The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has announced a significant intervention in Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD), removing the democratically elected school board and its superintendent in what is set to be the second-largest state takeover in Texas history. Education Commissioner Mike Morath revealed the decision aimed at addressing ongoing academic challenges within the district.
FWISD, which serves approximately 67,500 students, has been under scrutiny due to a campus that received failing ratings for five consecutive years. As part of the takeover process, Morath will disband the district’s nine-member board of trustees and appoint a new board of managers, along with a new superintendent to replace Karen Molinar, who has been at the helm since March.
This intervention mirrors a previous takeover by TEA of Houston ISD earlier in 2023, the state’s largest school district. In response to the acute academic struggles in Fort Worth, Morath’s decision was underpinned by a recent analysis revealing that only 34% of students are meeting grade level, significantly below the state average. Despite recent efforts by district officials to improve accountability ratings, with 50 schools moving up at least one letter grade, Morath expressed concern over what he described as the district’s “chronic inability” to support student learning.
The situation is further complicated by the closure of the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade in 2023, which had consistently underperformed. Morath clarified that this closure did not influence the decision for state intervention, rather it was the long-standing academic deficiencies that were the driving force.
Morath emphasizes the urgency of implementing changes in FWISD, as he cited the marked disparities in student proficiency compared to similar districts. Observations made during his visits to Fort Worth schools indicated the need for immediate reforms to foster stability and improved academic outcomes.
Recent history suggests mixed results from state takeovers. While some parents have expressed skepticism about this intervention, advocating for more time for Molinar to implement her reforms, the TEA maintains that its oversight has historically led to rapid improvements in student performance. In Houston ISD, for example, under new leadership, the number of underperforming schools notably declined, although not without controversy and pushback from parents regarding leadership approaches and curriculum changes.
As the TEA moves forward with the takeover, it reflects broader discussions about the most effective methods for enhancing educational outcomes. Morath remains committed to promptly achieving positive changes, aiming to lay the groundwork for sustainable progress in Fort Worth ISD’s challenging educational landscape.