Texas Education Agency names conservator to oversee Fort Worth ISD

FORT WORTH, Texas - The Texas Education Agency has named a former teacher and New Mexico state education secretary to oversee Fort Worth ISD in the wake of its state takeover after the district had several schools that were "academically unacceptable for many years in a row."

What we know:

Former New Mexico Education Secretary Christopher Ruszkowski will serve as the conservator of the district, overseeing Fort Worth ISD's board, superintendent and other school administrators and to make sure the district's turnaround plans are implemented.

Ruszkowski serves as conservator for IDEA Public Schools, a statewide charter school network following a state investigation into misconduct.

Ruszkowski is the founding CEO of the South Carolina children’s fund, a statewide education organization. Prior to that, he was Secretary of Education in New Mexico under former Gov. Susana Martinez and was Assistant Secretary of Education in Delaware under former Gov. Jack Markell.

As the conservator, he oversees the superintendent, principal and governance teams. He will also report to the TEA on governance activities as well as the district's academic progress. 

What they're saying:

"Throughout my three decades in education, I’ve been honored to take on unique roles during critical inflection points for schools, states and organizations," Ruszkowski said. "This conservator appointment is another opportunity to engage in public service of the highest calling. I look forward to working with district leadership in service of the students, teachers and community of Fort Worth."

TEA to appoint board of managers and superintendent

Local perspective:

It was a packed house on Thursday night at Polytechnic High School. Everyone was eager to hear what the Texas Education Agency had to say about the state takeover of Fort Worth ISD, which includes replacing the board of trustees with a board of managers and appointing a new superintendent.

Those in the audience tonight were visibly upset with the state takeover announcement. Frustration can be heard in the comments and questions. People were also concerned with the transparency of the process of selecting a new board of managers, superintendent, and curriculum changes. 

Education Commissioner Mike Morath said the agency had started the application process to identify community members to serve on the district's board of managers. Once selected, the board of managers will take over from the board of trustees and work with the superintendent to improve the district.

"The appointment of a board of managers to a district is not permanent and is subject to statutory timeline expiration," Morath said in a letter to the district. "My hope is that members of the board of trustees will engage with members of the board of managers in an advisory capacity during the term of the board of managers appointment so that when the time comes for the elected officials to return, the transition will be seamless."

Morath will also be tasked with appointing a new superintendent for Fort Worth ISD. Current Fort Worth ISD superintendent Karen Molinar says she plans to apply for the superintendent role. 

Dig deeper:

"A board of managers is a rare occurrence. Only 10 of these have happened since the year 2000; Fort Worth is the 11th," said Steve Lecholop, the deputy commissioner for governance at the TEA.

The state takeover will last up to two years, then the TEA commissioner could decide to transition power back to elected officials or extend the takeover for another two years. 

When it was time for questions, people didn't hold back their frustrations with the process.

"I hope the ISD continues to fight this. These parents showed up. The parking lot is full, we care… we care… we do not want a hostile takeover, which is what this is," said Fort Worth ISD parent, Melissa K.

The meeting ended promptly after an hour, despite dozens of people still in line to ask questions.

"So I feel in a situation like this where parents and community members are coming together, they should be willing to honor that, that energy and people showing up to say okay, we'll stay half an hour to hear everybody else," said Fort Worth resident, Nydia Cardenas.

What's next:

It was also shared that the board of managers will hold school board meetings and have time for public comments to get feedback from the community. 

School board elections will also continue even though the elected officials won't have any authority. 

There is another TEA community meeting planned for next Thursday.