Fort Worth ISD is closing Kirkpatrick schools. They’re named for Black educator
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Fort Worth ISD school closures
Officials in the Fort Worth Independent School District say that closing and consolidating more than a dozen campuses will save the district millions of dollars over the next four years, allowing them to redirect more money toward academic priorities.
Here’s what to know.
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Milton L. Kirkpatrick Elementary and Kirkpatrick Middle School are two of the 18 schools Fort Worth ISD will close over the next four years.
The Fort Worth school board voted 8-0 on May 20 to approve a plan to shutter 16 schools between 2026 and 2029. Previously, the district voted to close two schools in June 2025.
These closures are part of the district’s facilities master plan, which is intended to help Fort Worth ISD manage revenue loss from declining enrollment.
Milton L. Kirkpatrick Elementary is closing in June 2026, and Kirkpatrick Middle is closing in June 2029. Both schools are named after a historic Black educator.
Here’s what to know about the man behind the name.
A Fort Worth educator
Milton Leonard Kirkpatrick (1916-1949) was a Fort Worth educator, who worked in a couple schools across the district.
He and his family moved around the country frequently due to his father’s job, according to previous Star-Telegram reporting. Kirkpatrick’s father was one of the few Black U.S. government meat inspectors in the South.
Kirkpatrick began teaching at Clinton Avenue Elementary School, later moving into the vice principal role at I.M. Terrell High School in 1945. Kirkpatrick was active in teacher organizations, including the Fort Worth Classroom Teachers Association, where he became president of the Black affiliate.
During his tenure, Kirkpatrick fought for equal pay for Black teachers and equal education opportunities for Black children, according to previous Star-Telegram reporting.
Kirkpatrick’s death and school naming
In 1948, Kirkpatrick earned a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Northwestern University.
After earning his degree, Kirkpatrick was due to become a principal within Fort Worth ISD. However, he became ill and was not able to resume his position at the start of the 1948-1949 school year.
On Feb. 4, 1949, Kirkpatrick died from illness. He was 33 years old.
Kirkpatrick was survived by his wife Mildred Kirkpatrick, who was also a teacher within the district. Funeral services were held at Saint Andrews Methodist Church, according to previous Star-Telegram reporting.
Just a few months later in October 1949, the Fort Worth school board voted to name a school after Kirkpatrick.
“He was a fine young man who made a very fine contribution to his community,” superintendent M.H. Moore said at the time.
This story was originally published June 21, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
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