Parents in Fort Worth organize to oppose potential state control over local schools
In the heart of North Texas, a new group named Families Organized Resisting Takeover (FORT) has been formed, aiming to prevent a potential state takeover of the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD). The urgency for the group's formation stems from persistent academic trouble at Forest Oak Sixth Grade Center, which has recorded five consecutive years of failing ratings.
The first meeting of FORT was held at an east Fort Worth church, attended by dozens of individuals. FORT leader Zach Leonard described the gathering as "one of the best meetings I've been to on behalf of our school district in decades." Lon Burnam, a former state representative, found the meeting productive and full of meaningful discussion.
Advocates, including FORT leader Zach Leonard, urge patience and continued effort. Leonard suggests it will take a few years for significant changes to occur. He believes the district is making progress and urges giving the superintendent and board time to turn things around. Leonard also believes a repeat of such state control in Fort Worth would be damaging.
The attendees expressed a desire for decisions about schools to remain local. They believe that local control is essential for the district's success. FWISD officials claim improvements in overall ratings and literacy scores. The district plans to roll out a "resource campus model" next year, converting seven struggling campuses into support hubs, aiming to provide additional resources and access to more experienced teachers.
The Texas Education Commissioner, Mike Morath, is expected to announce a decision within the next 2 to 3 months. Morath recently visited Fort Worth to review district efforts in person. Education Commissioner Mike Morath could respond by appointing a state board, a new superintendent - or both. FORT will continue organizing and advocating for local control until a decision is made.
It's important to note that other large Texas districts, including Houston, have previously been placed under full state control. The resource campus model is a significant step towards addressing the district's academic struggles, leaving the district vulnerable to intervention by the Texas Education Agency.
As the community waits for the Commissioner's decision, the focus remains on the progress being made and the hope for a future where local control can continue to guide the district's success.
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