Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Karen Molinar not chosen to keep role after interview, TEA says

Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinar announced that she will no longer oversee the district after being notified that the Texas Education Agency would hire someone else as part of the state's takeover.

In a letter to parents and staff on Wednesday morning, Molinar said she interviewed to stay in the role but was not chosen by the agency.

TEA cites scope of needed changes

In a statement, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath thanked Molinar for her three decades of service in Fort Worth ISD.

"This decision is not a reflection of Dr. Molinar's leadership but made with consideration for the scope of changes and improvements needed to better serve all students in the district," Morath said. "These needs require specialized leadership that can rapidly improve the trajectory of the district."

The takeover stems from an October 2025 decision by the TEA to intervene after a district campus received its fifth straight "unacceptable" academic rating, triggering a state law allowing the agency to replace the elected board of trustees.

Molinar reflects on progress made

Molinar, who has served the district for nearly 30 years, stepped into the superintendent position last year. 

At the time, she said she felt prepared for the challenges ahead.

"I know I'm the right person right now because there are so many challenges and tough decisions ahead," she said.

She said the district has made changes to address "deficiencies" that have resulted in significant progress.

"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 wrote in Wednesday's letter.

Molinar said new literacy initiatives and instructional calendars have created a foundation the district can build on.

Parents react to leadership change

The announcement spread quickly among parents and advocacy groups.

"I had people calling me asking had I heard the news, had I seen the news," said Trenace Dorsey-Hollins, founder of Parent Shield Fort Worth.

Dorsey-Hollins said she met with Molinar regularly and valued her openness.

"She was willing and able to listen to parents about what we had to say, so I think that was a super positive benefit for her," she said.

Parent Adrienne Haynes echoed that sentiment.

"She was very honest about what improvements were needed and what it took to get there," Haynes said.

Dorsey-Hollins said she anticipated the possibility of TEA choosing new leadership.

"He informed me that just in the role that he's been in before, he's not seen keeping the current superintendent in place to be a positive thing for kids… and for the district in the intervention phase… so that was always in the back of my mind," she said.

Families want TEA to listen

Some parents say they now want the agency to show the same willingness to engage.

"We are wanting TEA to come in and just hear us out as well… so that's what we're expecting from them," said parent Stephany Velez.

The TEA is still selecting a new board of managers to oversee the district.

What happens next

Molinar will remain superintendent until the TEA approves the leadership transition.

Dorsey-Hollins said her organization is preparing for a new phase of advocacy.

"And I think for us as an organization that means we have to dig in even tougher and build new relationships," she said.

She said she hopes the next leader stays focused on student outcomes.

"I just really hope and pray that whoever the new appointed superintendent and board are really laser-focused on closing the gaps on student achievement for kids," she said.

She added that choosing someone local – someone who understands Fort Worth – would be a bonus.