Navigating Challenges: Fort Worth ISD's Tough Decisions for the Future

Fantasy Reynolds understands that closing schools stirs deep emotions. As a key figure within the R4 Foundation, she took the podium to deliver a crucial message to the Fort Worth ISD trustees: it’s time to make a tough call, for the betterment of the children.

“By consolidating schools, our district has a significant opportunity to invest in our kids rather than maintaining outdated buildings in critical need of repairs,” said Reynolds, herself a resident of Ridglea Hills and a mother of four graduates from Fort Worth ISD.

Reynolds highlighted the core conflict facing Fort Worth ISD leaders and the community as they debated throughout 2025. Faced with financial constraints, changing demographics, and academic pressures, district leadership proposed on May 13 the closure of 14 schools over the next five years, in addition to four previously approved shutdowns.

Trustees are slated to review this plan in their May 20 meeting.

The blueprint for the district, crafted together with Hoar Program Management from Alabama, aims to tackle two pressing issues: declining student numbers and outdated facilities.

Since 2019, Fort Worth ISD has seen a reduction of over 12,783 students and anticipates losing another 6,556 by 2030. Addressing its aging establishments would cost the district $1.2 billion in maintenance over the next five-year span.

District officials emphasize the need to redirect funds from underused buildings back into educational environments. By closing schools, they aim to eliminate over 8,800 excess seats and save approximately $77 million within five years—mainly through avoided repairs and reduced staffing costs.

The financial savings promise to enhance educational programs, offering more pre-K placements, literacy initiatives, and specialized tracks in gifted and talented education, alongside science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) opportunities.

“Our students deserve better,” stated Superintendent Karen Molinar. “They need daily STEM engagements on their campuses, and that requires resources.”

Parents of schools considered for closure, like the A-rated De Zavala, expressed concerns about the equity of shutting down facilities crucial to low-income families. Community members raised issues about increased distances for children to walk, guarantees on transportation, and the potential disruption to school programs.

Additionally, the Texas Education Agency is closely monitoring the district due to ongoing worries about potential state intervention following persistent underperformance at certain schools.