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Fort Worth ISD’s State Board Confirms Licata and Sets Leadership in First Public Meeting

Community scrutiny over transparency put pressure on leaders to deliver weekly updates.

Overview

  • The state-appointed Board of Managers, which met Tuesday, unanimously confirmed Peter Licata as interim superintendent in its first public session.
  • Board members selected Pete Geren as president, Courtney Lewis as vice president, and Rosa Maria Berdeja as secretary, and granted Licata a waiver to serve without Texas certification.
  • Dozens of parents, employees, and former trustees pressed for clear agendas and open decision-making during public comment, and Licata pledged Friday updates and visits to every campus before the school year ends.
  • Members temporarily suspended several local policies to speed operations during the transition, covering board authority and ethics along with at-will hiring, assignments, and schedules.
  • Next steps include an April 28 meeting to consider a longer-term contract for Licata, following a TEA takeover prompted by five consecutive failing grades under the state accountability system.