Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Signed To 5 More Years
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FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - Fort Worth ISD Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to extend the contract of Superintendent Kent Scribner with a five-year commitment to "fulfill the District's mission of preparing all children for success in college, career and community leadership," according to a Fort Worth ISD news release.
"Meaningful change can only occur when there is strong and stable leadership," said Board President Jacinto Ramos Jr. "Our 'team of ten' is fully committed to doing what's best for the children of Fort Worth. Accordingly, we are excited to partner with Kent Scribner in bringing this vision to reality."
As superintendent, Dr. Scribner, who has been on the job since October 2015, serves more than 87,000 students and 11,000 employees.
In the meeting board members emerged from executive session to take a vote on the single item on the agenda.
"Our extension of Dr. Scribner's contract shows he is focused on the right goals to make success a reality for all of our students," said District 5 Trustee Judy Needham. "He listened carefully to the community and business leaders, faith-based leaders, and elected officials before leading, just as he promised he would do."
"We know the future of our community depends on a well-educated and diverse work force," added District 4 Trustee Dr. T.A. Sims. "We believe Dr. Scribner's bold and focused leadership is what we need for success."
"I'm excited to say, this extension assures our students, employees and the community of Fort Worth that we have a talented, and well-qualified superintendent at the helm who will take this District to the next level. Fort Worth ISD is on track to become one of the premier districts in Texas – and the nation," said District 2 Trustee Tobi Jackson.
Scribner and FWISD triggered a passionate debate when it announced restroom guidelines for transgender students and pledged to work more closely with parents on matters affecting LGBT children.
Scribner said back in July, that transgender guidelines were condensed and that each student will be handled on a "case-by-case basis."
Attorney General Ken Paxton had earlier criticized the state's sixth-largest school district.
According to a Fort Worth ISD news release, since becoming superintendent, Dr. Scribner has:
-- implemented a broad reorganization of the District and a focus on four overarching goals: early childhood, elementary literacy, middle years' math, and college and career preparedness.
--- downsized central office staff and redirected resources and people to the schools where they are most needed.
-- launched a community-wide literacy initiative, with the support of Mayor Betsy Price and BNSF Chairman Matt Rose: 100 X 25 FWTX sets a goal of all Fort Worth ISD students reading on or above grade level at third grade by the year 2025.
Dr. Scribner began his career in education as a high school Spanish teacher and guidance counselor in Philadelphia, then became a principal and district administrator prior to serving as a superintendent in Phoenix for 13 years.
Dr. Scribner earned his Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies from Carleton College in Minnesota and his Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from Temple University in Pennsylvania. He earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Arizona State University.
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