In this edition:
Trustees Name Karen Molinar as Interim Superintendent of the Fort Worth ISD | Why I Serve: FWISD Trustee Ryan Tells the American School Journal | Highlights from Tuesday's Board of Education Meeting | How's the Safe Return to In-Person Learning Plan Working Out? Let Us Know Your Thoughts, Take the Survey | Curious About the New Administration Building ? Get a Sneak Peek and Tell Us Your Thoughts | FWISD Makes First Bond Sale for 2021 Capital Improvement Projects: $138.9 Million Will Support a New Elementary School in Benbrook, Architect Fees for Design of Other Bond Projects | If You Are a Highly Qualified Educator, You Could Earn Thousands | Look Who Made Fort Worth Magazine's 2022 Top Teachers List | Level Up with B.O.S.S. Training | Don't Miss This Chance! Apply Now for Alternative Certification Tuition Assistance | Teachers: Use this Study Guide to Prepare for the Ellis Island Production at Bass Performance Hall | Free Resources for Educators! | FWISD in the News | Videos of the Week | View more stories throughout the week on the Inside FWISD Blog
Trustees Name Karen Molinar as Interim Superintendent
The Board of Education has named Karen C. Molinar as the interim superintendent of the Fort Worth ISD.
Mrs. Molinar currently serves as deputy superintendent of the District, where she supervises the Superintendent’s leadership team while overseeing the Department of Policy and Planning.
Trustees are continuing their search for a successor to Superintendent Kent P. Scribner, who will retire Aug. 31. After a lone finalist for superintendent is named, there will be a 21-day waiting period, as required by Texas law.
“The Board is grateful to know we will have Mrs. Molinar’s calm, confident leadership during this transition period to a new superintendent,” said Board President Tobi Jackson. “She is liked and respected by her colleagues, and the District will be well served by her knowledge and guidance.”
Prior to being named deputy superintendent, Mrs. Molinar served as the superintendent’s chief of staff, where she supported the District leadership team and led special projects. Her experience ranges across the Fort Worth ISD system, where she has served in a variety of leadership roles with increasing responsibilities for 24 years. Starting as a classroom teacher, she progressed to assistant principal, principal, executive director, assistant superintendent, and chief of elementary schools.
"Karen Molinar has dedicated her career to the Fort Worth ISD, ever since she was recruited to come here 25 years ago as an elementary school teacher. Since then she has successfully taken on roles of increasing responsibility," said Superintendent Kent P. Scribner. "I am personally and professionally grateful to her for her leadership, both now and as we begin this transition to a new superintendent."
Mrs. Molinar was responsible for working with executive leadership directors to support 83 campuses to increase student achievement and build leadership capacity through the daily coaching and monitoring of campus principals.
“I believe in the importance of relationships between all stakeholders to achieve success for our students,” says Mrs. Molinar.
She holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development, Bachelor of Education degree from Salisbury State University in Maryland, Master of Education Administration from Tarleton State University, and is currently working on her Doctorate of Education.
Why I serve
FWISD Trustee Ryan Tells the American School Board Journal Why He Serves the District
Dr. Michael Ryan, District 7 trustee for the Fort Worth Board of Education, shares why he serves the District in the August 2022 edition of the American School Board Journal.
He is one of six school board members from across the nation showcased in this month’s journal, published by the National School Boards Association (NSBA). The article is part of the “Why I Serve“ campaign, launched by the association to highlight stories of school leaders in the journal and other venues.
Click here to read the complete article.
Highlights from tuesday's board of education meeting
Fort Worth ISD leaders provided an ESSER update to the Board of Trustees, outlining how the federal dollars have been spent on programs that support academic growth and outcomes; the recruitment, hiring, and retention of employees; and security and a safe return to instruction in the post-crisis era of COVID. They also asked for stakeholder input on how these funds have been utilized so far and how they should be spent in the future. Read more.
More good news was shared this week about accountability scores that not only confirm the District’s overall B rating but specified improved ratings and outstanding distinctions earned by many campuses. In a presentation to the Board of Education (BOE) outlining the recently released Texas Education Agency (TEA)’s accountability scores, District officials reaffirmed the 14-point gain over five years despite two years of a global pandemic. Read more.
Click here to view the complete Aug. 23 Board of Education meeting.
how's the safe return to in-person learning plan working out?
Let Us Know Your Thoughts, Take the Survey
Editor's Note: The following memorandum seeks stakeholder input regarding the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan.
Click here to take the survey.
curious about the new administration building?
Get a Sneak Peek and Tell Us Your Thoughts
Fort Worth ISD employees are invited to a sneak peek of the new Central Administration Building Aug. 29- Sept. 2.
Design renderings will be on display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the FWISD University Grill, located at 100 N. University Drive. From noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 29 and 30, project managers will discuss the designs and answer employee questions. Share your feedback and questions with us here.
Facility design and renovation are underway at the site located at 7060 Camp Bowie Blvd. The facility previously served as a dual campus serving Applied Learning Academy and International Newcomer Academy students, which have both been relocated. The District anticipates opening the new Central Administration Building in fall 2023.
FWISD Makes First Bond Sale for 2021 Capital Improvement Projects
$138.9 Million Will Support a New Elementary School in Benbrook, Architect Fees for Design of Other Bond Projects
The Fort Worth ISD has made the first sale of bonds from its 2021 Capital Improvement Program.
On Wednesday, Aug. 17, the District sold approximately $138.9 million in bonds at a true interest cost (TIC) of 3.85%. FWISD is expected to receive proceeds from the sale on Sept. 7 that will finance the construction of a new elementary school in Benbrook and architect fees to design all other 2021 Capital Improvement projects. The life of the bonds is 25 years.
This is the very first bond sale for the $1.211 billion capital improvement program approved by voters in November 2021. It will fund the construction, renovation, and upgrade of middle schools throughout the District, a new elementary school in Benbrook’s Ventana neighborhood, three elementary replacement campuses for Eastern Hills, Worth Heights and Maudrie Walton elementary schools and four early childhood centers embedded in schools around the District.
On July 26, the FWISD Board of Education authorized the issuance of bonds not exceeding $150 million, an interest rate of 5.5% and a maturity date of 30 years.
Carmen Arrieta-Candelaria, FWISD chief financial officer, said that she was pleased that the District was able to make the bond sale within the parameters approved by the Board and receive an overall favorable interest rate.
“It was a tough market… we were able to come out well below the Board’s parameter and under a 4% TIC,” she said. “I’m pleased with our team of financial advisors and underwriters we had in place to finalize the action.”
The District will have opportunities to refund or refinance the bond debt in six years and 10 years.
if you are a highly qualified educator, you could earn thousands
Saturday Learning Quest Begins Sept. 10, Apply Today
If you are among Fort Worth ISD’s most highly-qualified campus administrators or teachers, you can earn thousands of dollars by taking part in Saturday Learning Quest (#SLQ). Applications are now being accepted!
Saturday Learning Quest will help Kindergarten through fifth-grade students accelerate academic achievement. On 14 Saturdays --- from Sept. 10, 2022, through May 6, 2023 --teachers and campus leaders will provide young learners with rigorous and engaging instruction in literacy and math/science. Additionally, students will participate in art, music, and physical education enrichment activities and learn about the District’s mobile STEM units.
We are looking for highly-motivated teachers, principals, and assistant principals. Compensation will be $6,140.80 for teachers and administrators, paid in two installments. Support staff will receive their regular hourly rate.
Saturday Learning Quest will take place in 24 schools, representing all of the District’s pyramids. And while students are busy learning, parents will have the opportunity to take part in Parent Academy at designated locations.
Principals and teachers will also receive incentives donated by our District partners to reward and engage participants and their families.
If you are interested and think you are qualified to lead this Fort Worth ISD challenge, complete this application.
Here are the dates of the 14 Saturdays of Saturday Learning Quest:
Saturday Learning Quest will take place in 24 schools, representing all the district pyramids.
look who made fort worth magazine's 2022 top teachers list
We are so proud! Two Fort Worth ISD educators are being recognized among the city’s top teachers in the August edition of Fort Worth Magazine.
South Hills High School’s Tran Nguyen and Tanglewood Elementary School’s Michael Stephens are among the 11 Greater Fort Worth educators featured on the “2022 Top Teachers” list. Teachers selected for the list were nominated by their colleagues, school administrators, students, and parents.
“I feel fortunate because I can say that I sincerely love my job. I often tell my students that I wake up and jump out of bed because I get to go to Tanglewood Elementary and work with them,” Mr. Stephens told Fort Worth Magazine. “I am proud to be an educator in Fort Worth.”
Mr. Stephens teaches fifth-grade science, social studies, and health. Ms. Nguyen teaches algebra and geometry at South Hills High School.
Check out FWISD’s own in the latest edition of Fort Worth Magazine on newsstands now or visit fwtx.com/magazines to view the digital edition. Congratulations, Ms. Nguyen and Mr. Stephens!
Level Up with B.O.S.S. Training
Become proficient in the budget account code structure, year-to-date reports, budget transfers, account inquiry lookup, and additional resources at the Budget Operation Support Sessions (B.O.S.S.) training starting Sept. 14.
Sessions are open to new department and campus administration/ support staff only from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Teaching and Learning Center Room 9, 1050 Bridgewood Drive, on the following Wednesdays this fall:
- Sept. 14
- Oct. 12
- Nov. 16
- Dec. 14
Participants must have access to MUNIS and a fully charged laptop to participate. Additional training is available to veteran admins by request.
For additional information, email helen.morales-perales@fwisd.org.
Don't Miss This Chance! Apply now for Alternative Certification Tuition Assistance
Join the info session today at 5 p.m.
Editor's Note: The following memorandum details the Alternative Certification Tuition Assistance Program available for qualified District employees.
Click here to join the Aug. 25, 5-5:30 p.m. information session. Meeting ID: 717 7806 6040; Passcode: y7mSGZ. Contact Emily Camarena at emily.camarena@fwisd.org with any questions.
GoTeach11 program website
FWISD Alternative Certification Tuition Assistance Program Application
Teachers: Use this Study Guide to Prepare for the Ellis Island Production at Bass Performance Hall
Are you a fifth-grade teacher accompanying your students to the production of Ellis Island: The Dream of America this September at Bass Performance Hall?
Prepare for the experience with a study guide made available by production sponsor, the Children’s Education Program of Performing Arts Fort Worth at Bass Performance Hall. The guide, which aligns with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) objectives, is accessible here.
Ellis Island: The Dream of America, by Peter Boyer, tells the true stories of individuals who emigrated to the United States at the turn of the 20th century using spoken word, projected images, and music performed by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.
More than 80 Fort Worth ISD schools are expected to attend one of six Ellis Island performances Sept. 14-16. The performances are slated ahead of Constitution Day, which is observed Sept. 17 and commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution and celebrates American-born and naturalized citizens.
Campus administrators are encouraged to access the Principals Packet for links to field trip and transportation requests.
For additional performance date and time information, contact Taylor Woods, Board and Education Manager for Bass Performance Hall at 817-212-4270 or email twoods@basshall.com.
free resources for educators!
Did you know? With a new school year underway, the Fort Worth Public Library is offering resources for both educators and caregivers to help students achieve academic success. Learn more here: fwpl.info/TeacherTools.
FWISD in the News
District officials discuss how partnerships are impacting student outcomes in this recent Fort Worth Report article.
SpectrumNews1 followed a TCC South/ FWISD Collegiate High School senior through her first day of senior year. Check out the story to see how this senior is managing high school and college courses.
In this recent story from The Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth ISD staffers and personnel from surrounding districts and organizations discuss how they are supporting children experiencing grief as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fort Worth ISD’s partnership with Goodside Health SchoolMed program, offering school-based telehealth services, was recently featured on the Yahoo! Finance website.
Retired Fort Worth ISD educator Ken Wheatcroft-Pardue recently penned an opinion column for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram detailing issues faced by teachers in recent years.
videos of the week
Hear in the words of FWISD students and educators why attendance matters and please share this message with your students and parents.
Above: Students and staff at Clifford Davis Elementary School received two special visitors on the first day of school. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and FWPD Chief Neil Noakes came by to offer words of encouragement and support . While there, Mayor Parker had a special visit with a family member who works at the school. Watch the video to find out which awesome District employee is related to Mayor Parker.
Share your story ideas, successes, calendar items, photos, questions and feedback with us at Inside@FWISD.org. Content submissions are due no later than 10 a.m. Fridays for the next edition. Check the Inside FWISD blog, www.fwisd.org/insidefwisd, regularly updated throughout the week with additional content and features.
Credits:
Created with images by itchaznong - "Asian business woman being audit transactions account budget of company. Accountant and Anti Bribery concept." • pixs:sell - "Ellis Island Immigration Museum New York City"