TEA to Take Over Fort Worth ISD by Spring 2026

Education Commissioner Mike Morath announced this morning (Oct. 23, 2025) that he will appoint a board of managers, conservator and superintendent to replace Fort Worth ISD’s current leadership.

However, Morath added — according to numerous D/FW media outlets — that “nothing changes in the way the district is run today.”

Several Months

That’s because, Morath said, the transition will take several months and will likely occur in the spring.

Morath also said that Karen Molinar — FWISD’s relatively new superintendent — will be retained for the short term, and that she will be considered among the list of candidates for the appointed superintendency.

FWISD: “Disappointed”

In response to Morath’s decision, FWISD’s board issued a statement that it is “disappointed by the decision and hopes the matter will be reconsidered.” 

Informal Review

FWISD will have a chance to convince Morath to change his mind — about appointing a conservator and board of managers — during an Oct. 30, 2025, so-called “informal review” at TEA headquarters in Austin to consider any documentation and other info submitted by the district. The district has until Oct. 27 to submit documentation/information.

The “informal review” — to be personally presided over by Morath — will last no more than 60 minutes, and will not be open to the public, Morath’s letter to the district says.

WFAA has more.