FORT WORTH, Texas — The Fort Worth Independent School District voted 7-1 Tuesday to appeal a state takeover following multiple failed academic ratings in the district.
The Texas Education Agency announced Oct. 23 it would assume control of Fort Worth ISD after The Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade received its fifth consecutive “unacceptable” academic rating for the 2022-2023 school year. After five successive “F” ratings, state law requires that the commissioner must either order the district to close that campus or to take over the entire district. The school that received the consecutive failing ratings closed in 2023.
The Board of Trustees’ decision to appeal TEA Commissioner Mike Morath’s plan of appointing a Board of Managers and conservator for Fort Worth ISD to the State Office of Administrative Hearings is the last step in the appeal process available to the board.
In an informal meeting with Morath on Oct. 31, the board urged the commissioner to reconsider the decision, pointing to their schools’ academic progress in the last year. This meeting kicked off the first steps of the appeal process.
While the appeal is reviewed, Morath will continue his plan to replace the board with appointed managers and his nationwide search for a new superintendent. On Nov. 6, Morath named Christopher Ruszkowski as the district’s conservator to oversee school administration and report to the state.
For now, Superintendent Karen Molinar will remain in her position, however, she must reapply and will be reviewed among other candidates.
TEA will continue accepting applications for those interested in being appointed to the Board of Managers until Friday.
If the takeover occurs, it would be the second largest in Texas history, following a decision to assume control of Houston ISD in 2023. The TEA has 90-120 days to review and respond to the appeal.