Today, the Texas Education Agency appointed a new superintendent and Board of Managers as part of the state intervention of Fort Worth ISD.

Dr. Peter B. Licata will serve as the superintendent of Fort Worth ISD and begins today under a 21-day interim contract until he receives formal approval from the appointed Board of Managers.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Licata has worked to improve student outcomes. Most recently, he served the students of Broward County Public Schools in Florida, which is the nation’s sixth-largest school district. Under his leadership, the district achieved its first A rating in over 14 years.

During his career, Dr. Licata has served as a teacher, coach, principal, regional superintendent, assistant superintendent, and university professor.

For the Board of Managers, Commissioner Morath and the Texas Education Agency reviewed hundreds of applicants and named nine members today. Tonight’s previously scheduled board meeting is being rescheduled.

“Fort Worth wants the best possible academic outcomes for every student, as evidenced by the hundreds of community members that showed their willingness to serve,” Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said. “Possessing a diverse range of experiences and expertise, the governance and leadership team appointed today is comprised of individuals with an aligned vision and collective belief that all students, when properly supported, can achieve at high levels. I look forward to seeing this belief in action and their leadership of Fort Worth ISD’s next chapter.”



Hoy, la Agencia de Educación de Texas ha nombrado a un nuevo superintendente y a una nueva Junta Directiva como parte de la intervención estatal en el Distrito Escolar de Fort Worth.

El Dr. Peter B. Licata ocupará el cargo de superintendente del Distrito Escolar de Fort Worth y comienza hoy con un contrato provisional de 21 días hasta que reciba la aprobación formal de la Junta de Administración designada.

Durante más de 30 años, el Dr. Licata ha trabajado para mejorar los resultados académicos de los alumnos. Más recientemente, prestó sus servicios a los alumnos de las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Broward en Florida, que es el sexto distrito escolar más grande del país. Bajo su liderazgo, el distrito obtuvo su primera calificación A en más de 14 años.

Para la Junta Directiva, el comisionado Morath y la Agencia de Educación de Texas han evaluado a cientos de candidatos y han nombrado hoy a nueve miembros. La reunión de la junta prevista para esta noche se ha aplazado.

“Fort Worth quiere los mejores resultados académicos posibles para todos los estudiantes, como lo demuestran los cientos de miembros de la comunidad que han mostrado su disposición a colaborar”, afirmó el comisionado de Educación de Texas, Mike Morath. “Con una amplia variedad de experiencias y conocimientos, el equipo de gobierno y liderazgo nombrado hoy está compuesto por personas con una visión compartida y la convicción colectiva de que todos los estudiantes, cuando reciben el apoyo adecuado, pueden alcanzar un alto rendimiento.

• Bobby Ahdieh: A higher education leader, Bobby Ahdieh arrived in Fort Worth in 2018 to serve as the Dean of the Texas A&M University School of Law, a role that has grown to oversee the training of graduate students across the healthcare, energy, and finance sectors as Chief Operating Officer of Texas A&M University – Fort Worth. Ahdieh holds degrees from Princeton University and Yale Law School.
   
• Rosa Maria Berdeja: Rosa Maria Berdeja has called the Fort Worth-area home for more than three decades. The sixth of nine children, she was the first in her family to both graduate high school and pursue higher education. An attorney, Berdeja serves as Chair-Elect of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Recovery Resource Council. She holds degrees from the University of North Texas and Texas A&M University School of Law.
   
• Luis A. Galindo: A practicing attorney for more than 35 years in the construction, business and real estate arenas, Luis A. Galindo has been involved in numerous community advocacy and philanthropic organizations in Fort Worth. In addition to his law practice, Galindo is an adjunct supervising attorney at the Texas A&M School of Law’s Entrepreneurship Law Clinic and teaches Business Law at Texas Wesleyan University. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law.
   
• Laurie George: A current Fort Worth ISD parent and former educator with more than a decade of experience working in public education, Laurie George brings significant experience supporting multilingual learners and students with disabilities across K-12 systems. A graduate of Oregon State University, George is a teaching fellow and pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of North Texas.
   
• Pete Geren: A Fort Worth native and proud Arlington Heights Yellow Jacket, Pete Geren has worked extensively with education partners, non-profit organizations, and community leaders to build a literacy ecosystem in the broader Fort Worth community. Currently the president and CEO of a Fort Worth-based nonprofit, Geren worked more than eight years in the Department of Defense under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Prior to that, Geren represented Fort Worth in Congress for four terms and served as a lawyer and business executive. He earned degrees in history and law from the University of Texas at Austin. Courtney Lewis: A finance and banking professional, Courtney Lewis is actively engaged in the Fort Worth civic and nonprofit space. She currently serves on the boards of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and Housing Channel and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Fort Worth, Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) DFW and Women Steering Business.
   
• Frost Prioleau: Guided by the philosophy of servant leadership, Frost Prioleau spent more than 35 years building successful, high-growth technology companies. A graduate of Princeton University, he and his wife Martha have called Fort Worth home for nearly 25 years.
   
• Jay Stegall: A business operations veteran in the restaurant, retail and consumer packaged goods industries, Jay Stegall leverages his professional experience in strategic planning and leadership toward serving his community. A Fort Worth native and proud husband, father and grandfather, he holds a bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Texas Christian University.
   
• Tennessee Walker: A parent of three children enrolled in Fort Worth ISD schools, Tennessee Walker is an attorney and serves as the board chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Greater Tarrant County. He has been actively involved in BBBS for more than 15 years, twice serving as a Big Brother in the program. Walker holds degrees from Texas A&M University and Baylor University School of Law. Together, the board and superintendent will work with the agency to improve outcomes for Fort Worth ISD students. We welcome Dr. Licata to Fort Worth and we thank the community members who will serve on our board.

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• Bobby Ahdieh: Líder en el ámbito de la educación superior, Bobby Ahdieh llegó a Fort Worth en 2018 para ocupar el cargo de decano de la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad Texas A&M, una función que ha ido ampliándose hasta abarcar la supervisión de la formación de estudiantes de posgrado en los sectores de la sanidad, la energía y las finanzas, en su calidad de director de operaciones de la Universidad Texas A&M – Fort Worth. Ahdieh es licenciado por la Universidad de Princeton y por la Facultad de Derecho de Yale.
   
• Rosa María Berdeja: Rosa María Berdeja lleva más de tres décadas viviendo en la zona de Fort Worth. Sexta de nueve hermanos, fue la primera de su familia en graduarse en el instituto y en cursar estudios superiores. Abogada de profesión, Berdeja es presidenta electa de la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de Fort Worth y presidenta de la Junta Directiva del Recovery Resource Council. Es licenciada por la Universidad del Norte de Texas y por la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad Texas A&M.
   
• Luis A. Galindo: Abogado en ejercicio desde hace más de 35 años en los ámbitos de la construcción, los negocios y el sector inmobiliario, Luis A. Galindo ha participado en numerosas organizaciones filantrópicas y de defensa de la comunidad en Fort Worth. Además de su práctica jurídica, Galindo es abogado supervisor adjunto en la Clínica de Derecho Empresarial de la Facultad de Derecho de Texas A&M e imparte clases de Derecho Mercantil en la Universidad Wesleyan de Texas. Obtuvo una licenciatura de la Universidad de Texas en El Paso y un Doctorado en Derecho de la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Texas.
   
• Laurie George: Madre de un alumno del Distrito Escolar de Fort Worth y antigua educadora con más de una década de experiencia en la educación pública, Laurie George aporta una amplia experiencia en el apoyo a alumnos multilingües y con discapacidades en los sistemas de educación primaria y secundaria. Graduada por la Universidad Estatal de Oregón, George es profesora becaria y está cursando su doctorado en la Universidad del Norte de Texas.
   
• Pete Geren: Nacido en Fort Worth y orgulloso miembro de los Yellow Jackets de Arlington Heights, Pete Geren ha colaborado ampliamente con socios educativos, organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro y líderes comunitarios para crear un ecosistema de alfabetización en la comunidad de Fort Worth en general. Actualmente presidente y director ejecutivo de una organización sin ánimo de lucro con sede en Fort Worth, Geren trabajó más de ocho años en el Departamento de Defensa bajo los mandatos de los presidentes George W. Bush y Barack Obama. Anteriormente, Geren representó a Fort Worth en el Congreso durante cuatro legislaturas y ejerció como abogado y ejecutivo empresarial. Es licenciado en Historia y Derecho por la Universidad de Texas en Austin.
   
• Courtney Lewis: Profesional del sector financiero y bancario, Courtney Lewis participa activamente en el ámbito cívico y sin ánimo de lucro de Fort Worth. Actualmente forma parte de los consejos de administración de la Cámara de Comercio de Fort Worth y de Housing Channel, y es miembro activo del Club Rotario de Fort Worth, de la Asociación para el Crecimiento Corporativo (ACG) DFW y de Women Steering Business.
   
• Frost Prioleau: Guiado por la filosofía del liderazgo de servicio, Frost Prioleau ha dedicado más de 35 años a crear empresas tecnológicas de éxito y rápido crecimiento. Graduado por la Universidad de Princeton, él y su esposa Martha llevan casi 25 años viviendo en Fort Worth.
   
• Jay Stegall: Veterano en operaciones empresariales en los sectores de la restauración, el comercio minorista y los bienes de consumo envasados, Jay Stegall aprovecha su experiencia profesional en planificación estratégica y liderazgo para servir a su comunidad. Nacido en Fort Worth y orgulloso esposo, padre y abuelo, es licenciado por la Universidad Estatal Stephen F. Austin y tiene un Máster Ejecutivo en Administración de Empresas por la Universidad Cristiana de Texas.
   
• Tennessee Walker: Padre de tres hijos matriculados en escuelas del Distrito Escolar de Fort Worth, Tennessee Walker es abogado y ocupa el cargo de presidente de la junta directiva de Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) del Gran Condado de Tarrant. Lleva más de 15 años participando activamente en BBBS, habiendo ejercido en dos ocasiones como “hermano mayor” en el programa. Walker es licenciado por la Universidad de Texas A&M y por la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Baylor.

A letter from Dr. Karen Molinar:

Fort Worth ISD Families, Staff and Community,

We received official notice regarding the state takeover of Fort Worth ISD from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) last October. The process began immediately with the appointment of a conservator and the initiation of the Board of Managers application process. The Commissioner also announced that TEA would be interviewing perspective superintendent candidates, including myself.

As a leader, transparency has always been an important part of my leadership. I am writing this letter to update you on the status of the superintendent appointment process. I was extended an invitation by TEA and participated in the interview process. Commissioner Morath has provided me notification that the interview process is complete and I will not be continuing as the superintendent of Fort Worth ISD.

I entered this role with a clear understanding of both the challenges of addressing district deficiencies and the opportunities to implement changes that have resulted in significant academic progress for our students. Fort Worth is my home, and the FWISD community is my family. I have embraced both the challenges and opportunities with an unwavering dedication to serving FWISD families and students. I believe in the transformative work we have done in our short time together as a community to improve the quality of education for our students. From the adoption of a strategic plan and implementation of the student literacy plan to the new instructional framework and daily instructional planning calendars; we have created a strong foundation for ensuring that every child has the tools and support they need to thrive academically.

Although the upcoming months will focus on adult-centered processes and procedures, your work toward improving education for our students must remain unchanged. We must continue the daily delivery of high-quality instruction for every student. Stay student focused, our students deserve nothing less.

As we receive more guidance from TEA, details will be shared with you in the coming weeks. At this time, I will remain in the role of superintendent until further notice from TEA regarding the leadership transition.

It has been an honor and privilege serving the Fort Worth ISD community and its students for almost 28 years in various capacities, including as your Superintendent. Thank you for your continued commitment and dedication to the students of Fort Worth ISD through this transition and beyond.

Sincerely,

Dr. Karen Molinar

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TEA Statement provided to Fort Worth ISD March 4, 2026:

Following a comprehensive interview and evaluation process, TEA will move forward with the selection of a new superintendent for Fort Worth ISD. Dr. Karen Molinar is a student-centered leader of integrity, and I want to thank her for her nearly three decades of service to Fort Worth ISD, its students, educators and families. This decision is not a reflection of Dr. Molinar’s leadership but made with consideration for the scope of changes and improvements needed to better serve all students in the district. These needs require specialized leadership that can rapidly improve the trajectory of the district.

Throughout her tenure, Dr. Molinar has remained steadfastly focused on improving student outcomes. Her leadership has helped lay a solid foundation that the new superintendent and Board of Managers – to be announced in the coming weeks - can build upon and ensure that all schools in Fort Worth ISD reflect the highest expectations and supports for all students.

• TEA Commissioner Mike Morath is appointing a Board of Managers to govern FWISD and a conservator, Christopher Ruszkowski; a superintendent will also be appointed.
   

• TEA determined that Leadership Academy at Forest Oak 6th Grade accrued five consecutive unacceptable ratings; the campus’s 2022–23 rating still counts despite its later closure. The agency rejected FWISD’s pause-year claim.
   

• Trustees’ powers are suspended during the Board of Managers’ tenure; the conservator is effective immediately with oversight authority. FWISD may request a SOAH review within 15 days, but enforcement continues. Applications for Board of Managers and superintendent candidates are open via TEA.
   

Read the Full November 6, 2025, TEA Update

In Response to the Commissioner’s Decision Regarding Informal Review November 6, 2025:

Today, the Fort Worth ISD Board of Trustees received official notice from the Texas Education Agency of the Commissioner’s decision to move forward with appointing a Board of Managers and a state-appointed conservator for our district.

The Fort Worth ISD Board of Trustees strongly disagrees with this decision. We believe our district has demonstrated meaningful progress and that local governance, supported by our community, is essential to sustained student success.

We are immensely proud of the work being led by our educators, staff, and Superintendent. They continue to provide high-quality instruction to our students every day and remain steadfast in their commitment to serving this community.

The Board will consider all options, including filing a formal appeal of the Commissioner’s decision. We do so not in defiance, but in defense of our students, our community, and the principles of local governance that ensure accountability to the people we serve.

We remain committed to transparency and will keep our community informed as this process continues.

Roxanne Martinez President, Fort Worth ISD Board of Trustees

“Throughout my three decades in education, I’ve been honored to take on unique roles during critical inflection points for schools, states and organizations. 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.” - Christopher Ruszkowski

Biography

Christopher Ruszkowski is the Founding CEO of South Carolina Children's Fund, a statewide education champion organization. He previously served as New Mexico's Secretary of Education under Governor Susana Martinez and Delaware's Chief Talent Officer/Associate Secretary of Education under Governor Jack Markell. He also serves as the TEA Conservator for IDEA Public Schools.

Christopher began his career in education as a middle school social studies teacher in Miami-Dade, Florida. A first-generation American raised in the Midwest; he holds degrees from Stanford University and the University of Minnesota.

Key Points From the TEA Enforcement Letter

• “Appointment of Board of Managers… the campus received a final 2023 academic performance rating of F on August 19, 2025, the fifth consecutive unacceptable performance rating… I am ordering the appointment of a board of managers to lead the district.” 
• “State law also requires that I appoint a superintendent… with such review including the district’s current superintendent as a candidate.” 

• “Informal [appeal] review… scheduled for October 30, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.”

“I am appointing a conservator to the district… will ensure the district supports its low-performing campuses and implements the district’s turnaround plans.” 

Read the Full TEA Enforcement Letter 

“The Fort Worth ISD Board of Trustees acknowledges the Texas Education Agency Commissioner’s decision regarding the District’s governance. While the Board respects the Commissioner’s commitment to student success and accountability, it is disappointed by the decision and hopes the matter will be reconsidered.” 
“Our elected Board is in the best position to drive the sustainable improvements the Commissioner seeks, with measurable progress already underway. We respectfully ask him to reconsider his decision.”

Read the Board’s Full Statement 

     
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