2/20/25 ReadRise newsletter

February 20, 2025

ICYMI

Tarrant County commissioners urge Fort Worth-area schools to prioritize reading

Tarrant County Commissioners voted on a resolution urging school districts to implement plans to improve literacy rates across the county. Spearheaded by Commissioner Manny Ramirez, the resolution highlights literacy as both an educational and moral imperative, emphasizing its role in reducing crime and strengthening communities.

The resolution follows concerns raised by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, who called out the unacceptable reading scores in Fort Worth ISD and beyond. In 2024, only 33% of third-graders in FWISD read at grade level, with nearly 60% of students across the city’s school districts falling behind.

This initiative signals a countywide push for stronger accountability and evidence-based strategies to ensure every child can read at grade level. Community leaders, including law enforcement and government officials, are backing the effort, underscoring the far-reaching impact of literacy on public safety, economic development, and opportunity.
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In Memoriam: L. Clifford Davis

At Grade Level honors the life of L. Clifford Davis, a civil rights attorney, judge, and champion for equal education. Davis fought tirelessly for school desegregation and educational opportunity, leaving a lasting impact on Fort Worth and beyond.

His work on Brown v. Board of Education and local integration cases paved the way for generations of students. Fort Worth ISD’s L. Clifford Davis Elementary stands as a tribute to his legacy, but his greatest impact lives on in the countless lives he changed.

As we continue advocating for literacy, we carry forward his vision for a future where every child has the chance to succeed.

Fort Worth ISD trustees approved nearly $12M in spending in January. Here’s what they bought
 

At its January 21 meeting, the Fort Worth ISD board approved nearly $12 million in spending, with major allocations including

  • $6.7 million for emergency wage payments,
  • $8 million in bond savings reallocated for construction projects, and
  • funding for security upgrades, facility improvements, and school operations.

Investments focused on infrastructure and staffing, ensuring schools remain functional and secure.
Read more here
 
 

Fort Worth ISD school board to name next superintendent
 

The Fort Worth ISD school board is set to announce its next superintendent at the Feb. 18 meeting, with interim superintendent Karen Molinar as the only publicly known candidate. Molinar, a longtime district leader, has served as interim since October and has emphasized her deep familiarity with the school system as an advantage.

The search process began Jan. 21, with trustees opting not to hire a third-party search firm, unlike previous superintendent selections. The board’s criteria included at least five years of leadership experience in a large school district.

The decision follows the resignation of Angélica Ramsey, whose short tenure raised concerns about the district’s stagnant academic performance. Once the lone finalist is named, state law requires a 21-day waiting period before the selection is finalized.
Read more here

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