FAQ Page on the Closure of EMELA and Tadpole

The Future of Early Childhood Education in Lake Worth ISD

At the February 17, Lake Worth ISD School Board Meeting, the Board of Trustees approved the district’s recommendation to transition the Pre-K and Kindergarten programs back to the neighborhood schools in Lake Worth. 

After this meeting, Lake Worth ISD parents received a School Status Announcement with a letter from the Superintendent informing them of this decision and the next steps in the process, which included the creation of this website. This email encouraged parents to submit questions about this process. Many of the questions are included on this site in the FAQ section below. 

Due to ongoing financial challenges facing Texas public schools, we must make difficult but necessary decisions to ensure we continue providing the best possible education for all students and continue to employ the best and brightest teachers in the state.

State and federal funding continue to fall short as rising inflation and program needs grow. Simply put, schools are being asked to do more with less.

Update on Transition Plans: 5/16/25

We would like to take a moment to share an important update regarding Howry STEAM Academy and our plans for the 2025–2026 school year. Parents should have received a SchoolStatus Announcement with a letter detailing this update. 

In preparation for this transition, it has also been decided to relocate Howry STEAM Academy to the current Effie Morris building. After a careful review of both campuses, it was determined that the Effie Morris building is better suited to meet the instructional needs of students in Pre-K through 5th grade.

We also understand that a campus move raises questions about the school’s name. A committee made up of teachers from both Effie Morris and Howry, along with district administrators, recommended the following changes:
•    The relocated campus will be named Effie Morris STEAM Academy.
•    The current Howry building will be named N. A. Howry Annex.
These recommendations were brought to the Board of Trustees and were unanimously approved. 

Please Note: These changes will not take effect until the 2025–2026 school year.

The new N. A. Howry Annex will continue to house the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) and the Technology Department. The district is also exploring additional cost-effective ways to use and maintain the space. We will continue to provide updates on the transition process as they become available.

We appreciate your continued support as we strive to create the best possible learning environments for our students.

 

Texas School Finance Quick Facts

• Texas Legislature has not increased the Basic Student Allotment since 2019.
• Even though property taxes continue to rise, that does not mean the district is receiving more funding.
  • Basic overview of School Finance

Inflation Numbers

	2019	2024	% Increase
Fuel (Gasoline for Buses	$124,688	$199,583	60.10%
Natural Gas	$55,688.49	$94,238.18	69.22%
Property Insurance (For District Buildings)	$225,752	$457,595	$102.70%

 

• The percentage of the district’s budget that goes to staffing is 84%

 

Effie Morris Early Learning Academy Transition Plan

Texas school districts are facing a funding challenge. Despite rising costs, the State has not increased the basic student allotment since 2019. This means we must find responsible ways to make the most of our resources while continuing to provide a high-quality education. 

After a thorough evaluation of cost-saving measures, we have made the fiscally responsible decision to transition our Pre-K and Kindergarten programs back to neighborhood elementary schools, beginning at the start of the 2025-2026 school year in August. 

We understand this transition is a big change, and we are committed to ensuring our youngest learners feel safe and supported. The district will provide information sessions, resources, and opportunities for families and students to become familiar with their new campuses before the 2025-2026 school year begins. This move brings several key benefits for our youngest learners and their families:

• Stronger School Communities: Pre-K and Kindergarten students will begin their educational journey alongside peers and staff at their neighborhood schools, making future transitions smoother.
• Increased Family Engagement: Families will have a single school location for all their children, improving communication and participation in school activities.
• Stronger Academic Alignment: Teachers from Pre-K through 5th grade will collaborate more closely, ensuring a seamless and supportive learning experience.
• Efficient Use of District Resources: Consolidating campuses allows us to optimize staffing and allocate resources more effectively to enhance student learning.

We know you may have questions, and we’re here to help. Parents will also have the opportunity to submit questions and receive timely responses. Many of the questions are included on this site in the FAQ section below. You can submit your additional questions here: https://forms.gle/hAzS9AbXyLYHRYRC8

 

The Future of Tadpole Learning Center

Due to state and federal funding not keeping pace with rising costs, it is no longer financially feasible for the district to operate this program. Schools across the state are being asked to do more with less, while essential funding remains stalled due to ongoing debates at the state level.  

After careful evaluation of various cost-saving measures, we have determined that closing Tadpole Learning Center is one fiscally responsible solution to our current situation. Tadpole Learning Center will still be a resource for those that already utilize it until the end of May 2025.

We deeply value the role the Tadpole Center has played in supporting our Lake Worth ISD families who utilize the facilities. For years, this program has provided high-quality childcare in a nurturing environment. However, as we continue to navigate significant financial challenges affecting public schools across Texas, we must make this difficult but necessary decision for the overall financial health of Lake Worth ISD.