Parents in Fort Worth ISD Push Back Against Potential State Takeover
A group of parents within the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) is actively working to resist a potential state takeover of the district. This move comes after Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath notified FWISD officials in April that the district could be targeted for intervention due to one of its campuses receiving five consecutive failure ratings. The announcement regarding the district’s future may come as early as this month, raising concerns among many residents.
The issue stems from the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade, which received a failing rating for the fifth straight year. This triggered a provision under a 2015 state law that requires the education commissioner to take action if a school receives five consecutive failure ratings. The options are either to close the campus or take over the entire district, replacing the elected school board with a state-appointed board of managers.
Despite the fact that the school was closed at the end of the 2022-23 academic year and its students were moved to Forest Oak Middle School, Morath has stated that this closure does not negate the requirement for state intervention. The district has appealed the school's latest F rating, and the appeals process is expected to conclude soon. Following that, Morath will decide on the next course of action.
Concerns About Disruption and Progress
Parents have expressed significant concerns about the potential disruption a state takeover could bring, especially as the district appears to be making progress academically. During an online meeting organized by the Fort Worth ISD Council of PTAs, several parents voiced worries that the district could face turmoil similar to what Houston ISD experienced following a state takeover two years ago. While Houston saw some improvements in test scores, it also faced challenges such as the loss of teachers and principals.
Although the PTA council hasn’t officially taken a stance on the takeover, many members have discussed plans to lobby local and state officials to oppose the move. They fear that a state takeover could damage the district and push more families toward charter schools or private institutions. Some believe the move could be part of a broader effort to privatize public education in Texas.
Bryan Upchurch, president of the PTA at Bruce Shulkey Elementary School, highlighted the importance of community relationships with school board members. He worries that these relationships could be disrupted if the current board is replaced with a state-appointed one. Upchurch also emphasized that a state takeover contradicts the principles of small government and local control in Texas.
Importance of Local Control in Education
Local control is crucial in education, according to Ken Kuhl, director of governance for the Tarrant County Education Coalition. He explained that while school board members aren’t necessarily experts in running a school system, they play a vital role in setting goals, directing funds, and holding leaders accountable. These roles require them to reflect the needs and priorities of their communities.
Kuhl pointed out that different districts have varying needs. For example, Fort Worth ISD has a large population of English language learners, requiring specific services. A state-appointed board, even if composed of district members, might not fully represent the community’s priorities.
Signs of Progress and Concerns About the Future
Despite ongoing challenges, there are signs of improvement in FWISD. The percentage of third-graders scoring on grade level in reading increased by 8 points, from 33% last year to 41% this year. This growth, though still below the state average, indicates that Superintendent Karen Molinar’s strategies are having a positive impact.
Taylor Duncan, a mother of three students in the district, described the possibility of a state takeover as “another blow to public education.” She noted that recent STAAR scores show the district is moving in the right direction and worries that a takeover would disrupt this progress. Duncan also fears that a state-appointed board would lack accountability, making it harder for parents to influence decisions affecting their children.
She is concerned that many families might choose to send their children elsewhere, eroding confidence in traditional public schools. This could leave fewer advocates for students remaining in the district, worsening the situation for those who stay.
Ed Commissioner to Announce Decision Later This Year
At a recent State Board of Education meeting, Morath indicated he had not yet decided on the next steps for FWISD. He mentioned that he expects to announce his decision later this year. While the closure of Forest Oak Sixth Grade doesn’t affect the state’s decision-making process, Morath acknowledged that the district faces other challenges, including several underperforming schools. He also noted that the district has a new superintendent, suggesting that further evaluation is needed before any final decision is made.