“The commissioner called me late last week…shared with me that he was gonna go with a different superintendent,” Karen Molinar said.

FORT WORTH, Texas — The work Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Karen Molinar puts in every day goes far beyond the office she now occupies, a role she recently learned will soon come to an end.

“Blessed to be able to have as many different roles in this district,” Molinar said.

Molinar said she learned the news during a phone call from the Texas Education Agency commissioner late last week.

“The commissioner called me late last week, and we had great conversation and shared with me that he was going to go with a different superintendent,” Molinar said.

After the call, Molinar said she turned to the person who has supported her throughout her career.

“Spoke with my husband, which he’s, you know, has always been very supportive. Not only in my career, but to the district as well,” Molinar said. “He is very hands-on, likes to go visit schools on the weekends and everything with me. I called him right away. So, he was my first person; it was good for us to just have time as a husband and wife to process that together. We took the weekend to just talk it through and just keep it to ourselves for a while.”

The Texas Education Agency took over Fort Worth ISD last October after years of low academic performance at several campuses triggered state intervention under Texas law. As part of that takeover, the elected school board was dissolved and will be replaced by a state-appointed board of managers.

Molinar said her role as superintendent will end once that transition is complete.

“Once the board of managers are in place,” Molinar said.

Her journey with the district began nearly 28 years ago in the classroom as a first-grade teacher arriving from the East Coast. Looking back, Molinar said her career has been defined by service and gratitude for the many roles she has held along the way.

“Not just the superintendency, just a principal, assistant principal, and director, and just, really blessed,” Molinar said.

Teachers, parents, and students came to know Molinar through her frequent visits to campuses and district events throughout the year. She said some of her proudest accomplishments came during the early stages of the state takeover, particularly academic gains made by students.

“We’re seeing those scores. Double-digit gains, middle of the year, that’s just huge for our students,” Molinar said.

As Fort Worth ISD heads in a new direction with leadership, Dr. Molinar stressed it’s not just the teachers who made a difference, but also the parents and their children who choose to stay at FWISD for their education.

“Thank you for choosing us. Thank you for what you do every day and for showing up for our students,” Molinar said. “And I want you to continue to show up and continue to serve the students in Fort Worth ISD. They know you. They need you, and you need to stay and support the students and the families. Our parents have a choice, and our students have a choice. Thank you for choosing Fort Worth ISD. Know that there are just thousands and thousands of employees who get up to serve you and your child every day. So please stay with Fort Worth and know that people love and care about your students every single day.”

Immediately after the state takeover, Fort Worth ISD Mayor Mattie Parker publicly supported Molinar. Mayor Parker released the following statement about the TEA’s decision to replace her:

“I’m incredibly grateful for my friend Karen Molinar’s leadership, commitment, and service to Fort Worth ISD for nearly three decades and especially throughout this process. The district has achieved significant gains under her leadership, notably improving 40 campuses by a full letter grade in just one academic year. The progress we have seen is a testament to her professionalism, heart, and dedication to all Fort Worth students.” – Mayor Mattie Parker, City of Fort Worth. 

Now, after nearly three decades with Fort Worth ISD, Molinar said her future is uncertain, but her sense of purpose remains clear.

“I’m gonna have to take my own advice and the unknown and try something different. Try something new, serve in a different district, maybe, or serve somehow, but I think I was born to serve,” Molinar said.