Overview
- The Fort Worth ISD Board of Managers voted July 21 to give the superintendent final authority to hire staff, removing prior posting and screening steps for some exempt positions.
- Superintendent Peter Licata told the board that the district has cut classroom teacher vacancies to about 20–22 and that the talent team has tracked roughly 1,026 staff separations since January.
- District leaders have accelerated hiring this summer, including 142 uncertified teachers hired in recent months and a TEA waiver application to allow more provisional hires while they complete certification.
- Notable vacancies remain for specialized roles, with Licata reporting openings for about 25 speech-language pathologists, 11 school psychologists, five dyslexia specialists, four inclusion teachers, and multiple bilingual support positions.
- Public comment at the board meeting showed visible skepticism about the pace and methods of change, and district officials say the state takeover contributed to elevated turnover and ongoing trust challenges.