Fort Worth ISD’s back-to-school convocation at Dickies Arena cost nearly $189,000, with the district paying almost $99,000 after initially indicating outside donors would cover the event.
The Aug. 5 gathering brought about 11,000 FWISD employees together for a districtwide kickoff featuring live music, a motivational speaker, and other activities.
According to CBS News Texas, the total cost was $188,916.12. Donors contributed $90,000 through the Fort Worth ISD Education Foundation, leaving FWISD to pay $98,916.12.
Reported expenses included:
- Dickies Arena: $94,311.28
- T-shirts: $62,999.84
- Rally towels: $14,630
- Emerald City Band: $10,000
- Motivational speaker: $6,000
- Photographer: $975
The disclosure comes after district officials initially said outside donors, rather than FWISD, would pay for the event.
The spending is also drawing attention as FWISD begins the 2026-27 school year under state control with a nearly $1 billion budget and a $49.8 million deficit, according to CBS News Texas.
These are district dollars, especially since Benbrook Middle-High, Westpark Elementary, Rolling Hills Elementary, and Western Hills High are among FWISD’s local schools.
The numbers now provide a clearer picture: the convocation cost nearly $189,000, donors covered $90,000, and FWISD paid nearly $99,000.
The remaining question is why the district’s initial account of who would pay differed from what was later disclosed.
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