Plenty of parents see successes in Fort Worth ISD. Our leaders need a closer look | Opinion
In recent weeks, the Fort Worth ISD has faced renewed scrutiny. Public comments by Mayor Mattie Parker and the abrupt resignation of Superintendent Angélica Ramsey after just two years in the role have left many families concerned.
The message from our civic leaders emphasizes data points and test scores. This leads some to believe that our public schools are failing. However, many parents of FWISD students believe this narrative is harmful and overlooks the successes happening at numerous campuses across the district.
While there are certainly areas worth improving, it seems as though the loudest critics come from outside the arena. Those of us actually in our neighborhood schools see many children thriving.
As parents of FWISD students, we have chosen to invest our time, energy and resources in our neighborhood schools — not just for our children, but for all students. Over the years, we’ve witnessed the transformative power of community engagement. When neighbors, even those without direct ties to the schools, come together to support our children and staff, the results are astounding.
For example, some PTAs have grown from barely meeting quorum requirements to become some of the largest in the district. When a school needed funds for a new auditorium sound system, the community raised the money quickly, pulling support from current families, alumni, local churches, and even neighbors without children.
In the Near Southside, five schools came together for a “Back to Public School Bash” two years in a row, raising funds and distributing them to schools in need. It is no coincidence that these schools are now some of the top performing campuses in the district. This was not always the case, but with a little intention, we’ve seen real gains.
Yet, this community-driven progress is often overshadowed by criticism at higher levels. When we hear the mayor describe the data as telling a “sobering story” of unacceptable results, it conflicts with the hope and support we see in our neighborhoods.
We were particularly disheartened when an opinion column in The Dallas Morning News warning that a private-school voucher system threatens public education was signed by every major chamber of commerce in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with one notable exception: the Fort Worth Chamber.
To save our public schools, we must all get on the same page. Rather than criticizing from the sidelines, we ask our civic and business leaders to join us in the arena, get involved in our neighborhood schools, collaborate with our gifted public educators and show real commitment to Fort Worth ISD.
Our schools are havens for the children of Fort Worth. They offer safety, love, and encouragement. They provide meals, inclusion and support to help our future leaders grow. In our public schools, children and adults alike learn to work and succeed together with people from all walks of life.
Rather than seeking solutions elsewhere, let’s engage more with each other. When you hear someone criticize FWISD — whether it’s your neighbor, a fellow congregant or a co-worker — ask them: “When was the last time you visited a local school? We could really use a few more volunteers for our fall festival in a few weeks.”
