‘We need to do better’: Fort Worth ISD parents react to takeover by applying for the state-appointed board

“I will make the time. I’ve already been speaking to my family about it, and we know that it’s something that I’m feeling called to do,” Kristin Klade said.

FORT WORTH, Texas — Fort Worth ISD is now in the middle of a state takeover by the Texas Education Agency.

Kristin Klade, a Fort Worth native and parent, said she wasn’t surprised by the TEA’s move and is applying to serve on the state-appointed Board of Managers because she wants to help the district improve.

“I love Fort Worth,” Klade said. “I will make the time. I’ve already been speaking to my family about it, and we know that it’s something that I’m feeling called to do.”

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath announced the takeover after months of monitoring the district and after the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade failed to meet state standards for five consecutive years.

“Whether there’s a takeover or not, we need to do better,” Klade said.

On Oct. 30, Fort Worth ISD will present its case in Austin to Commissioner Morath, who could appoint a Board of Managers and a conservator to oversee the district. 

“We’ve lived in the Fort Worth community almost 20 years,” Dena Silva, another Fort Worth resident, said, “I have two children in the district. One in middle school and one in elementary school. It takes a lot of work, it takes a lot of effort, and I would expressly ask that the business owners of Fort Worth allow their employees the time and energy to serve on this board.”

The deadline for Board of Managers applications is Nov. 21.

“I believe in Fort Worth’s ability to help its own people,” Klade said.

Both Kristin Klade and Dena Silva are encouraging more Fort Worth residents to apply and to attend two upcoming TEA community meetings next month to show how much the community cares about the district’s future.