacement for Bridges’ former position. Board President Pete Geren confirmed the decision, noting that the district is operating without that specific elected voice.
