HISD vs. FWISD: Two TEA Takeovers, Different Stories

Texas educators are watching closely as Fort Worth ISD faces a state takeover, mirroring Houston ISD's controversial experience that began in 2023.

Key Similarities

Both takeovers stem from the same state law: a campus receiving five consecutive failing ratings. HISD's Wheatley High School and FWISD's Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade both reached this threshold, triggering mandatory state intervention. In both cases, the TEA will replace elected school boards with appointed boards of managers and install new superintendents.

Critical Differences

The circumstances differ significantly. Houston's takeover involved multiple issues including governance violations and board misconduct, while Fort Worth's intervention focuses primarily on academic underperformance at a single campus. Additionally, FWISD has shown recent improvement, reducing F-rated schools from 31 in 2024 to 11 in 2025, unlike Houston's broader struggles.

Impact on Educators

Houston's experience has been turbulent for teachers. Over 4,700 of HISD's approximately 11,000 teachers left during the 2023-24 school year, with 2,400 departing in June 2024 alone. Between June 2023 and June 2024, more than 150 principals and about 4,700 teachers left the district's schools. Teachers report feeling micromanaged and cite mandatory classroom observations and constant policy changes as sources of low morale.

Fort Worth educators are understandably anxious. Teachers have expressed fears about curriculum inflexibility and concerns about retention, given Houston's 32.2% teacher turnover rate compared to the statewide average of 18.8%.

Looking Ahead

The TEA recently extended Houston's takeover through June 2027, despite some academic gains, signaling that state interventions may be longer than anticipated. For Fort Worth educators, Houston's experience offers a cautionary tale about the personal and professional costs of state control, even when test scores improve. The preservation of educator autonomy, morale, and retention will be crucial challenges as FWISD navigates this uncertain transition.

The TEA Takeover Debate: Fort Worth Schools at a Crossroads

Fort Worth ISD stands at a critical juncture. The Texas Education Agency threatens to seize control of our community's schools, replacing our elected school board with state-appointed managers. This looming takeover demands careful examination of both its potential benefits and significant drawbacks.

Texas Online Learning: Navigating the Digital Education Landscape

Online education has transformed Texas schools, with more than 3,500 students currently enrolled in the state's Texas Virtual School Network and over a million K-12 students participating in digital learning statewide. As virtual programs continue evolving, understanding their benefits and challenges becomes essential for students, parents, and educators considering this educational pathway.