Molinar, who served as interim superintendent, has 27 years of experience working for the district.
FORT WORTH, Texas — In a unanimous vote Tuesday evening, the Fort Worth ISD board of trustees officially selected Dr. Karen Molinar for the superintendent position.
Molinar, who has worked in the district for 27 years, served as interim superintendent following the resignation of former superintendent Dr. Angelica Ramsey.
The room erupted in applause as Molinar was named to her new position.
“I’m just very honored to accept this role because Fort Worth is my home,” Molinar said moments after the board’s vote. “I’m gonna strive every day to make you proud, to build a better district and city for our students. We can do this. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but it is the right work.”
Molinar said literacy will be her top priority until the district closes the student achievement gap.
Board President Roxanne Martinez said the board interviewed 12 candidates. Neither the length of Molinar’s contract nor her salary was released Tuesday. Martinez said contract details will come at a later date once the paperwork is finalized.
“It’s clear Molinar is the right choice to lead us in the next chapter,” Martinez said.
Molinar has worn many hats in the district: from teacher to administrator, and now superintendent.
On Tuesday, she made a pledge.
“I will lead with transparency, grace, and integrity,” Molinar said.
Molinar takes the reins as districts across North Texas face challenges, including budget shortfalls, declining enrollment, and now, the possibility of school closures.
“Dr. Molinar, your vision for Fort Worth ISD is our vision,” one parent said during the special meeting. “I hope you prevent the closing of our school.”
Steven Poole, president of the United Educators Association, attended the meeting to publicly congratulate Molinar.
“You made the right choice,” Poole said to the board. “I’m hopeful for the prospects of Fort Worth ISD. Last year, when Mayor Parker came, you all stayed focused and made some very hard decisions. You all were unified and stayed focused.”
Several parents praised the board for hiring from within and appointing someone they believe knows the district inside and out.
Molinar, who already rolled out a comprehensive strategic plan to improve student achievement, said she’s optimistic about the district’s future.
