educationneutral

What Happens When the State Takes Over a School District?

Fort Worth, USASaturday, October 25, 2025
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The Texas Education Agency has stepped in to take control of Fort Worth ISD. The goal? To boost student performance. But does this strategy actually work?

A Mixed Bag of Results

Looking back at past takeovers, the results are a mix of success and failure. Some districts have seen better grades and test scores after state intervention. Others? Not so much. It's like flipping a coin—you never know what you're going to get.

Expert Opinions

Experts say state takeovers can help, but there's no magic formula. Ashley Jochim, a researcher, put it this way:

"For every success story, there's a failure."

In short, takeovers can be a chance for improvement, but success isn't guaranteed.

Why Fort Worth ISD?

The Leadership Academy at Forest Oak Sixth Grade was the problem. The school was on the verge of failing for five straight years. The district closed it down, but that didn't stop the state from stepping in.

The Big Question

Will this takeover lead to better schools and happier students? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: state takeovers are a big deal, and they don't always deliver on their promises.

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