Lancaster ISD making progress, according to conservator report

by Bill Conrad of Lancaster TODAY

LANCASTER — The relationship between the Lancaster ISD School Board and Superintendent Larry Lewis is improving, according to a report filed by financial conservator James Damm.

The report, dated and filed with the Texas Education Agency Aug. 31, says “The surface concern of contentious behavior is no longer apparent. I commend the Board and Superintendent for this rapid adjustment. If continued progress is to be made, this dynamic must continue.”

Damm was appointed to the district as a result of the TEA Audit conducted on the district. The audit found a number of problems, ranging from attendance inflation to misuse of bond money and questionable credit card purchases. Damm files monthly reports with the TEA updating the agency on the progress the district is making.

Damm's report said the district is making progress on concerns mentioned in the audit. “Lewis presented an update to the school board on district progress on the TEA audit responses,” the report said. “Most have been acted on and are subject to on-going monitoring. I anticipate being able to validate most of the audit findings/responses in September now that the budget has been adopted.”

The report also noted that the relationship between the community and the school board, which had been a concern mentioned by Damm before, appears to have improved and Damm said he believes the community is giving the new board members time to get settled in before judging them.

The next report is due to TEA at the end of September and will be made available to the public the second week of October.