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Texas Takes Control of Fort Worth ISD as Schools Open

State managers imposed a scripted curriculum, creating the Elevate Network to lift low-performing campuses and alter which schools could face future state action.

Caddies of pens, pencils, note cards and other supplies sit on desks in a third grade classroom at Rufino Mendoza Elementary School on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Principal Katy Myers Allis said all classrooms will have students sit in pairs with supplies at the ready.

Overview

  • The district began the 2026–27 school year Monday under Texas Education Agency control with Peter Licata and a nine-member Board of Managers running operations.
  • Officials say every classroom was staffed on day one despite more than 1,000 employees leaving during the takeover and nearly 900 teachers resigning after mandatory re-interviews.
  • About 350 teachers are uncertified this year, and the state closed the district’s immigrant student campus while cutting some central student-facing roles such as special education and bilingual support.
  • The Elevate Network groups 19 lowest-performing campuses under a scripted curriculum, a longer school year and higher pay, with schools required to earn C ratings for two years to exit the program.
  • A formal TEA campus ratings release coming this week could determine which schools gain autonomy, which remain under close state oversight, and whether further interventions or closures follow.