The Texas Education Agency has officially taken over Fort Worth ISD – appointing a new superintendent and managers.
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath appointed Superintendent Peter Licata and nine members to a board of managers to oversee Fort Worth ISD, the TEA announced March 24.
“After years of leadership that has failed them, Fort Worth ISD students need a lifeline,” said State Board of Education Member Brandon Hall to The Dallas Express. “I am hopeful that state intervention can give them that.”
As The Dallas Express reported, the agency announced in 2025 that it would take over after the district repeatedly failed to meet academic standards.
For Fort Worth ISD to exit state oversight, it must meet certain criteria, per TEA:
“…the Board of Managers will work with the new superintendent to accomplish the exit criteria set forth by TEA that must occur before the transition back to the elected board. Specifically, the exit criteria that address the underlying causes for intervention include(1) ensuring the district has zero multi-year unacceptable campuses, (2) the district exceeds the state and/or regional average for ‘Meets Grade Level’ proficiency in Reading Language Arts and Mathematics and (3) using the Lone Star Governance Continuous Improvement Framework, the School Board must achieve a ‘Meets Focus’.”
In the meantime, the board of managers serves as the interim board of trustees. Like the current board, it will be responsible for managing the district, holding public board meetings, and meeting the same legal requirements and obligations – including open meetings and transparency.
“Parents remain the primary stakeholders in Fort Worth ISD. The success of this intervention will depend on their involvement,” Hall said. “I hope they will make their voices heard when they have concerns or feedback for the district.”
Licata began working under a 21-day interim contract on March 24, pending the board’s official approval. He has more than 30 years of education experience, most recently serving as superintendent of Broward County Public Schools in Florida.
The new board of managers includes former Democrat U.S. Rep. Pete Geren, Texas A&M-Fort Worth COO Bobby Ahdieh, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce Member Courtney Lewis, Recovery Resource Council Chair Rosa Maria Berdeja, Fort Worth ISD parent and former teacher Laurie George, Fort Worth ISD parent and Attorney Tennessee Walker, Attorney Luis Galindo, businessman Jay Stegall, and businessman Frost Prioleau.
“I was not familiar with Dr. Peter B. Licata before his appointment, but I look forward to meeting him and learning more about his background and plans to improve the district,” Hall said. “Now that the new superintendent and board of managers are in place, let’s give them a chance to be successful and evaluate them based on student outcomes.”
The TEA chose temporary leadership from a wide pool of qualified applicants, Morath said in the release.
“Fort Worth wants the best possible academic outcomes for every student, as evidenced by the hundreds of community members that showed their willingness to serve,” Morath said. “Possessing a diverse range of experiences and expertise, the governance and leadership team appointed today is comprised of individuals with an aligned vision and collective belief that all students, when properly supported, can achieve at high levels.”