Superintendent Michael McFarland’s time leading Crowley ISD is winding down.
McFarland announced Sept. 30 that this school year will be his last as the south Fort Worth district’s schools chief.
“I have tremendous confidence in the future of Crowley ISD,” McFarland said in a letter to parents. “The momentum is real. The foundation is strong. Our leaders are ready. The vision is clear. Most importantly, this work has never belonged to one person. It continues to belong to all of us.”
Trustees thanked McFarland for his leadership, board President Nedra Robinson wrote to parents. The board will spend the school year working alongside McFarland to prepare Crowley ISD for its leadership transition.
“We look forward to conducting a thoughtful search for the next great leader who will build upon our momentum and help lead Crowley ISD into its next chapter,” Robinson said.
McFarland emphasized he is committed to leading the district through the transitional period and working with the next superintendent for a seamless handoff.
“I intend to lead as though I will be here forever, while recognizing that my part of this particular journey will be coming to a close over the next few months,” he said.
McFarland guided the 17,000-student district through growth and academic transformation since he was hired in 2017, Robinson said.
Enrollment has grown by more than 2,000 students. Voters approved a more than $1 billion bond in May 2023 to keep up with growing demand. The district has a B in Texas’ academic accountability ratings system.
“His leadership has helped position the district for continued growth while reinforcing our responsibility to ensure that every child, at every campus, has access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to succeed,” Robinson said.
But the district, McFarland said, is much more than academic ratings, buildings and programs — it’s about the students and community.
McFarland will leave a district that he said transformed its schools and community.
“We are not finished, but together we have made a significant and lasting difference, and that work will continue,” he said.
Jacob Sanchez is education editor for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at jacob.sanchez@fortworthreport.org or @_jacob_sanchez.
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