FWISD Starts Year Without Superintendent
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - It's out with the old and in with the new this year in the Fort Worth Independent School District, as schools welcome a new interim superintendent this year. Walter Dansby resigned about three months ago, and a replacement has not yet been named.
But the district is not letting that stand in the way of the new school year.
Students in the FWISD are heading back to class on Monday without a new superintendent in place. The interim leader stated that this should not have a major impact at any of the district campuses. "I was brought in as interim to make sure that we continued the work we needed to do during this transition," said Dr. Patricia Linares. "Stabilize the district, make sure that we have the things going for our children that are needed."
A search firm has been hired to locate a new superintendent, and the district plans to host community forums to find out what characteristics the public wants to see in the next leader. The FWISD hopes to have a new superintendent in place by December.
Linares said that she will not be appyling for that job.
In the meantime, the district's pre-kindergarten classes are expanding. The FWISD has added 28 new classrooms for the youngest kids, increasing the capacity by 600 students. The district is also looking to raise state academic test scores, which are lower than most major districts in Texas. The FWISD educates 85,000 students.
Linares is urging parents to be active and involved in the education of their children this year. "We want them in our schools," she said. "We want them to be a part of their child's education. When we work together -- the teachers, principals, administration, community members and parents -- our children are the beneficiaries of all the collaborative work."
"Learning is very important, because they're our next superintendents and leaders of America," said parent Sheila Johnson. "We have to make sure they get the best education possible."
"Our work doesn't stop," said Linares. "We are going to continue moving forward to make sure that our educational opportunities are there for our children."
Update:
Fort Worth ISD's first day attendance jumped by more than 2,000 students compared to last year, with a total of 80,214 first day attendees. Last year there were 77,607 students on the first day.
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