TEA Seizes Fort Worth ISD in Second-Largest Takeover

The Texas Education Agency announced it is taking control of the Fort Worth Independent School District, replacing the elected board with a state-appointed board of managers, appointing a conservator, and launching a nationwide superintendent search; the move affects roughly 70,000–75,000 students and is being called the second-largest district takeover in Texas history. The action follows persistent academic failures, including Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade receiving a fifth consecutive ‘unacceptable’ rating and state data showing only about one-third of students at grade level and roughly 20 campuses repeatedly rated academically unacceptable. Commissioner Mike Morath said the board had “failed the students”; the elected trustees will lose decision-making authority, schools will remain open and day-to-day instruction will continue, and Superintendent Karen Molinar will stay temporarily but must reapply for the role. The district can appeal the takeover next week, and the intervention is authorized under state laws including HB 1842 and SB 1365. Local reaction was mixed: the school board expressed disappointment while Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker offered cautious support, and officials pointed to the 2023 Houston ISD takeover as a possible but contested model for improvement.