FORT WORTH, Texas — The Fort Worth ISD school board Tuesday appointed longtime administrator Karen Molinar as interim superintendent.
The former elementary school teacher temporarily replaces Dr. Angelica Ramsey. Ramsey resigned in September, weeks after Fort Worth's mayor and business leaders called student test scores "unacceptable" in a letter to trustees.
Molinar will guide the district as its board searches for a permanent leader. Molinar said she intends to apply for that position.
"I look forward to making some changes that support academic achievement and outcomes," Molinar said. "Whatever changes are necessary, the board will support me."
Molinar has worked for Fort Worth ISD for 27 years, serving most recently as deputy superintendent. She's also been a classroom teacher, principal and the district's chief of elementary schools.
She's served as Fort Worth ISD's interim superintendent before, too. In 2022, trustees appointed Molinar to the position when former superintendent Kent Scribner retired. The board eventually hired Ramsey for the job.
Molinar said she will lean on her experience to guide her actions.
"It's relationships," she said. "It's always been about listening."
School board members stood behind Molinar during a news conference after her appointment Tuesday, though the trustees refused to answer reporters' questions.
It's not clear whether the board aims to hire a superintendent as soon as possible, or if they intend to take their time searching for a candidate.
Fort Worth ISD still owes Ramsey over half a million dollars, according to her separation agreement. Ramsey is still, technically, an employee of the district, operating under the title of "Ambassador for Public Relations".