A Leadership Change Amid Struggles
New Kingsville ISD superintendent Luz M. Martinez was approved by the Board of Trustees on August 18, marking a new chapter for the district. With over 35 years of educational experience and a strong background in school turnarounds, she now faces the challenge of leading a district struggling with ongoing academic difficulties.
During her first board meeting, Martinez emphasized that she is determined to “change the story of Kingsville ISD.” She has already met with staff and teachers to evaluate needs, review performance data, and develop a strategy for improvement.
Falling Ratings Highlight Urgency
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released its 2025 accountability ratings earlier this month. These ratings measure school performance using an A–F scale based on standardized test scores, graduation rates, and college readiness. Kingsville ISD earned a 59, which translates to an F rating.
The district’s score marked a decline from the 2023–24 school year, when it received a D with a 63. However, in 2022–23, the district had also received a 59. These fluctuations underscore the ongoing difficulties in meeting state standards.
Martinez addressed the disappointing results head-on. “While accountability ratings provide a snapshot of performance, they do not define our students’ potential or the dedication of our staff,” she said. “Our students deserve better, and we are committed to delivering better for them.”
History of Accountability Struggles
Kingsville ISD’s challenges are not new. For instance, in the 2021–22 school year, under the state’s old accountability system, the district managed a passing C grade of 78. However, when applied retroactively under the new system, that grade would have been a 68, therefore slipping into the D category.
The accountability system overhaul in 2022–23 left many Texas schools with lower ratings, and Kingsville ISD has yet to recover. Before that, the district saw modest C grades in 2019–20 and 2018–19, improvements from the failing rating in 2017–18.
The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, with no ratings released in 2020 and 2021.
School-Level Performance
The district’s struggles extend across multiple campuses. H.M. King High School and Harrel Elementary School each received D ratings for 2024–25. Meanwhile, Gillett Middle School, Harvey Elementary, and Perez Elementary were all rated F.
The only improvement came from Harrel Elementary, which rose from an F to a D. Yet, most campuses experienced a drop from their previous year’s ratings.
Martinez acknowledged these results but insisted on forward-looking strategies. “We are going to work hard, we are going to work smart, and we are going to focus on always doing what is in the best interests of students,” she said.
Risk of State Intervention
Repeated failing ratings come with serious consequences. Suppose a district or campus receives an unacceptable performance rating for five consecutive years. In that case, the Texas Education Agency has the authority to replace the local school board with a state-appointed board of managers or order campus closures.
Currently, Harvey Elementary and Gillett Middle School have both held F ratings for three consecutive years. If trends continue, they could trigger intervention before long.
Martinez’s Plan for Improvement
Martinez is already developing targeted improvement plans. Her approach includes strengthening classroom instruction, boosting student engagement, and providing additional support for struggling students. She has pledged transparency and accountability, stating that both she and the board take full responsibility for the district’s current status.
Her prior turnaround experience in districts such as West Oso ISD gives her confidence in tackling KISD’s steep challenges. “This rating highlights challenges we face and the urgent work ahead,” Martinez said.
Looking Toward Stability
New Kingsville ISD Superintendent Luz M. Martinez has identified the district’s inconsistent school schedules as a major concern. Over the past few years, Kingsville ISD shifted between four-day and five-day weeks, raising questions about continuity and learning time. Therefore, Martinez stressed that maintaining five full days of instruction is vital for maximizing student achievement.
The path ahead promises difficulty, but New Kingsville ISD Superintendent Martinez remains confident that steady leadership, engaged teachers, and strong community collaboration can guide the district out of failing territory. “Our students deserve opportunities to succeed,” she said. “We will not be discouraged.”