TEA warns Fort Worth ISD of potential state takeover after five failed ratings

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has formally notified Fort Worth Independent School District (ISD) that it is at risk of a state takeover after the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade received its fifth consecutive 'unacceptable' academic rating. State law requires that after five years of failing ratings for a single campus, the TEA must either appoint a board of managers to oversee the entire district or close the failing campus. Although Fort Worth ISD had already merged or closed the campus with TEA approval, the agency stated that this action does not negate the required intervention. The district received an overall grade of D in the latest accountability ratings, with 77 out of 147 campuses rated D or F, indicating broader academic challenges. The release of the 2023 ratings was delayed due to lawsuits challenging the state's accountability system, but those legal challenges have since been resolved in favor of the TEA. Fort Worth ISD has stated it will appeal the preliminary rating and remains focused on restructuring curriculum and supporting teachers to improve academic outcomes.