Under the possibility of a state takeover, Fort Worth schools begin the new school year on August 12.

In a possible takeover, Lake Worth ISD joined the largest school district in the city three days later.

What does that signify, however, for Fort Worth ISD’s 70,000 students and almost 10,000 employees, and Lake Worth ISD’s greater than 3,250 students and 564 staff?

The following addresses some of the queries raised by community members and parents regarding what would happen if Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath were to take over the Fort Worth and Lake Worth schools.

Takeover questions

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What does a takeover of Texas schools mean?

When a takeover takes place, the commissioner of the Texas Education Agency steps in and appoints a slate of members to replace the elected school board.

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In order to supervise the administration of a public school district, those appointed members create a board of managers, which then exercises the authority and responsibilities granted to trustees.

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What triggers a state takeover?

A takeover may arise from consistently poor academic achievement, which is mostly based on STAAR results.

When a district or a school obtains a failing grade in the state’s A-F accountability ratings for five years in a row, the commissioner steps in.

According to state law, the commissioner must either form a new board of managers or close the failed site.

Intervention may be necessary for further reasons, such as:

Financial mismanagement
Cheating scandals
Administrative dysfunction

, such as in South San Antonio ISD

Why is Fort Worth ISD facing a potential takeover?

The Texas statute was prompted by five years of failing accountability ratings at Forest Oak Sixth Grade’s now-closed Leadership Academy.

In 2024, the school board closed the site, citing preemptive measures taken by district management and trustees to comply with TEA regulations.

Why is Lake Worth ISD facing a potential takeover?

According to recent accountability ratings, Lake Worth’s Marilyn Miller Language Academy failed for a fifth year in a row.

Who makes the decision about a takeover?

Whether the state takes over a school system is up to the Texas education commissioner.

Mike Morath is the commissioner of education at the moment.

Who is Mike Morath?

He is in charge of the Texas Education Agency, which is in charge of public schools, and serves as the state’s commissioner of education.

In January 2016, Morath was appointed to the role by Governor Greg Abbott. Prior to this, Morath spent four years as a Dallas school trustee.

Has the state taken over school districts before?

Fifteen school districts have been taken over by the state in the last thirty years.

Houston ISD, which had 183,000 students, was the largest. In 2023, the state seized power and held it for two more years.

The superintendent and trustees of Houston’s schools were replaced by Morath.

When will Morath make a decision?

On August 6, Morath informed state senators that he anticipates making a decision this fall.

According to a prior statement from Fort Worth ISD spokesperson Jessica Becerra, Morath has spoken with district executives and intends to tour campuses in September.

How is a board of managers appointed?

Members are appointed to the board of management during a takeover by the education commissioner.

If that occurs in this case, the Texas Education Agency will look for potential board members in Fort Worth ISD. The organization hosts community discussions regarding the position in collaboration with the nearby Regional Education Center.

TEA representatives will interview applicants, assess applications, and provide training on school board governance.

If at all possible, appointees must include:

Community leaders
Business representatives who have expertise in leadership
Individuals who have knowledge or expertise in education

Residents of the district must make up the majority of the board of management.

Unless a takeover is extended by the education commissioner, a board of managers is in office for two years.

The Fort Worth Report’s education editor is Jacob Sanchez. You can reach him at @_jacob_sanchez or at [email protected].

Editor’s note: On August 11, 2025, this story was first published. After new academic accountability ratings were released on August 18, 2025, it was revised to reflect the possible state takeover of Lake Worth ISD.

Decisions on news at the Fort Worth Report are decided without consulting our board members or sponsors. Find out more about our policy on editorial independence here.

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FWISD faces a state takeover. Here s what parents need to know