Fort Worth ISD’s final appeal of TEA state takeover denied by judges
The Texas Education Agency is cleared to move forward with a state takeover of the Fort Worth Independent School District, according to a ruling by three state administrative law judges.
Fort Worth ISD lost its appeal in the case in which it challenged TEA’s takeover decision. In an order issued Thursday, the administrative law court granted TEA’s request to dismiss the case.
The administrative judges’ order is final and can’t be appealed, according to state law, meaning the TEA will move forward with appointing a board of managers to replace the elected school board. The court reviewed pleadings and evidence submitted from both the district and state education officials on the issue and determined there were no factual disputes that would justify overriding the TEA’s plans. A formal decision and order with the judges’ analysis will be issued within 30 days.
Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Karen Molinar said in a statement Friday that the district will continue staying focused on students while the final order is forthcoming.
“This action does not change our focus. Our team remains fully engaged in the day-to-day work of serving nearly 70,000 students, and we will continue working collaboratively with the Texas Education Agency while keeping student success at the center of every decision,” Molinar said. “Fort Worth ISD remains committed to serving students by strengthening classroom instruction, supporting educators, and ensuring safe, stable learning environments across the district.”
A TEA spokesperson said on Friday that the search process for a board of managers and superintendent remains ongoing.
Fort Worth ISD Board of Trustees President Roxanne Martinez said in a statement that the court’s action “is deeply disappointing” and “disregards the meaningful progress taking place in Fort Worth ISD.” She echoed Molinar’s sentiments, saying the board is dedicated to the success and support of all students.
“Our responsibility is to provide continuity, stability, and high-quality educational opportunities, especially in moments of uncertainty,” Martinez said. “We will continue to work constructively with district leadership, educators, families, and community partners to advocate for the best interests of our students and to support the ongoing work of the district throughout this process.”
One trustee, Wallace Bridges, announced his resignation from the board on Friday in response to the impending state takeover.
The judges’ decision comes forward about nine months after TEA notified the district last May of potential state intervention after the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade received five F ratings in a row from TEA. When this happens, state law requires the state education commissioner to replace the district’s elected school board with an appointed board of managers or close the school. The district already closed the campus at the end of the 2022-23 school year and consolidated it with Forest Oak Middle School.
The formal denial of the Fort Worth ISD’s appeal follows an initial effort to challenge the decision through an informal review meeting in October. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath informed Fort Worth ISD a week after the meeting that he was doubling down on the takeover decision, to include replacing the school board with a board of managers, initiating a nationwide search for a superintendent and appointing a state conservator to the district to oversee struggling schools and actions of district leaders.
TEA officials received 286 applications for the board of managers. Those who are selected will undergo governance training and an interview process. Morath has said he hopes to a board in place “in the spring.” Fort Worth ISD’s current superintendent, Molinar, will be considered as an applicant in the superintendent search.
Morath has already appointed Christopher Ruszkowski as the state conservator for the district and the state is reviewing applications for the board of managers’ and superintendent’s positions.
Steven Poole, executive director of the United Educators Association, said on Friday he expected the outcome to be in favor of TEA.
“I knew this day was coming. The Texas Education Agency was not going to be deterred in its takeover of Fort Worth ISD. The commissioner of education needs to respect and understand the unique Fort Worth communities by selecting a board of managers that resides in FWISD and broadly represents its citizens. There is overwhelming community support for Dr. Molinar to remain as superintendent, and I also hope Mr. Morath listens,” Poole said.
In December, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce shared a joint statement in support of the takeover after visiting Houston ISD, which has been under state intervention since 2023. Officials with the organizations said they saw engaged students and focused teachers with adults being held accountable for student success.
“The bold systemic changes led by Superintendent Miles are positively changing the trajectory of the lives of children,” the group said in a statement. “Through similar decisive and bold leadership, we are encouraged that the Fort Worth community will rise to the occasion for this generational opportunity to help all students reach their potential.”
The Star-Telegram has reached out to the chambers of commerce for additional comment.
The president of a group of parents and education advocates known as Families Organized Resisting Takeover, or FORT, Zach Leonard said, “We are steadfast in our commitment to the students and teachers of FWISD. We will continue our advocacy for transparency from the TEA and the Board of Managers. We call for the Board of Managers to be selected ONLY from within FWISD district boundaries.”
“We want to see a diverse group of individuals who are focused on the holistic needs of our students who understand the needs of our community,” he said. “We understand the need for academic improvement and hope this new direction is unique to Fort Worth and not a one size fits all approach as we have seen in Houston ISD”.
The takeover is expected to last at least two years. Morath has said he will begin returning the district to local control once he believes enough academic progress has been made.
This story was originally published February 6, 2026 at 2:23 PM.
