Fort Worth Independent School District’s new state-appointed board voted 8-0 Tuesday night to approve staff reductions as part of a broader turnaround plan for struggling schools in the district.
The Board of Managers approved the move during a special meeting at district headquarters after considering changes affecting employees under Chapter 21 contracts, which can include classroom teachers, principals, librarians, nurses, and school counselors. The district did not say how many employees would be affected.
District leaders tied the reductions to a new school improvement strategy. Under the district’s “ELEVATE” model, 13 schools will receive added support, including higher teacher compensation, a longer school year, and additional oversight resources. A separate “ACE” turnaround model is set for six more schools.
District officials said teachers displaced under the new model would be considered for other roles within Fort Worth ISD. The approved reduction in force also covers campuses already slated for closure.
The vote came as Fort Worth ISD continues under Texas Education Agency control following the state takeover. The TEA replaced the elected board with a Board of Managers and installed Peter Licata as superintendent. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the state declined to retain former Superintendent Karen Molinar as part of the transition.
Licata defended the changes during the meeting by pointing to low student performance across the district. “I want everyone to understand a number. 24,914,” he said. “That is the number of students in this district who are not reading on grade level or are not proficient.”
The meeting also drew criticism from parents and teachers. Rev. Kristin Klade of Families Organized Resisting Takeover said, “When we abruptly eliminate experienced staff — we don’t just lose employees. We unravel the invisible infrastructure that holds a school and a community together.”