FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF News ) – Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and more than forty community leaders are calling for an overhaul of the school district.
The group signed a letter to the school board outlining how students are lagging behind other similarly-sized districts.
The letter states that in Spring 2024, Fort worth ISD students trailed 11 percentage points behind Dallas ISD and 14 points behind Houston ISD when it came to testing.
“When we look at the 24 public school systems serving more than 20,000 students in Texas with a similar student population, Fort Worth ISD is ranked third from the bottom at number 22 out of 24 districts, a 25 parentage point gap from the top of the list,” the letter states.
Mayor Parker spoke directly to the board during the public comment section of Tuesday’s meeting.
“On behalf of our entire city, I am calling for bold unified approach to turn our schools around,” she said.
The letter also included a list of demands:
- Developing clear and ambitious goals focused on student achievement.
- Aligning the goals with budget priorities informed by a thorough audit.
- Implementing high-quality instruction across every classroom.
- Prioritizing academic interventions for students who are falling behind.
- Conducting a comprehensive personnel audit, implementing targeted evaluation plans, and developing compensation programs that support and retain top educators.
- Pausing any further bond expenditure until a thoughtful district facilities plan is developed that enhances teacher capacity and student resources.
Despite the tension, Mayor Parker said she wants to the work with the board and offer support.
“Together, we can create a future where our city continue to thrive, and every Fort Worth family can confidently choose our public schools, knowing their children will receive a world-class education. Thank you for your dedication to serving on the school board. Let us seize this moment to lead Fort Worth to new heights, together,” said the letter.
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