Supporters and critics of reassigned Western Hills High School principal appointee Shayma Alzubi attended a Fort Worth ISD Board of Managers workshop on June 1, offering sharply divided views on the district’s decision to reassign her pending an investigation.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Fort Worth ISD confirmed that Alzubi was reassigned after the district reviewed past social media posts associated with her account. The district said the reassignment would remain in place pending the outcome of an investigation. The decision came after The Dallas Express requested comment from the district regarding Alzubi’s past social media activity.
The June 1 meeting was a special workshop focused on local orientation training for new board members. Board officials said public comment was limited to items on the posted agenda and repeatedly reminded speakers to avoid personnel matters.
Several speakers who referenced Alzubi or other personnel matters were interrupted or warned to stay within the posted agenda.
During public comment, multiple speakers called for Alzubi to be reinstated and criticized district leadership for what they viewed as a lack of transparency.
“Uphold constitutional protections, apply fair and consistent personnel standards and maintain confidence in our leadership by ensuring decisions are based on evidence and educational performance,” retired Fort Worth ISD educator Christine Combes Moore told the board.
Zach Leonard, president of FORT, Families Organized and Resisting Takeover, urged district officials to focus on students while opposing discrimination.
“Please set this priority. Resist racism, bigotry and set your community guardrails accordingly. Focus on the students, focus on literacy, focus on improving our schools, and we will stand as a partner,” Leonard said.
Other speakers supported the district’s decision to review Alzubi’s appointment.
Krista Shields, Texas state director for RAIR Foundation USA, praised the board for reviewing personnel decisions.
“I want to start by thanking this board for doing their due diligence, for taking a pause when it comes to your personnel and those that you are putting in charge of protecting your children, to continue to review the policies in your own handbook,” Shields told the board.
Deborah Goodman also urged the board to keep students at the center of its decisions.
“We should not be trying to politicize a role and say that this is what we should have,” Goodman told the board. “It should be what is in the necessity and what is good for the kids.”
The controversy surrounding Alzubi has drawn attention across Fort Worth following reports of past social media activity associated with her account. Fort Worth ISD has not announced when its investigation will conclude.
The Dallas Express reached out to Fort Worth ISD for an update on the investigation but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
