The new superintendent of the Fort Worth Independent School District, Peter Licata, is making tweaks to the district’s cabinet of high-level administrators.
The Fort Worth ISD leadership webpage now lists at least two new faces: Daniel Soliz as deputy superintendent/chief of schools, and Louis Kushner as chief of staff. The new administrators both announced their new roles on LinkedIn this week after Texas Education Agency officials unveiled the appointment of Licata and the Board of Managers, formalizing a state takeover and replacing previous district leadership.
On Tuesday, Licata said during a press conference there would be “upper-level changes and reduction immediately,” but he didn’t expect the staffing changes to impact the classroom at this time.
Soliz announced on LinkedIn his transition into the deputy superintendent role after previously serving as the central division chief for Houston ISD, another Texas school district currently under state control. Soliz ensured high-quality student instruction across 85 schools and provided central office support for schools, according to LinkedIn.
Daniel Soliz is the deputy superintendent/chief of schools for Fort Worth ISD Fort Worth ISD
He has a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration, and a doctorate degree in education and organizational leadership. He holds principal and superintendent certifications.
“Together, under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Peter Licata, we will improve outcomes for all students,” Soliz said in his LinkedIn announcement.
Peter Licata, the state-appointed superintendent of the Fort Worth school district, speaks during a news conference Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Reby Cary Youth Library. He was joined by board member Courtney Lewis, left; board chair Pete Geren; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; his wife Maria Licata; and board members Rosa Maria Berdeja and Luis Galinda. Samuel O’Neal soneal@star-telegram.com
Kushner, a previous principal in Broward County (Florida) Public Schools, where Licata served as superintendent, also announced he was joining Fort Worth ISD as chief of staff. Kushner said on LinkedIn he is “humbled and honored” to take on the role while serving alongside Licata.
“I am extremely grateful for his leadership and his belief in me, as well as giving me an opportunity to learn and grow. I look forward to supporting the amazing FWISD community, Dr. Licata, and our new Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Daniel Soliz,” Kushner said.
Louis Kushner is the new chief of staff for Fort Worth ISD. Fort Worth ISD
Kushner was recognized as assistant principal of the year by Broward County Public Schools in 2021 and describes himself as being “recognized for turnaround leadership, building strong school cultures, and developing people through mentorship and leadership growth,” according to his LinkedIn. He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and a doctorate degree in education and organizational leadership.
A Fort Worth ISD organizational chart for July 2025 lists Priscila Dilley as chief of schools under former Superintendent Karen Molinar. She recently presented an agenda item at the Feb. 24 school board meeting for “master schedule planning.” It’s unclear if Dilley is still serving the district in a different role.
This story was originally published March 26, 2026 at 12:59 PM.
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Lina Ruiz covers early childhood education in Tarrant County and North Texas for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. A University of Florida graduate, she previously wrote about local government in South Florida for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers.