“My first 90 days is implementing our district strategic plan,” Dr. Karen Molinar said.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Dr. Karen Molinar is stepping into her most challenging role yet as the new Superintendent of Fort Worth ISD.
After serving twice as the district’s interim superintendent, she’s now committed to leading the district full-time, especially with her daughter having just finished high school.
“This is a very big job and a big commitment,” said Molinar. “I have one child, one daughter. I really wanted to experience that. Not just for her but also for me, to be able to say we went through that together.”
One of the biggest challenges Molinar faces is guiding the district through tough decisions about school closures and repurposing buildings, a process that has stirred strong emotions among parents, teachers, and students.
“That is very emotional for me to think about a school is not going to be there,” Molinar explained. “But I also have to look at our system.”
Fort Worth ISD is currently gathering community input, and Molinar emphasizes the importance of transparency throughout this process.
“There’s a process in place for trying to be transparent. The worst thing is for me to go in with recommendations and expect the board to vote within a week’s notice without the community being able to have their say, ask their questions,” she said.
Watch Dr. Karen Molinar’s full extended interview with WFAA below
Molinar’s new role comes just months after Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker expressed concerns about academic performance during a school board meeting. Parker’s involvement has added urgency to the district’s efforts.
“She put a sense of urgency around our city, not just for the district, but around our city, to embrace and support us as a district,” Molinar said.
The district’s middle-of-year progress report reveals challenges. Only 48% of students are projected to meet grade-level expectations in math and 49.9% in reading.
As the Texas legislature considers school vouchers, Molinar is closely watching developments. While the voucher program has already passed in the Senate, it’s now under consideration in the Texas House.
“If you’re going to do vouchers, have an equal playing field for accountability,” she said.
Molinar clarified that her concern is to ensure that schools accepting vouchers are held to the same standards as public schools. She believes all students should have access to high-quality education, regardless of the school they attend.
Molinar also takes school safety personally, emphasizing that safety goes beyond just school police. She highlighted the important role of custodians in ensuring security. FWISD works closely with the Fort Worth Police Department and other law enforcement agencies for campus security.
“Custodians are part of our safety and security team where they walk around the halls, they stop people and say, ‘Can I see your badge?’” she explained.
As the sole finalist for the Superintendent position, Dr. Molinar’s confirmation is expected next month. She’s ready to get to work and has a clear plan for her first 90 days.
“My first 90 days is implementing our district strategic plan,” Molinar said.
