Ft Worth Times

Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) leaders voted to approve a new program at their March 28 meeting that will eliminate top administrative positions, per reports from Metroplex-based media outlets.

The decision comes as FWISD struggles with declining enrollment.

Dallas-Fort Worth-based (DFW) ABC affiliate WFAA reported that the North Texas public school district’s board of trustees unanimously passed the item in an effort to achieve “reduction in force.” 

Per WFAA, the vote will impact chiefs, assistant superintendents, directors and other administrators. 

“The approved program change will result in the restructuring and elimination of positions in the Divisions of Academics, Student Support Services, Equity & Excellence, Innovation & Transformation and School Leadership,” FWISD spokesperson Claudia Garibay said in a statement obtained by the station. “The program change will create an alignment of accountability, communication and expectations for student performance and support.”

According to DFW NBC affiliate KXAS, FWISD said the move seeks to have a positive impact on students and their families. 

“This program change supports the ongoing effort to address a decrease in student enrollment and the need to reallocate resources from central administration to impact student learning more positively,” officials said in the report. “The program change will be the first phase in the district’s transition to a District Service Center to better support students, families and employees." 

WFAA reported that FWISD Superintendent Dr. Angélica Ramsey notified employees of the likelihood of their positions being cut, but the new system allows those affected to apply for other positions.

The drop in enrollment is a hot-topic issue in the upcoming FWISD board election, DFW NPR affiliate KERA reported. 

KERA reported that the district could lose a large amount of state funding if its enrollment continues to decline. Incumbent trustee Quinton Phillips said board members have to do what they can to address the issue while aspirant Mar’Tayshia James believes that the district must play to its strengths and accomplishments.