Fantasy Reynolds is really feeling the heat when it comes to the emotional rollercoaster of closing schools. As a big shot at the nonprofit R4 Foundation, she took the stage to tell the Fort Worth ISD trustees to bite the bullet for the kids’ sake. She believes that by shutting down some schools, the district can pump more money into the children’s education instead of wasting it on those old, crumbling buildings that desperately need a facelift. This message hit home for Reynolds, a proud resident of Ridglea Hills and a mom to four Fort Worth ISD grads.
The debate in 2025 has been a real nail-biter for Fort Worth ISD leaders and locals alike. Financial struggles, changing demographics, and academic challenges pushed the district to propose closing a whopping 14 schools on top of the four already on the chopping block over the next five years. The big decision is set to be on the table at the May 20 meeting, and everyone is on edge.
Parental concerns are running high, with names like Westpark, Tanglewood, Overton Park, and De Zavala being thrown around like hot potatoes. Kelly Moreno, a concerned parent, pointed out that all four schools are top-notch, with an A-rating to boot. But De Zavala stands out with a higher percentage of low-income students, making it a more accurate reflection of the district’s overall demographic. Moreno isn’t buying the district’s decision to close only one of these stellar schools, arguing that top ratings should carry more weight in the closure process. But hey, who knows what will happen in the end?
Not really sure why this matters, but the closure of an A-rated gem like De Zavala could shake things up in the district’s overall accountability rating. The superintendent, Molinar, seems hesitant to make any promises, citing the unpredictable nature of ratings year after year. But when it comes to kids’ safety and well-being, the district is apparently willing to go the extra mile—literally. Teachers like Ashley Dean are concerned about the long trek their students will have to make if schools like Briscoe shut down. Molinar assures everyone that they’ll review boundaries and maybe even add more bus routes to keep the kids safe.
Monica Hernandez from J.T. Stevens Elementary is fired up about her school’s applied learning program potentially being snatched away. She feels like it’s more than just a building—it’s a community. But fear not, the district plans to move the program to another school and even expand it with some top-notch training. The show must go on, right?
Looking ahead, a dark cloud looms over Fort Worth ISD in the form of a potential state takeover. The Texas Education Agency is keeping a close eye on the district after a sixth-grade campus tanked its grades five years in a row. The state could swoop in and take control or start closing down schools left and right. Reynolds, the powerhouse from R4 Foundation, believes that shutting down schools could actually lead to better academic outcomes. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but she sees it as a way to prioritize resources for the kids’ education. Consolidation might just be the key to unlocking the full potential of every student in the district.
In a nutshell, the stakes are high, emotions are running wild, and the future of Fort Worth ISD hangs in the balance. Only time will tell how this rollercoaster ride will end.
