Residents and leaders react to Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Angélica Ramsey’s voluntary resignation on September 24, which the school board accepted in an 8-1 vote.
Ramsey will step down as superintendent on October 1, but she will remain employed by the district until August 30, 2025. It is uncertain what role she will have in the district after October 1.
Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Dr. Angelica Ramsey has released her complete statement.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Fort Worth ISD board for allowing me the honor of serving this district over the past two years. It has been a privilege, and I have approached this responsibility with the utmost seriousness and dedication,” Ramsey stated.
Ramsey said that during her time as Superintendent, she was able to improve student performance.
“The district’s estimated overall rating increased by 6 points, from 64 in 2023 to an anticipated C rating of 70 in 2024. This represents a significant 36% decrease in the number of students attending D or F-rated campuses, meaning over 16,000 fewer students are enrolled in low-performing schools. This progress highlights the district’s commitment to improving student outcomes and creating more equitable learning environments,” Ramsey said in her statement.
Ramsey also said thank you to Fort Worth ISD students.
“Lastly, to the students of Fort Worth ISD: thank you. It has been my greatest honor to serve you. Your feedback, resilience, and determination have inspired me. Remember, you are the heart of this district. Whoever follows me in this position is here to serve you, and I believe in your potential to shape a brighter future for this community,” Ramsey wrote.
Not every community member agreed with Ramsey.
“We have been telling you over and over what needs to change, yet you’ve ignored us,” FWISD teacher Meghan Breedlove said during public comment this past Tuesday.
“Instead of requiring students to behave appropriately and work hard so that top-notch instruction can take place, you provide scripted lessons to tell us exactly what to say,” Breedlove said.
Despite Ramsey hanging on in some capacity until next summer, several residents and leaders welcomed the news of her resignation.
“FWISD has the opportunity to hire someone who will focus on improving the education of our kids. There needs to be a focus on academics and discipline and not on radical and dangerous social contagions like DEI and LGTBQ+. The Board will determine its own fate with this hire. Choose wisely and put the district on a different course. Double down and the May elections are going to be painful,” Tarrant County Republican Party Chairman Bo French told The Dallas Express.
“This is a big win for Fort Worth. The next choice of who will replace Dr. Ramsey is vitally important! It’s time for our schools to EDUCATE our children, not INDOCTRINATE them,” State Rep. Nate Schatzline wrote on X.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker stated it was a difficult decision but applauded the board’s vote to accept Ramsey’s resignation.
“We commend Roxanne Martinez and the board for their action and pledge our ongoing support moving forward as they identify the transformative leader our district deserves. We must unite to ensure our schools thrive and build a brighter future for all our children. Together, we have the potential to make FWISD the premier public school district in the country,” Parker said in a statement posted on Facebook.
Residents who have spoken at Fort Worth ISD school board meetings have also praised the decision as the right step for the city.
“I’m glad that the FWISD Board listened to the people of FW and that Dr Ramsey is leaving. My hope going forward is that they will continue to listen to us and move forward with making our schools a better learning and teaching environment,” Tarrant County Citizens Defending Freedom, Freedom Lead Donna Collins told DX.
Others, however, were not supportive of Ramsey’s resignation.
“I am here to advocate on behalf of Dr. Angelica Ramsey, our esteemed superintendent, who I’ve known for 19 years. As a former student of hers, I can personally attest to the profound impact she has had on my life. Dr. Ramsey is a dedicated educator and mentor,” Israel Michelle said during public comment before the board voted to accept Ramsey’s resignation.