TEA Commissioner Set to Announce State Takeover of Fort Worth ISD Today
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is set to take over the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD). Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath made this announcement on Thursday morning.
State Control Imposed on Fort Worth ISD
This takeover entails the removal of FWISD’s elected school board. In its place, a board of managers appointed by the state will be installed. Additionally, a state conservator will be assigned to implement turnaround strategies at underperforming schools.
Commissioner Morath has indicated he will review candidates for the superintendent role. Current Superintendent Karen Molinar is among those under consideration. Morath stated, “I do not make this decision lightly.” He expressed concern over the board’s failure to improve academic performance across the district.
Details of the Announcement
- The announcement was accompanied by an enforcement letter outlining plans for governance.
- Morath emphasized the historic failures of the current governance in addressing student needs.
- FWISD’s board expressed disappointment, arguing for local leadership over state intervention.
Board President Roxanne Martinez commented on the situation, highlighting the board’s efforts to enhance instruction and student outcomes over the past year. She urged the Commissioner to reconsider his decision, emphasizing the board’s unique position to sustain educational improvements.
Background on the State Takeover
The move to intervene follows a troubling pattern within the district. A single campus within FWISD, the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade Center, received five consecutive failing grades in state accountability ratings. Such an outcome mandates a state response under Texas law. The law gives the TEA two options: close the low-performing school or take over the district altogether.
With the closure of the troubled Forest Oak Sixth Grade Center and its merger with a nearby middle school, further scrutiny has been placed on FWISD’s overall performance.
Comparison with Houston ISD
This is not the first instance of a large urban district facing state intervention. Houston ISD underwent a similar takeover, prompted by similar failing scores. After the intervention, Houston ISD improved its performance metrics but faced challenges such as high turnover rates among staff.
According to Morath, the response to teacher turnover could be beneficial if ineffective teachers are replaced with more qualified candidates. However, experts warn of potential long-term issues arising from such interventions.
Future Implications
The timeline for FWISD to appeal the takeover begins immediately, as indicated in Morath’s letter. The district is currently exploring all available options in response to the TEA’s decision.
As the situation develops, both students and educators in Fort Worth will be closely watching the state’s actions and their impacts on the local educational environment.
