Texas Education Agency Takes Over Fort Worth ISD Replacing Elected Board

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has announced a state takeover of the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD), replacing the elected board of trustees with appointed managers due to ongoing academic performance issues and governance failures. Commissioner Mike Morath cited data showing that about 34% of students are not performing at grade level and that 20 campuses have repeatedly been labeled academically unacceptable. Superintendent Karen Molinar will remain in her position during the transition and will have the opportunity to reapply as the TEA conducts a nationwide search for a new superintendent. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker expressed cautious optimism about the takeover, emphasizing the potential for transformative change and supporting Molinar. The takeover follows a similar intervention in Houston ISD in 2023, which saw improvements but also challenges such as teacher turnover and school library closures. TEA has also appointed a conservator to oversee the district's support for low-performing campuses, signaling a comprehensive effort to improve education outcomes in Fort Worth.