The Fort Worth ISD will soon be under the control of the Texas Education Agency after a judge denied the district’s appeal to fight the state’s takeover.
In October, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said he was ordering the appointment of a conservator and a board of managers to govern the Fort Worth ISD after the school board “failed the students” and didn’t implement changes that improved their performance for several consecutive years.
When a school in a district fails to meet accountability standards for five consecutive years, the TEA is required by state law to intervene in what is commonly called a “state takeover,” where the commissioner must either close the failing school or replace the district’s elected school board with a state-appointed board of managers.
The district filed an appeal in November and said on Friday that they learned the TEA’s motion for a summary disposition related to the district’s appeal had been granted. The final decision is expected within 30 days.
In a statement, school board president Roxanne Martinez called the decision deeply disappointing and said the board remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety, well-being and success of every student.
“Our community has worked tirelessly to strengthen our schools, support our educators, and improve outcomes for students. The decision disregards the meaningful progress taking place in Fort Worth ISD and the voices of the families and voters who believe in local leadership,” Martinez said. “We will continue to work constructively with district leadership, educators, families, and community partners to advocate for the best interests of our students and to support the ongoing work of the district throughout this process.”
Superintendent Karen Molinar said the TEA taking over control of the district will not change their focus and they’ll work collaboratively with the TEA to keep student success at the center of every decision.
“Fort Worth ISD remains committed to serving students by strengthening classroom instruction, supporting educators, and ensuring safe, stable learning environments across the district,” Molinar said.
Until the TEA transitions the school district to the board of managers and a conservator, the current superintendent and school board remain in charge.
It is unclear whether Morath will also replace Superintendent Karen Molinar, who is new to the position and widely supported within the district. In previous takeovers, Morath has replaced both school boards and superintendents simultaneously. In a letter to the district last October, Morath said he would review prospective superintendent candidates, including Molinar.
The current school board could return to their elected positions if the state ends its intervention while they are still in office. Trustee elections will continue on schedule, so newly elected trustees may not have decision-making authority if elected during the appointment period. Returning to trustee control can take two years, with one-third of the appointed board of managers replaced by elected trustees every 12 months.
Great Job Frank Heinz & the Team @ NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth for sharing this story.
