Fort Worth ISD Unveils New Administrative Structure
Emphasis on alignment, accountability will support new Learning Networks
Citing a continued mission toward a Singleness of Purpose, Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Walter Dansby on Tuesday unveiled a new organizational plan for the District’s administration.
“This reorganization is a systematic approach to the alignment of resources and support and accountability,” said Mr. Dansby. “We are embracing the Malcolm Baldrige model which uses validated, leading-edge management practices against which we can measure ourselves and others.”
FWISD has reorganized the way schools are supported. Curriculum and Instruction has become Teaching and Learning. School Leadership has become School Leadership and Learning. These two divisions partnered to develop Learning Networks that will directly support school campuses.
“There are two keywords: alignment and accountability. By adhering to both of these ideals, we will achieve the Singleness of Purpose we need to get the job done,” said Mr. Dansby.
This new structure places departments and responsibilities where they make the most sense, and not necessarily where they’ve historically resided, Mr. Dansby said.
It also places new emphasis on “follow-through,” the Superintendent said.
“We all have to be accountable,” he continued. "We’re going to evaluate every program and every function and we’re going to ask ‘Is this the best way to get the job done?’”
As part of the reorganization, current District leaders will assume these new roles:
- Chief of Schools Robert Ray will become the new Deputy Superintendent for Program Efficiency, Effectiveness and Sustainability.
- Chief Academic Officer Michael Sorum will be the new Deputy Superintendent for Leadership, Learning and Student Support.
- Current Chief Financial Officer Hank Johnson will have the new title of Deputy Superintendent of Finance Business and Operations.
Associate Superintendent of Elementary School Leadership Sherry Breed will assume duties as the new Chief of Leadership, Learning and Student Support Services. She will report to Mr. Sorum.
Chief of District Operations Art Cavazos and Chief of Technology Kyle Davie will report to Mr. Johnson, as will the head of Human Capital Management.
“These are some important first steps in transforming our District to a higher performing teaching and learning organization, said Mr. Dansby. Ultimately it is the talent and the dedication of our employees that will shape the success of our District.”
The District’s Capital Improvement Program, Athletic, Legal and Communications Departments will continue to report directly to the superintendent.
Mr. Dansby earlier announced the formation of three Learning Networks, each responsible for a specific number of schools. Each network is comprised of content specialists, school leadership directors, and liaisons from almost every division in the District. These teams will provide campus-specific support to teachers and administrators. This was without additional cost to the budget and, in fact, streamlining resources in a way that mirrors best practices in high-performing urban districts.
The new organizational structure has resulted in a reduction of the number of people who work in Central Office and re-deployed them to campuses where they are more needed.
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