Nearly 300 people have applied to serve on the new Board of Managers for Fort Worth ISD, reflecting unusually high public interest as the district enters a state-controlled restructuring phase.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Fort Worth ISD is now operating under the oversight of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) after a now-closed campus received failing ratings for five consecutive years, triggering mandatory intervention under state law. The TEA formally announced the takeover last week.
According to new data released by the agency, 286 individuals submitted applications to be considered for the Board of Managers. Approximately 78% of applicants—222 people—live within Fort Worth ISD boundaries. The remaining 64 applicants reside outside the district, according to the Fort Worth Report.
Records indicate a wide range of ties to the school system. At least 105 applicants previously worked for Fort Worth ISD. Ninety-nine are current parents of district students, and 89 once attended Fort Worth ISD schools. Some applicants fall into multiple categories.
The strong response led TEA officials to extend the original application deadline of November 21. The agency said the surge of interest required additional time to ensure all candidates could complete the process. The application window officially closed December 1.
Demographic data shows 53% of applicants identified as female and 47% as male.
The TEA will now begin screening and interviewing candidates before Commissioner Mike Morath selects the final Board of Managers, which will assume governing authority from the district’s locally elected trustees during the intervention period. Trustees will retain their positions but without operational power until the state returns control.