Key Points:
- Fort Worth ISD state takeover confirmed; Christopher Ruszkowski appointed conservator.
- Elected school board replaced by appointed board; superintendent search to begin.
- Focus on improving academic performance and meeting Texas education standards.
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath has confirmed the Fort Worth ISD state takeover and appointed Christopher Ruszkowski as conservator to oversee improvement plans for underperforming schools.
Morath informed the Fort Worth ISD Board of Trustees and Superintendent Karen Molinar of his decision on Thursday. The move will replace the elected school board with an appointed board of managers and launch a nationwide search for a superintendent, with Molinar eligible to reapply for the position. Applications for the board of managers are due by November 21.
Conservator Appointment and District Oversight
Ruszkowski’s appointment as conservator takes effect immediately. He will work alongside district leaders to ensure that state academic and operational standards are met.
In a statement, Morath said the decision followed an informal review meeting held last week in Austin, during which district representatives presented their case. After evaluating the district’s performance data, Morath reaffirmed the Fort Worth ISD state takeover “in the best interest of the students of Fort Worth ISD.”
The decision stems from the Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade Campus receiving five consecutive failing accountability ratings from the state. Under Texas education law, this requires either closing the campus or replacing the school board with a board of managers. The school was closed in 2023 and merged with Forest Oak Middle School.
Ruszkowski, who previously served as New Mexico’s secretary of education and Delaware’s associate secretary of education, said he looks forward to working with FWISD leadership. He continues to serve as a conservator for IDEA Public Schools, where he was appointed in 2024 after the Texas Education Agency (TEA) reviewed financial and operational issues.
Superintendent and School Board Reactions
Superintendent Karen Molinar expressed her continued commitment to students and confirmed that she intends to apply for the superintendent position once the search begins.
“My intent remains the same—to apply for the position of superintendent,” Molinar said. “The focus remains on meeting the needs of our students in FWISD. Our employees are committed to providing high-quality instruction each day in every classroom.”
School board president Roxanne Martinez said the district leadership remains proud of educators and staff for their progress and dedication to student learning.
“We believe our district has demonstrated meaningful progress and that local governance, supported by our community, is essential to sustained student success,” Martinez said. “Our educators continue to provide high-quality instruction to our students every day.”
The district has the option to appeal the Fort Worth ISD state takeover to the State Office of Administrative Hearings within 15 days.
Focus on Academic Improvement
The state’s intervention aims to support school turnaround efforts and ensure all campuses meet Texas academic standards. Ruszkowski said he views the conservatorship as “an opportunity to engage in public service of the highest calling” and will work to assist educators and leaders in serving students effectively.
He emphasized that collaboration with teachers, staff, and the community will be central to improving student outcomes.
With the Fort Worth ISD state takeover, attention now turns to the appointment of a new board of managers and superintendent—both expected to shape the district’s next phase of academic recovery and leadership stability.
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