Fort Worth ISD: A Crossroads in Leadership

The Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) Board of Trustees is preparing for a special meeting to discuss the future of Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinar. This meeting follows the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) decision to take over the district, sparking widespread conversation.

Key Discussion Points

TEA's Plan: The board will examine the TEA's proposal to appoint a board of managers and a conservator.
Molinar's Contract: The meeting will also address the potential termination of Molinar's contract, which could significantly impact the district's direction.

Molinar's Achievements

Despite the state's intervention, Molinar has overseen notable improvements:

Funding Shift: $22.7 million allocated to support math and reading programs.
STAAR Test Scores: Gains in student performance.
Campus Ratings: Number of 'F' rated campuses dropped from 31 to 11.

State Takeover Details

The takeover is triggered by one campus consistently receiving an 'F' rating over five years. State law mandates the TEA to intervene, which includes:

Replacing the elected school board with an appointed one.
TEA Commissioner Morath is already searching for a new superintendent nationwide.
Molinar must reapply and re-interview to retain her position.

District's Response

FWISD leaders have taken action:

Appeal: Last week, they traveled to Austin to discuss an appeal with Morath.
Petition: They can file a petition for review with the state office of administrative hearings.
Community Involvement: Public comment for the special meeting is open to anyone who signs up by 4 p.m.

Critical Juncture for FWISD

The upcoming meeting is pivotal. The board's decisions will shape the district's future, and the community's input is crucial. The meeting presents an opportunity for the board to outline their strategy for navigating this challenging period and their vision for FWISD's future.