The state’s planned takeover of Fort Worth ISD is expected to have ripple effects beyond the district’s campuses, according to real‑estate and civic leaders.
“I’ve got to tell you, it’s good for… our neighboring cities, they’re probably loving it, because… in a positive way, it’s going to affect their property values, for sure,” said Tracey Amaya, a RE/MAX Trinity Real Estate broker.
Amaya said that while some families may remain in Fort Worth, they might choose lower‑priced homes so they can enroll their children in private schools. “Either that, and this is what we’ve seen for years, they’re going to go to these adjoining cities with Midcities, let’s say,” she said. “I mean, you can go North, South, East and West, and you can get school districts, all of them have higher ratings. Does that mean they have better schools? Not necessarily.”
She added that the “takeover” label carries a negative connotation that may overshadow Fort Worth ISD’s successes. “When you just say, ‘takeover’: huge negative connotation. Now, it might be really hard to talk to them about the really great programs that might be in their specific neighborhood school. And Fort Worth still has a lot of great neighborhood schools,” Amaya said.
Amaya said she has already heard from teachers considering relocation. “What we have had are a lot of teachers that have said, ‘I don’t want to work with a state takeover.’ And they’re looking to relocate,” she said.
On the other hand, the Fort Worth Chamber is viewing the takeover as a potential driver for attracting new business. “I think it might have even the opposite effect of deterring, I think it will actually help retain and attract new business,” said Steve Montgomery, president and CEO of the chamber. He added that this could be an opportunity “to change the narrative that we have a low-performing school district.”
Montgomery said he sees the district’s shift as a chance “to demonstrate to the companies that are here, and those who we’re attracting, that we are engaged on this issue and that we are investing our time, energy and money into improving our school district.”
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said the city plans to focus on the positive and fight the accompanying negativity. “There are so many positive stories that I hope many of you will run with in the coming weeks about what is working in education and preparing our workforce for tomorrow. But we will have to combat some of the negativity that comes over,” she said during a press conference Thursday. “While today feels like it might have that negative stain, we’re focused on the positives, as well.”
Amaya said she shares that optimistic approach, drawing on her three decades in real estate as a mom who has seen the district’s benefits firsthand. “I have always been able to say, ‘Well, my kids went through Fort Worth ISD and they have college degrees and they all still live here and are raising their families here,’” she said.