Students at Fort Worth Independent School District are headed back to school on campuses that look different than last year.
The district was taken over by the state in October 2025 after one of its campuses received a failing accountability rating for five consecutive years. As part of the takeover, Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath appointed new leadership, including Peter Licata as the new superintendent, ahead of this school year.
The takeover has sparked community and parent backlash after the newly appointed board of managers closed a campus dedicated to immigrant and refugee students, fired a newly hired Muslim principal, sparked a mass exodus of over 1,000 teachers, and cut several staff positions.
As part of the takeover, teachers will have to follow much stricter rules and guidelines related to how they run their classrooms: Teachers will no longer allow students to put their head down or end class early, and instruction will be ongoing in classrooms until the bell rings. Classroom lights must remain on and teachers must use limited decorations. Refrigerators and microwaves are no longer allowed in classrooms due to the high electric bills, according to Licata.
Lessons will also be standardized across the district.
One of the biggest changes this year is the introduction of the Elevate Network, which was created by Licata and the new board of managers. It includes 19 of Fort Worth ISD’s lowest-performing campuses, and features scripted curriculum, a longer school year, and higher teacher pay. Schools will need a C accountability rating grade or better for two consecutive years to graduate out of the program.
The following schools are part of the Elevate Network:
- Monnig Middle School
- Morningside Middle School
- Wedgwood Middle School
- William James Middle School
- Clifford Davis Elementary
- Diamond Hill Elementary
- East Handley Elementary
- Eastern Hills-West Handley Elementary
- George C. Clarke Elementary
- Harlean Beal Elementary
- Hazel Harvey Peace Elementary
- Maudrie Walton Elementary
- Rufino Mendoza Elementary
- T.A. Sims Elementary
- Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary
- Westcreek Elementary
- Western Hills Elementary
- W.J. Turner Elementary
- W.M. Green Elementary
Eight Fort Worth ISD campuses that received A ratings for three consecutive years have earned the ability to operate more independently amid the takeover, having more flexibility over schedules, staffing models, and budgets. However, they must still follow the same district-wide standardized curriculum.
During a town hall hosted by state Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) on Aug. 4 focused on the takeover, parents grilled Licata about the changes, as well as their concerns that around 350 Fort Worth ISD teachers are uncertified this school year.
Parents also shared their concerns that Licata himself doesn’t have a Texas superintendent certification. He told parents at the town hall that he’s currently working toward his certification, but that it can take one to two years.
While parents have continued to voice their frustrations with the takeover, others have voiced their optimism.
“It’s going to be different,” Gabriela Aguilar, mother to a student at Versia Williams Elementary School told Courier Texas on Monday. “I’ve definitely heard a lot of different changes, I’ve heard it’s going to be more strict. I’m kind of worried, but I hope these changes end up being for the better.”
The district takeover does not have a fixed end date. Under state law, Morath’s appointed board of managers and superintendent will remain in control for at least two years, but can stay for several years until the district demonstrates academic improvement.
