Fear of the unknown shouldn’t prevent this bold step to fix Fort Worth ISD | Opinion
The phrase “state takeover” is enough to send a chill down the spine of any parent with children in Fort Worth ISD schools. It conjures up images of outside interference, a loss of local control and uncertainty. As a parent myself and the founder and executive director of Parent Shield Fort Worth, I understand that fear.
When families hear that term, “state takeover,” they get upset because of the unknown. They worry about what it will mean for their children’s teachers, their schools and their ability to have a voice in the process.
But we must ask ourselves: Has the fear of a state intervention overshadowed the fear of our students continuing to receive a substandard education?
Let’s look at the facts. Campuses such as William James Middle School and Leonard Middle School have struggled, each rated as failing for four consecutive years. Morningside Middle School has seen three. These are not just statistics; these are years of lost potential for our children.
At the end of the day, nothing is more important to me than seeing my children — and all FWISD students — get the education they deserve. When multiple schools are trapped in a cycle of chronic low performance, it’s a crisis.
To see the state come in to say, “Hey, this is a problem,” and to see now all the folks saying, “OK, this is a problem,” is an important step. But the problems are too deep. I hate that it had to come to this, but it’s needed: Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath should authorize the takeover.
For too long, the unacceptable has been accepted. We need a drastic change to pull these schools out of perpetual failure.
Parent Shield Fort Worth is working to support these struggling campuses, and we will continue to advocate for every student. But the severity of the problem calls for intervention beyond our local efforts.
The takeover would probably mean replacing the current elected board members. The threat of a state-appointed board of managers may be unsettling, but it introduces a level of accountability and urgency that the current system has failed to deliver in these specific high-need areas.
Another issue would be whether to retain Karen Molinar, the superintendent hired last year. That would be wise, as she has demonstrated strategic leadership that clearly reflects Fort Worth ISD’s capacity for growth and progress. In her short time as superintendent, Molinar has already made significant strides. We need a leader who is committed to engaging parents, teachers, and the community — and Molinar embodies that commitment.
Ultimately, the focus must remain where it matters most, on students. We want our kids to exceed state standards. We don’t want to just pass; we want to thrive.
Regardless of who is in charge, the goal is simple: We just want to see growth for our students.
Many are skeptical because of the potential for teachers leaving the district upon a takeover, but Houston ISD provides a clear example of success. Strong teachers stayed after Morath authorized a takeover in June 2023 and are driving improvements in the district.
The latest data shows that 83% of HISD teachers were rated “proficient,” and on the first day of school this year, the district had only two vacancies out of more than 10,500 teaching positions. By comparison, the year before the intervention, HISD had more than 580 open teaching positions on the first day of school.
So, while a takeover creates anxiety over the unknown, it also represents a powerful opportunity for a long-overdue reset. Let’s channel our fear into engagement, ensuring that any new governance is laser-focused on implementing real, effective reforms that lead to a better education for every single child in Fort Worth ISD.
Our children deserve nothing less than the very best, and if a state intervention is the catalyst, then let’s make sure it works.
Trenace Dorsey-Hollins, a lifelong Fort Worth resident, is the leader of Parent Shield Fort Worth, which helps parents advocate for their children in Fort Worth ISD.
