State-operated oversight hanging over Fort Worth ISD on its first day amid anticipation of enhanced A-F grades ratings.
Fort Worth ISD at a Crossroads: Potential State Takeover Looms
Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) is currently grappling with the possibility of a state takeover, triggered by a persistently failing school and five consecutive years of low academic performance. Despite recent improvements, the district's fate remains uncertain.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has been monitoring FWISD closely, and Commissioner Mike Morath is expected to visit Fort Worth schools in September. If the district continues to meet the failing grade threshold, TEA may replace the elected school board with an appointed board of managers.
FWISD has taken steps to improve academic performance. The district has closed a persistently failing school and adopted a new strategic plan focused on literacy and math. Superintendent Karen Molinar has also extended the school year for certain campuses to accelerate student outcomes.
However, the decision will not be based solely on past scores. Commissioner Morath has emphasized that ongoing changes aimed at sustaining and accelerating progress in this large urban district will also be evaluated.
Recent improvements are evident. Phillips Elementary school, for instance, jumped more than 30 points from an F to a B over the last year. Fort Worth ISD expects more than 50 campuses to move up a letter grade in the state's A-F accountability ratings on Aug 15.
Mothers like Maribel Rodriguez and Ruby Leon, whose daughters Ximena and Gianna are starting school, were not aware of the potential state takeover. Rodriguez took in the moment as her daughter played before the first bell of the day, while Leon expressed understanding that the district is going through changes.
Mayor Mattie Parker expressed readiness for whatever decision the TEA makes. "Whatever that decision is, we are ready," she said.
The Fort Worth Report's news decisions are made independently of its board members and financial supporters. The article was originally published on the Fort Worth Report under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
As FWISD moves forward, it remains committed to providing quality education for its 70,000 students, navigating these critical junctures with the aim of further improving academic outcomes.
[1] Fort Worth ISD faces state takeover threat after persistent failing grades, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2022. [2] Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Karen Molinar presents progress to Commissioner Mike Morath, Fort Worth Report, 2025. [3] Fort Worth ISD closes Leadership Academy at Forest Oak 6th Grade, Fort Worth Report, 2024. [4] Fort Worth ISD adopts new strategic plan focused on literacy and math, Fort Worth Report, 2024. [5] State Senator Phil King supports replacement of Fort Worth ISD board if takeover happens, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2023.
- The community of Fort Worth is closely following the potential state takeover of the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD), a decision that hinges not only on past academic performances but also on the district's ongoing efforts towards sustaining and accelerating progress.
- Amidst the uncertainty, education and self-development platforms are a hub of discussion, offering news and updates on FWISD's strategic plan focused on literacy and math, extended school years, and the anticipated visit of Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath.
