The State Of Texas Takes Over Fort Worth ISD

The decision by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to assume control of Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) marks a massive moment for Texas families. With more than 70,000 students and thousands of dedicated teachers, FWISD should be a beacon of opportunity! Unfortunately, years of continuous under-performance have demanded state intervention.

This takeover is necessary and overdue. However, it must also be handled with transparency and focus on restoring commitment to local voices and parental empowerment.

Why the takeover was triggered

Under Texas law, the TEA is empowered to step in when a campus receives an unacceptable accountability rating for five consecutive years. FWISD triggered this condition when the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade campus received its fifth straight unacceptable rating.

Commissioner Mike Morath cited a number of concerning metrics in the district: only 34% of students are performing at grade level in FWISD, and 20 campuses are chronically under-performing.

These outcomes show local elected leadership have lost the ability to deliver on the promise of education for children. When the status quo fails children, accountability must follow.

Voices in Tarrant County leadership

Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare issued the following statement in support of the state takeover:

“The State has needed to take over leadership of Fort Worth ISD for quite some time. I fully support this decision, which will result in a state-appointed board leading FWISD. For years, FWISD has failed too many children. This must change. There are incredible staff members and teachers serving the students of FWISD day in and day out. They deserve appreciation and recognition as most have sought to provide a quality education to the kids even through difficult circumstances. This District repeatedly underperformed in delivering a quality education to the children, and far too often focused on woke, harmful ideology instead of the basics. I am hopeful this shift will turn things around for the benefit of students, their families, and the entire FWISD community. FWISD Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinar has acknowledged the problems and has been working to improve the District. I appreciate her efforts and look forward to seeing what Dr. Molinar and a new board can do to alter the trajectory of FWISD, ensuring a quality education for all students.”

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker also made a statement but remained more neutral on whether she thought it was the right move:

“Our number one focus must always be on the students of Fort Worth ISD - to ensure that every student in our city has access to an excellent education. Commissioner Morath's decision to appoint a board of managers to govern Fort Worth ISD has the potential to be transformative. However, it does not minimize the improvements or the level of tenacity we have seen in the district over the past year. Dr. Molinar has led the district to achieve significant gains, notably improving 40 campuses by a full letter grade in just one academic year. I am incredibly thankful for the volunteer service of the Fort Worth ISD board of trustees. They have spent years supporting our students, staff, families, and our city. Now is the time to unify as a community, a turning point for our city's largest school district. Commissioner Morath and his team have outlined the first step in an action plan to turn around Fort Worth ISD. I am encouraged that he has committed to giving Dr. Molinar the opportunity to interview as superintendent, and importantly, a personal commitment he has made to me that the Texas Education Agency will focus on what the Fort Worth community needs. To our teachers, principals, and staff members - please know we see your unwavering commitment to our kids and their success day in and day out. There is nothing more important than educating the future of our city. Let's endeavor in the present and future work to transform the education landscape of Fort Worth.”

For too many students in FWISD, the promise of education remains unfulfilled. Texas Family Project believes local control is always the preferred route, but when the system repeatedly fails our children, state oversight becomes a necessity. The takeover by the TEA is not a condemnation of Fort Worth families, it’s a lifeline for them!

We remain optimistic. With conservative, results-oriented leadership, empowered parents, disciplined instruction, and transparent accountability, FWISD can become a place where parents can trust their children are being given a proper education.

The students of Tarrant County and across Texas deserve our best efforts. And now, it’s time to deliver.