Texas Education Agency Warns Fort Worth ISD of Potential Takeover Over Failing School

Formal Warning to Fort Worth ISD

• ⚠️ The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has issued a formal warning to Fort Worth ISD, initiating the first step towards a potential state takeover.
• 🎯 This action follows the Forest Oak sixth grade campus receiving an 'F' rating, marking its fifth consecutive unacceptable rating since 2016.

TEA's Grounds for Intervention

• 📊 TEA data indicates the Forest Oak campus failed to meet standards in student achievement, school progress, and closing performance gaps.
• 🚨 If ratings issued in August remain unacceptable, the TEA has the authority to reconstitute the school board, replace the superintendent, or even order a campus closure.

Fort Worth ISD's Response and Proposed Changes

• 🛠️ Fort Worth ISD has already merged the Forest Oak campus with another school and is implementing changes, including redesigning their literacy framework and planning structures for teachers.
• 💬 Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinart is leading these efforts with transparency and urgency, according to Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker.

Concerns Regarding State Intervention

• 🧐 Professor David Matthews questions the effectiveness of state takeovers, citing issues in Houston where a superintendent closed libraries in schools serving low-income students.
• ⚖️ Fort Worth ISD plans to appeal the TEA's decision, with the appeal process running through August.