Fort Worth ISD board faces packed room as new superintendent outlines early budget shift

Fort Worth ISD's new board of trustees and newly appointed superintendent faced the public for the first time Tuesday night during a meeting that drew a packed room and dozens of speakers.

The district remains under a state‑appointed board after a TEA takeover, with state‑selected members now making the district's major decisions.  

Superintendent Peter Licata told the board the district's more than $40 million budget deficit is already close to being eliminated just one week after he took the job. He did not explain how the deficit had been reduced.

The board approved new leadership positions and voted to remove several existing board policies while moving forward with a 2026 budget. The short agenda prompted concerns from several speakers about transparency.

Public comment turns critical

More than 30 people signed up for public comment, including parents, district employees and former board president Roxanne Martinez. Several speakers criticized the board's decisions to waive certain policies and said they wanted more details about the district's plans moving forward.

Board members said their priority is improving student outcomes and getting campuses back to proficiency.

Superintendent waiver granted

Licata was also granted a waiver Tuesday night to serve in the role. He is certified in Florida but not in Texas. The board said he plans to work toward Texas certification.

Enrollment for Fort Worth ISD opens on Wednesday.