A major shakeup in Fort Worth ISD leadership has sparked strong reactions across the district, including from one of its own elected trustees.
Dr. Michael Ryan, 2nd Vice President of the Fort Worth ISD Board of Trustees, recently shared his concerns about the Texas Education Agency’s decision to remove Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinar and move forward with a state takeover of the district.
Ryan argues the move comes despite what he describes as measurable academic progress under Molinar’s leadership, including improvements in student performance and testing scores across several campuses. In his view, the decision ignores signs of improvement and raises larger questions about the direction of public education in Texas.
Ryan, who says he has nearly five decades of experience in education as a teacher, administrator, and district leader, believes local public schools play a critical role in communities and should remain accountable to voters through elected school boards.
He also points to concerns about teacher shortages, school funding, and the growing influence of charter schools in Texas education policy. According to Ryan, addressing teacher pay and strengthening educator preparation programs would go further in improving schools than increased state control.
The Texas Education Agency has defended its actions in Fort Worth and other districts as part of efforts to improve struggling schools. Under state law, the commissioner can replace local leadership if certain performance standards are not met.
The situation now places Fort Worth ISD under state-appointed leadership rather than the locally elected board.
For families in Fort Worth and surrounding communities like Benbrook, the decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about how Texas schools are governed and how best to support student success.
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