Fort Worth ISD: A Crossroads in Leadership

A significant gathering is on the horizon for the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) as the Board of Trustees prepares for a special meeting to discuss the future of Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinar. This meeting comes hot on the heels of the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) decision to take over the district, a move that has stirred up quite a bit of conversation. The board will be diving into the TEA's plan to bring in a board of managers and a conservator. They'll also be looking at what this means for Molinar's contract, which could potentially lead to her termination. It's a big deal, and the outcome could shape the direction of the district. Molinar, who has been leading the district for less than a year, has seen some positive changes. There's been a shift in how things are done, and some people are feeling hopeful about the improvements. For instance, the district has moved $22. 7 million to support math and reading programs, and there have been gains in STAAR test scores. Plus, the number of campuses rated 'F' has dropped from 31 to 11. These are solid steps forward, but the state's intervention casts a shadow over these achievements.The takeover is tied to one campus that has consistently received an 'F' rating over the past five years. According to state law, this triggers the TEA to step in and make some big changes, including replacing the elected school board with an appointed one. Morath, the TEA commissioner, has already started looking for a new superintendent nationwide. Molinar will have to go through the process of reapplying and re-interviewing if she wants to keep her job. The district isn't taking this lying down. Last week, FWISD leaders went to Austin to talk to Morath about appealing the takeover. They can also file a petition for review with the state office of administrative hearings. The community has a chance to weigh in too, as public comment for the special meeting is open to anyone who signs up by 4 p. m. It's a critical time for FWISD, and the decisions made in the coming weeks could have a lasting impact. The meeting is a chance for the board to show how they plan to navigate this challenging situation and what their vision is for the future of the district.