Texas Education Commissioner Mulling Over Takeover of FWISD amid Pressure from State Senator to Act
The future of the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) is uncertain as Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath weighs the option of a potential takeover. The decision, expected this fall, follows a mandatory state intervention triggered by the persistent failing of a middle school campus for five consecutive years[1][2][4].
Under Superintendent Karen Molinar, FWISD has taken significant steps to improve academic outcomes. This includes doubling instruction time in key subjects and implementing new teaching supports[1]. The district's efforts are set to bear fruit, with over 50 campuses expected to see improved A-F ratings in the upcoming Texas Education Agency (TEA) report due August 15, 2025[1][3].
Local leaders, including Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, have emphasized the positive shift in the district's focus towards supporting students. Both the superintendent and the mayor have expressed hope that the TEA will recognize these improvements and decide against the state takeover[1][2][3]. However, State Sen. Phil King, a Weatherford Republican and Eastern Hills High School graduate, believes a takeover appears necessary and has expressed support for Commissioner Morath's decision[5].
Commissioner Morath has acknowledged the difficult options facing him regarding FWISD. He has stated that he is going through a "pretty intentional process" to determine the best course of action to support Fort Worth students[6]. As part of this process, Morath has met with district leaders and plans to visit schools in September[6].
FWISD, with a student population of approximately 70,000, has lagged behind other large, urban school systems in Texas since 2015[7]. The district was aware of the discussion during the Texas Senate education committee hearing[1]. If the state takes over, it would replace the elected school board with a state-appointed board, similar to what happened in Houston[1][4].
The Fort Worth Report, where this article was first published, operates independently of its board members and financial supporters[8]. For more information, you can contact Jacob Sanchez, the education editor, at [email protected] or @_jacob_sanchez. The article is republished under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License[9].
In summary, the takeover decision by Commissioner Mike Morath is still pending, with a decision expected this fall following his visit, while the district continues efforts to demonstrate academic progress to avoid the intervention.
- The takeover decision by Commissioner Mike Morath is still pending, with a decision expected this fall following his visit, while the district continues efforts to demonstrate academic progress to avoid the intervention.
- Fort Worth ISD's leadership team is actively implementing bold strategies to improve student outcomes.
- The Fort Worth Report's news decisions are made independently of its board members and financial supporters.
- Mike Morath, the Texas Education Commissioner, has conceded that he faces difficult options regarding Fort Worth ISD.
- The article was first published on Fort Worth Report and is republished under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
- State Sen. Phil King, a Weatherford Republican and Eastern Hills High School graduate, believes a takeover appears needed and has expressed support for Commissioner Morath's decision.
- The Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade had five years of failing grades, triggering the Texas law.
- The uncertain future of the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) is being weighed by Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, with a decision expected this fall, as the district continues to focus on improving education and self-development to avoid a potential state takeover due to consistent failures at certain campuses.
- Local news outlets, such as The Fort Worth Report, are providing general-news coverage of the FWISD situation, shedding light on the district's efforts to enhance education and the ongoing discussion involving education-and-self-development, politics, and general-news.
