Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Karen Molinar on Future Plans and Academic Improvement

Strategic Restructuring of Core Content

• 🎯 Fort Worth ISD is implementing a significant restructuring of its literacy and math frameworks, with a dedicated focus on doubling down on literacy.
• 💡 Instruction will become more explicit and consistent across all grade levels (K-12), establishing clear non-negotiables for campuses.
• 📈 The district is refining its instructional planning calendar to prioritize first-teach, tier-one instruction, enabling daily monitoring and immediate intervention for students needing extra support.
• 🚀 Students on grade level will be accelerated and challenged to master and exceed grade-level expectations.

Enhancing Parent Engagement and Transparency

• 🤝 Two dedicated parent-teacher days are being implemented next year, in addition to existing conferences, to improve communication.
• 📊 Parents will receive more transparency regarding student progress, including daily updates and accessible reports.
• ⚠️ The district is proactively implementing systems to improve academic outcomes, aiming to reassure parents regardless of potential state oversight.

Addressing Academic Performance and State Scores

• 📈 Initial results show gains in literacy and math for 3rd-8th graders, with notable percentage point increases at the meets level.
• ⚠️ Areas identified for extra support include high school English (1 & 2) and Algebra, with a known need for improvement in middle school math and literacy.
• 📚 Middle school students will experience double-blocked math and literacy (90 minutes daily) starting next year, supported by newly hired teachers.
• ⏳ A systemic turnaround is anticipated within two to three years, driven by aggressive, bold initiatives and systemic change.

Financial Health and Teacher Retention

• 💰 The district adopted a budget with a deficit, acknowledging insufficient funding from the legislative session, but prioritizing funding for literacy, math, and campus needs.
• 🧑‍🏫 A significant portion of funding is allocated to teacher compensation to recruit and retain educators amidst a national shortage.
• 📈 The district is actively seeking ways to increase revenue while emphasizing the importance of daily student attendance for both revenue and instruction.

District Image and Workforce Development

• 🌟 Fort Worth ISD, as the largest public school system in Tarrant County and serving the 11th largest city in the US, plays a crucial role in the city's image and economic growth.
• 💼 The superintendent aims to provide a skilled workforce to support businesses relocating to Fort Worth and encourage students to contribute to the city's future.
• 📊 Internal calculations suggest a decrease in DNF campuses and an increase in A campuses, with significant strides made by historically struggling schools.
• 📢 Parents and stakeholders will be notified and involved in plans for identified campuses requiring improvement, with plans to be presented to the board and submitted to the state.

Leadership and Commitment

• 🛠️ Dr. Molinar, with 26 years of service in the district, took on the superintendent role with a clear understanding of the challenges and an immediate commitment to implementing necessary changes.
• ✅ The focus remains on immediate action for students, building a strong team, and continuing the work towards academic excellence.
• ❓ Regarding potential state takeover or oversight, the superintendent respects the commissioner's decision but is committed to demonstrating the district's bold actions and capabilities.