Licata's Plan: Boosting Student Scores in Fort Worth ISD

0:00It's March 29th. Welcome to Dallas News Today, powered by AI. Peter Lakata just stepped in as superintendent of Fort Worth Independence School District under state control, and he's laying out a bold plan to boost. Students scores fast. He wants measurable gains of 5% percentage points in proficiency within the first year, calling it a high bar, but doable. Importantly, he's given credit for any early wins to the previous leader, Dr. Karen Molinar, and her team. Here this week, Lakata talked about flipping the script on accountability, putting the spotlight on district and campus leaders instead of just. Teachers. Principles need to be in classrooms daily, coaching on the spot, and lining up lessons with state standards. He says a good principle should be the top teacher on site, driving real change from the top down. Teachers are at the heart of his strategy, with more professional development, hands-on coaching, and even possible pay bumps on the horizon. He's digging into the budget to prioritize salaries sooner and wants to beef up staffing

1:00at tough schools, maybe adding extra educators per class. The goal is clear, bring back those who left and keep the good ones around. Meanwhile, with enrollment dropping, the district's right-sizing operations, reviewing every vacant job and cutting those that stay empty. Facilities are next, mixing sales, developer partnerships for housing or community spots, and repurposing others to cut costs without delay. Kakata and the new Board of Managers kick off their first public meeting Tuesday night at the district service center on Camp Bowie Boulevard, ready. To tackle these moves, head on with local focus, and no career games, just straight results for the kids.