Fort Worth ISD Community Challenges State’s Planned Takeover

Community members in Fort Worth, Texas, expressed their concerns regarding a planned takeover of the Fort Worth Independent School District (ISD) by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). During a meeting on November 13, 2025, TEA Deputy Commissioner for Governance, Steve Lecholop, faced tough questions about how this intervention would affect student curriculum, staffing, and leadership within the district.

The TEA announced the takeover on October 23, 2025, following a report that one of Fort Worth ISD’s campuses received failing grades for five consecutive years. This intervention marks one of the largest state takeovers in Texas history, as Education Commissioner Mike Morath emphasized that the challenges faced by Fort Worth ISD are widespread, affecting multiple areas within the district.

During his presentation at the Fort Worth ISD Administration Building, Lecholop utilized a slideshow filled with charts and graphs to illustrate the reasons behind the state’s decision. A map displayed schools marked with failing grades, prompting a strong reaction from the gathered parents, teachers, and alumni. One student, Jeremiah Taylor, a 15-year-old from the Young Men’s Leadership Academy, voiced support for the state intervention, urging attendees to focus on the students struggling academically rather than on fears regarding TEA.

As concerns mounted, many attendees questioned the future of the curriculum. Edriana Cofer, an English teacher at Dunbar High School, raised the issue of whether the curriculum would remain consistent following the takeover. Some educators recalled issues faced by teachers in Houston ISD, which experienced a significant rise in teacher turnover rates following its own state intervention, with a rate of 32.2% in the 2024-25 school year compared to the statewide average of 18.8%.

Lecholop reassured community members that the TEA would engage with Fort Worth ISD teachers regarding the Teacher Incentive Allotment, a program aimed at rewarding high-performing educators. He stated that decisions related to human resources would ultimately be made by the district’s superintendent in collaboration with the school board.

Questions also arose about the selection process for new leadership. Last week, the TEA appointed Christopher Ruszkowski as conservator of Fort Worth ISD, granting him authority over principals and the superintendent, and tasked him with reporting back on the district’s progress. Additionally, the TEA is seeking to establish a board of managers to oversee the district, with applications open until November 21.

During the meeting, parents expressed apprehension about the lack of democratic representation in the appointed board. One parent, Kelly Moreno, questioned whether the new managers would revisit previous district decisions, particularly concerning De Zavala Elementary School, which is rated A but is scheduled to close in June 2027. Lecholop responded that while local representation is valuable, it was important to allow a wider pool of applicants to ensure quality leadership.

Opposition to the takeover has emerged from Fort Worth ISD school officials as well. The Board of Education, led by President Roxanne Martinez, is considering an appeal against the TEA’s decision, arguing that local governance is crucial for student success. She stated that their actions are not in defiance of the state but are taken in defense of the community’s interests.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the state intervention, a sense of unity was palpable among attendees. Keith Annis, a parent with two children enrolled in Fort Worth ISD, noted the importance of community engagement during the meeting, highlighting the emotional connections between parents, teachers, and students.

As the Fort Worth ISD community continues to navigate the implications of the state takeover, the outcome will significantly influence the educational landscape for students and educators alike.