Fort Worth ISD’s new state-appointed board of trustees and its acting superintendent faced the public for the first time Tuesday night in a packed meeting that drew dozens of speakers, many of them demanding transparency after the Texas Education Agency’s takeover of the district.
The board, installed after years of failing campus ratings, is now responsible for all major decisions. Acting Superintendent Peter Licata, who took the job one week earlier, told trustees that the district’s more than $40 million budget deficit is already nearly eliminated. He offered no details on how the shortfall had been reduced so quickly.
The board approved new leadership positions, voted to suspend several existing policies, and began work on the 2026 budget. The brief agenda prompted several speakers to question how open the new leadership would be.
More than 30 people signed up to address the board, including parents, district employees, and former board President Dr. Roxanne Martinez. Several criticized the decision to waive policies and pressed for more information about future plans.
Board members said their top priority is to raise student outcomes and return campuses to proficiency.
Licata, certified in Florida but not in Texas, received a waiver to serve in the role. He plans to pursue Texas certification.
Board President Pete Geren described the gathering as a fresh start.
“This board is new — new to everybody in this room,” he said, WFAA reported.
The state intervention followed five consecutive “F” ratings at Marilyn Miller Language Academy and left the district with 11 failing campuses. Geren called the moment one of “transformational change.”
Licata, who replaced Karen Molinar as acting superintendent, struck an upbeat tone.
“I’m excited — I’m wired,” he said, per WFAA. He outlined a new “theory of action” focused on excellent academic performance for all students, stronger classroom instruction, excellent talent, enhanced pathways for graduates, and excellent service to students, families, and staff.
“We have an opportunity here, and we have to take advantage of it, and we will,” Licata said. “Thank you for holding me accountable.”
Public comments quickly turned into a call for accountability.
Parent Ken Khul told the board, per WFAA, “You are here, and we must hold you accountable for that improvement.”
Zach Leonard, president of the parent group F.O.R.T. (Families Organized and Resisting Takeover), said, “We’re here because our community deserves to be part of decisions about our children’s education,” WFAA reported.
Martinez, who led the elected board before the takeover, acknowledged earlier efforts.
“There has been real progress underway,” she said, according to WFAA. “I welcome you into our work and hope you build on the progress we put in motion.”
She expressed worry about the policy waivers.
“When policies are set aside… it raises deep concerns,” she said.
Geren said the suspensions are temporary while the new board reviews and updates policies. He pledged a clear direction for the district.
“I want this administration to be known for two things: student outcomes and radical transparency,” he said.
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath has said he will review academic progress in two years. If gains are not sufficient, he will check again after another two years. The state-appointed leadership could remain in place for up to four years before control returns to locally elected trustees.
Licata brings more than 30 years of experience in education, including a recent stint as superintendent of Broward County Public Schools in Florida, the nation’s sixth-largest district, where he led the system to its first state “A” rating in more than 14 years. He previously worked as a teacher, coach, principal, regional superintendent, assistant superintendent, and university professor.