Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker on TEA's Fort Worth ISD Intervention

TEA's Intervention in Fort Worth ISD

• 📌 The Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath has initiated a process toward establishing a board of managers for Fort Worth ISD.
• ⚠️ This action follows a legal mandate and is described by Mayor Parker not as a "takeover" but as a necessary step to address issues within the district.
• 💡 The process will involve a vetting period for a new superintendent over the next few months.

Support for Dr. Molinar and District Staff

• 🤝 Mayor Parker expressed full support for Dr. Molinar, highlighting her hard work and the improvements seen in the district over the past year.
• 🌟 She emphasized that Dr. Molinar deserves consideration for the superintendent role and is a professional focused on student and teacher needs.
• 👏 Appreciation is extended to teachers, principals, and administrators for their daily efforts, acknowledging both successes and the challenges of 20 campuses still facing difficulties.

Community Focus and Future Steps

• 🎯 The primary focus must remain on the 70,000+ students in Fort Worth ISD, ensuring every student has access to a quality education regardless of their zip code.
• 🤝 The city aims to be an example of a community that rallies together, with a focus on the next steps in the board of managers process and the selection of a new superintendent.
• 🗣️ Mayor Parker pledges to remain a steadfast supporter of the ISD, calling out both good and bad aspects while advocating for necessary support.

Mayor's Role and Community Involvement

• 🚀 The Mayor's office has utilized its platform to advocate for educational improvements, emphasizing that the city's future success is tied to the education of its children.
• 🔍 The city will focus on identifying capable individuals for the board of managers, reflecting the diversity of Fort Worth and bringing a range of experiences.
• 💬 Transparency and clear communication will be prioritized for parents and teachers as the process unfolds.

Addressing Concerns and Comparisons

• 🚫 Mayor Parker does not view this as a takeover, emphasizing that leadership will remain with the city and the board of managers.
• 📈 While acknowledging the Houston ISD intervention, she notes differences and hopes Fort Worth can achieve significant positive growth under the new model, potentially with a head start due to approved changes.
• 🌟 The importance of positive messaging and showcasing the good work of students and educators is highlighted to combat potential negativity.