The Texas Education Agency has announced a new superintendent and a nine-member board of managers to lead Fort Worth Independent School District under a state intervention expected to last up to two years.
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath appointed Dr. Peter Licata as superintendent. Licata previously served as superintendent of Broward County Public Schools in Florida, where he led the district to its first state “A” rating in more than 14 years.
Morath also named nine members to a new board of managers, which will temporarily govern the district in place of its elected school board. He said the appointees bring a diverse range of experience and share a commitment to improving student outcomes.
State officials cited widespread academic struggles across the district as a key factor in the takeover. According to the agency, about 34% of students are meeting grade-level requirements — roughly 16 percentage points below the state average.
The Texas Education Agency has not released the full list of board members but said the group will begin work immediately alongside Licata to address academic performance and operational challenges.
The intervention gives the state direct oversight of district operations and governance. Officials said the changes are intended to accelerate improvement, with the possibility of returning control to local leadership after the intervention period ends.
