Fort Worth Parent Dena Silva on State Takeover and Community Involvement

Community Response to State Takeover

• 💡 Dena Silva, a parent of two children in Fort Worth ISD, is applying to be on the board of managers to show the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that the community is invested in advocating for its children.
• ❓ The takeover has left many in the Fort Worth community with more questions than answers, causing anxiety for children and uncertainty about potential program cuts.
• 🗣️ Silva expresses a desire for direct communication with TEA Commissioner Morath, questioning his intentions and seeking clarity on lessons learned from the Houston takeover.

Concerns and Questions for the TEA

• 📈 Silva is interested in understanding what specific changes the TEA plans to implement in Fort Worth, drawing parallels to the Houston situation and asking how processes will be improved for better outcomes.
• ❓ She questions how the TEA's approach in Fort Worth will differ from Houston and what they have learned from that experience.

Support for Teachers

• 🍎 Silva acknowledges the immense difficulty teachers have faced, especially through the pandemic, and the exhaustion from constant news of funding cuts and takeovers.
• 🙏 She emphasizes the importance of parents showing gratitude and support to teachers by simply showing up and saying thank you, which can go a long way.
• 🤝 Parents need to be active at the local school level to show teachers they are not alone and that the community values their work.

Fort Worth ISD's Strengths and Community Call to Action

• ✨ Despite the current spotlight on failing schools, Silva highlights Fort Worth ISD's strong academic and non-academic programs and its dedication to celebrating students.
• 📢 She calls on the economic community and business owners to support employees who consider serving on the board of managers, recognizing it as an unpaid, demanding position.
• 🏘️ A representative board is crucial for the diverse Fort Worth community, requiring community support for its members.

Parental Trust and Teacher Dedication

• ✅ Silva trusts the teachers in Fort Worth ISD, recognizing their daily dedication and commitment to their profession, often going above and beyond.
• 💖 She pledges her support to the teachers throughout the entire process, valuing their role in providing the education children deserve.