BREAKING: Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Karen Molinar has announced she will step down following the state takeover of the district. In a letter to staff and families on March 4, 2026, she confirmed that Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath has completed the interview process for her replacement and she will not continue in her role.
This urgent leadership change comes as part of a state intervention initiated by Morath due to years of low academic performance in Fort Worth ISD, including five consecutive failing grades under Texas’ accountability system. The commissioner stated the decision aims to implement necessary changes for the district’s improvement.
In her letter, Molinar expressed her commitment to the district, stating, “I believe in the transformative work we have done in our short time together as a community to improve the quality of education for our students.” She stressed the importance of maintaining focus on high-quality instruction until new leadership is appointed.
Morath has already appointed Christopher Ruszkowski as a conservator to oversee the transition to state control. With the leadership change imminent, Morath is expected to name a new board of managers and superintendent within weeks.
Molinar, who has dedicated nearly three decades to Fort Worth ISD, will remain in her position until further notice from the Texas Education Agency. Despite the transition, she urged educators and staff to stay committed to their students: “Stay student focused; our students deserve nothing less.”
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for further updates on the leadership changes in Fort Worth ISD.
