Fort Worth ISD leaders are weighing whether to close a school that serves some of the district’s most vulnerable students, a decision that has sparked concern among families as broader changes unfold under a state takeover.
The district’s state-appointed Board of Managers is expected to vote April 28 on the potential closure of the International Newcomer Academy, a campus designed for immigrant and refugee students learning English.
For families like those at the academy, the school represents more than academics.
“It has been a very stressful week,” said Faiha Al-Atrash, the school’s parent coordinator. “The parents are panicking.”
The possible closure comes as Fort Worth ISD works to address declining enrollment and shift resources across the district, part of a larger restructuring effort tied to the state intervention. District documents show leaders are considering consolidating campuses and reducing staff as they reorganize how schools operate and reallocate resources.
The International Newcomer Academy serves students who are new to the country and do not speak English. They receive instruction from teachers who specialize in helping non-English speaking students. Supporters say its specialized instruction and environment cannot easily be replicated at traditional campuses.
“It is a huge impact. It is a life-changing impact on these kids’ lives,” Al-Atrash said. “They will not be able to function in a regular school.”
Al-Atrash organized a community meeting between parents and district leadership, in which families urged district leaders to reconsider the proposal. Dozens of parents and community members spoke in defense of the school, echoing concerns that students could lose a critical support system if it closes.
The potential shutdown is part of a broader set of changes facing the district. Fort Worth ISD has already approved multiple campus closures in recent years and is now moving forward with additional restructuring tied to a new instructional model and declining enrollment.
That plan includes staff reductions across the district. According to a meeting agenda for next Tuesday, the state-appointed board of managers will consider more layoffs tied to program changes, and school closures could affect both campus-based and administrative employees, with notifications expected as decisions are finalized.
At the same time, district leaders are moving to increase teacher pay.
In a letter Tuesday night, Superintendent Dr. Peter Licata recently announced a 5% raise for teachers at non-Elevate campuses, saying the district must invest in educators to improve student outcomes.
“This is a statement of values,” Licata said. “If we are serious about becoming the best district in Texas, then we must be serious about investing in the people who make student success possible every single day. Our classroom teachers deserve to be recognized, supported, and paid in a way that reflects the importance of their work.”
The raise has drawn support from education advocates, including United Educators Association President Steven Poole.
“A 5% raise for teachers is a really good thing,” Poole said. “It may keep people in the district, but I know there’s a lot of employees and teachers looking for jobs in other districts.”
For families and staff, the upcoming board vote represents a pivotal moment, with decisions on school closures, staffing, and the district’s future all expected in the days ahead.