{"id":684174,"date":"2026-03-26T23:02:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T23:02:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/684174\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T23:02:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T23:02:11","slug":"qa-what-are-next-steps-with-the-fwisd-state-takeover","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/684174\/","title":{"rendered":"Q&A: What are next steps with the FWISD state takeover?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A new phase of governance starts this week in the Fort Worth Independent School District, as a state intervention<\/a> takes hold with new leadership. Here\u2019s what we know about what to expect next.<\/p>\n

A new superintendent, Peter Licata<\/a>, and a nine-member Board of Managers<\/a> began leading the district immediately after their appointments were announced on Tuesday by the Texas Education Agency. Information on salary, leadership transitions and next steps is still being released by state and district officials.<\/p>\n

This is what we know so far.<\/p>\n

When is the new board\u2019s first public meeting?<\/p>\n

The board\u2019s first public meeting<\/a> is on Tuesday, March 31 at 5:30 p.m. at the District Service Center, 7060 Camp Bowie Blvd.<\/p>\n

Are members of the Board of Managers paid? Is the elected school board paid?<\/p>\n

Both the elected school board and appointed Board of Managers serve without compensation, according to the Texas Education Code and state officials. A Fort Worth ISD spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that the school board members did receive reimbursements for mileage and travel aligned with their roles.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the appointed superintendent\u2019s salary?<\/p>\n

State and district officials have yet to release Licata\u2019s salary. He is currently working under a 21-day interim contract, which the Star-Telegram has requested a copy of.<\/p>\n

Former Superintendent Karen Molinar earned $360,000<\/a>, according to her contract.<\/p>\n

How long will the new board be in place?<\/p>\n

The Board of Managers could be in place for at least two years. If Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath determines that \u201cinsufficient progress\u201d has been made toward improving the district\u2019s academic standing during that time, he could extend their appointments for \u201ca period up to two additional years,\u201d according to the Texas Education Code.<\/p>\n

What happens to the elected school board?<\/p>\n

The duties of the elected school board are suspended for the time that the Board of Managers is in place. Even though their powers are temporarily frozen, school board elections will still take place. The terms of four out of the nine elected board members \u2014 Tobi Jackson, Quinton \u201cQ\u201d Phillips, Kevin Lynch and Anne Darr \u2014 expire next year. The five other seats are up for election in 2029.<\/p>\n

District 4 Trustee Wallace Bridges vacated his seat<\/a> in early February after the district lost its final appeal against the state takeover. It remains to be seen when a special election would take place to fill it.<\/p>\n

\"Peter Peter Licata, the state-appointed superintendent of the Fort Worth school district, speaks during a news conference Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Reby Cary Youth Library. He was joined by board member Courtney Lewis, left; board chair Pete Geren; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; his wife Maria Licata; and board members Rosa Maria Berdeja and Luis Galinda. Samuel O\u2019Neal soneal@star-telegram.com What will the transition back to local control look like?<\/p>\n

The district must meet specific exit criteria before local control is restored. This includes:<\/p>\n