Vernon, Texas education leader Kermit Ward urges communities to raise expectations and strengthen school culture to improve student outcomes.

VERNON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / February 23, 2026 / Kermit Ward, Superintendent Emeritus of Vernon Independent School District, is speaking out about what he believes is one of the most urgent issues facing public education today: lowering expectations for students in struggling schools.

Ward, who has served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent across multiple Texas districts, is advocating for a renewed focus on school culture, accountability, and clear standards - especially in underperforming campuses.

"I don't believe in lowering the bar," Ward said. "I believe in building ladders."

The Challenge: Stagnant Outcomes and Culture Gaps

Across the United States, public education continues to face serious challenges. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often called the Nation's Report Card, math and reading scores remain below pre-pandemic levels for many grade levels. In Texas, gaps in academic achievement persist between economically disadvantaged students and their peers.

Research from the Learning Policy Institute and other education organizations shows that strong school culture - defined by high expectations, consistent accountability, and aligned leadership - is one of the most significant factors tied to student achievement gains.

Ward says too many struggling schools attempt to solve performance issues without addressing culture first.

"Under-accomplishing schools can improve," Ward said. "But you have to address organizational culture first. You can't be unclear about what you expect."

He points to his own career trajectory - from sixth grade math teacher to superintendent - as proof that expectations shape outcomes.

"Clarity creates confidence," he said. "If expectations are clear, people will rise to meet them."

From Project Housing to District Leadership

Ward's perspective is shaped by his upbringing. He grew up in a project housing complex, raised by a single mother. He did not meet his father in person until he was 13.

Sports became his pathway forward, earning him a full scholarship to Baylor University where he competed in track and field and football.

"I grew up knowing the bar wasn't going to be lowered for me," Ward said. "Structure and discipline changed my life."

He began his professional career as a tax accountant but left after two years to pursue teaching.

"I never went back to my higher paying accounting job," he said. "I found my calling in the classroom."

Ward believes that mindset - high expectations paired with strong support - must be at the center of school reform efforts.

"You can love people and still hold them accountable," he said. "In fact, that's leadership."

Why It Matters Now

According to national education data:

• Students who attend high-expectation schools are more likely to graduate on time.

• School culture is strongly linked to teacher retention, a growing concern as districts across Texas report staffing shortages.

• Clear behavioral and academic standards are associated with improved attendance and student engagement.

Ward warns that lowering standards in response to adversity can have long-term consequences.

"When we lower expectations, we limit potential," he said. "Students internalize what we communicate about them."

He believes families, educators, and community leaders all play a role.

"Leadership doesn't stop at the school doors," Ward said. "Culture is what people do when you're not in the room."

What Communities Can Do

Ward is encouraging individuals to take action at a local level:

• Ask schools about their academic expectations and accountability systems.

• Support mentoring and tutoring programs in your community.

• Reinforce high standards at home.

• Volunteer through civic groups like Rotary and other service organizations.

• Advocate for clarity and consistency in district leadership conversations.

"Improvement doesn't start with a policy memo," Ward said. "It starts with people deciding that excellence is non-negotiable."

He also emphasizes that support must match expectations.

"You don't lower the bar," Ward said. "You raise support."

A Call for Shared Responsibility

As Superintendent Emeritus of Vernon ISD, Ward continues to advocate for culture-driven improvement in public schools. He believes the next chapter of education reform will depend less on quick fixes and more on disciplined leadership.

"I want to leave systems stronger than I found them," he said. "And I want students to believe they can achieve more than they thought possible."

Ward hopes communities across Texas will embrace a mindset shift.

"Clarity. Accountability. Culture," he said. "That's where real change begins."

To read the full interview, visit the website here.

About Kermit Ward

Kermit Ward is Superintendent Emeritus of Vernon Independent School District in Vernon, Texas, serving through December 31, 2026. He previously served as superintendent of Clarksville ISD and held multiple leadership roles in Waco ISD and Pflugerville ISD, including high school principal. Ward holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Baylor University, a master's degree in Public School Leadership from Tarleton State University, and a doctorate in Education from the University of Texas at Austin. He is an active member of the Rotary Club and remains committed to strengthening public education through culture-driven leadership.

Contact:

Info@KermitWard.com

SOURCE: Kermit Ward