The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has announced that it will take over the Fort Worth Independent School District (ISD), assuming control of the school board and replacing elected members with state appointments.
The agency’s decision is the latest in its efforts to turn around failing school systems across the state. Over the past 25 years, TEA has taken control of 11 school districts that have been noted for failing performance and lack of academic accountability. The Fort Worth ISD takeover is the agency’s second-largest move, only surpassed by their ongoing replacement of Houston ISD’s board in 2023.
“The Fort Worth ISD school board has, collectively, through action and inaction over many years, failed the students of Fort Worth ISD,” said Morath. “The inability of the district to implement effective changes to improve the performance of students in the district or at the campus necessitates the interventions announced by this letter.”
Current data points toward only 34% of students across all grades and subjects performing at grade level. In addition, 20 campuses are receiving failing grades in the state’s accountability system.
A state takeover is only possible when a district school receives a failing grade for five consecutive years. The school that triggered the TEA’s decision – Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade – was closed at the end of the 2023-2024 school year for continually failing to meet these standards. Despite the closure, Commissioner Morath stated that he was still required by law to move forward.
The commissioner stated that he will select qualified community members to assume roles on the school board to effectively govern and convey responsible decisions to enhance education quality and ensure students are properly supported. A new superintendent will also be appointed, with the current Superintendent Karen Molinar in consideration for the role.
Although the takeover has been officially announced, no indicators for when the process will begin have been released. The district will be able to appeal the decision over the course of the next week.
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