In The News
Kingsville Independent School District’s State Accountability rating improved, according to the Texas Education Agency. Earning a 66 (D), the school district posted its best accountability score in the last four years, jumping 7 points in one year.
KISD is charging forward with measurable and conservative academic growth across the district and at several campuses, Superintendent Dr. Luz M. Martinez said.
“The latest accountability scores reflect important progress and reinforces our commitment to improving outcomes for every student,
” she stated.
The KISD district score increased 7 points, from 59 to 66, demonstrating meaningful growth across the district. We are especially proud of the progress at H.M. King High School, which increased 9 points to 75 and earned a C rating. Gillett Middle School also increased 9 points, from 50 to 59. Perez and Harrel elementaries each improved 5 points. Perez and Harrell elementary schools have now closed.
Alice G.K. Kleberg Elementary School is reopening to serve pre-kindergarten through second grades, while A.D. Harvey Elementary School is serving students in grades three to five.
Kingsville ISD Board Member David Garcia said at a recent school board meeting that he was encouraged by the improvements.
“There is no elevator to success,” he said. “We have to take it step by step. Dr. Martinez, you and your staff…I applaud you all for all the work that you’ve done. For all the bad talk you hear out there, it’s going to get good. I believe this is a jump start for next year. Thank you all, for all you do.”
KISD continues to strive for improvement in instruction, making changes at all levels to ensure students receive high-quality instruction at all Kingsville ISD campuses.
These gains are evidence that:
- Focused, monitored, and supported high-quality instructional practices,
- aligned and accountable leadership,
- ongoing and strategic collaboration,
- and a relentless commitment to student success
are making a difference. At the same time, we recognize that we have more work to do.
“Our accountability results remain below the level we expect for our students and community,” Dr. Martinez said. “We are proud of the progress, but we are not satisfied. Every point gained represents hard work, and every point still needed represents an opportunity to improve. This is our moment to Charge Forward—with urgency, courage, consistency, and Brahma Pride.”
Charging Forward — One Herd. One Purpose.
The Kingsville ISD Board of Trustees, administration, and the finance department were praised for management of the district’s debt service, reducing it in half over the last five years.
The announcement came from CFO Dr. Peter Pitts during the Aug. 4 school board meeting, who credited defeasance decisions made by the Board. A defeasance allows for the pay down of principle of the district’s existing debt by applying excess revenue collected from the debt service tax rate.
The debt has been reduced from $81 million in 2021 to $40.5 million today.
In other financial news, the Kingsville ISD is not proposing a tax rate increase this year. If passed by the Board, the rate would stay the same at $1.4104 per every $100 valuation.
Kingsville ISD continues making strides to lift the district with key changes in administration and campus leadership.
KISD welcomes three new principals to the team with Darius Robertson at HMK Early College High School, Dr. Melissa Oliva at J.S. Gillett Middle School, Michelle Carroll at A.D. Harvey Elementary School, and returning principal Nicole Lovelady taking the helm at the newly reopened Alice G.K. Kleberg Elementary School.
Administration also welcomes the new Director of Support Services Jennifer Bayless, Director of Communication, Engagement, and Development Nicole Perez Morris, Director of Special Education Kathryn Wyman, and Director of School Improvement-Operations Ron Zachary.
“We are excited to welcome these outstanding educators to the Kingsville ISD family. This exceptional team reflects the true spirit of Brahma Pride—a shared commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, collaboration, and always putting students first. Each individual brings valuable expertise, a passion for serving children, and a steadfast dedication to creating learning environments where every student can succeed. As we continue building a high-performing school system, these new team members will play an important role in raising student achievement, strengthening our schools, and ensuring Kingsville ISD remains a district of opportunity, innovation, and community pride,” Dr. Luz Martinez, superintendent of schools, said.
A dedicated and familiar member of the KISD family recently announced his retirement. Dr. Pitts, Chief Financial Officer, is retiring after spending 36 years in education. Superintendent Dr. Martinez has brought in Dr. Alma Charles to ease the transition in the finance department upon Dr. Pitts’ retirement.
“After 13 years at Kingsville ISD and 36 years in education, I will be retiring at the end of the Fall 2026 semester,” Dr. Pitts said. “I would like to thank the School Board, Dr. Martinez, and all of the Kingsville family.”