FORT WORTH, Texas — The Fort Worth ISD school board met Tuesday to discuss Superintendent Angélica Ramsey’s performance.
The board met in executive session, meaning the meeting was private and behind closed doors, with lawyers and without Ramsey.
All the district revealed in advance of the meeting was that the board would be discussing Dr. Ramsey's performance. After the executive session ended, which lasted about two hours, Board President Roxanne Martinez told reporters the discussion was important, but said no action was taken.
“I’m not at liberty to discuss any personnel issues any further,” Martinez said.
Before the executive session began, about 20 people, teachers, parents, and taxpayers, came to express their frustration with the district and Dr. Ramsey.
“We need someone local, who knows the heart of Fort Worth,” one speaker told the board.
“If I was in your seat, I would have to let her go,” another added.
Dr. Ramsey sat with the board and listened along throughout all of the public comments.
Teachers said their colleagues are leaving the district due to a toxic administration.
“The lack of trust put in us is demeaning and soul-sucking,” one teacher told the board.
Meanwhile, parents lamented stagnant test scores, among other issues.
“We don’t have time to waste, we’re in a crisis, our kids don’t get a second chance,” one district parent said.
Some speakers defended Dr. Ramsey, at least in part, accusing the board of making her a scapegoat.
“The superintendent might not be the problem,” one speaker told board members.
“It’s all of you together as a board, you have made the wrong decision over and over and over,” another added.
The meeting comes just three weeks after Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker sent a letter to trustees that called student test scores unacceptable. Forty-five other community leaders cosigned it, including former mayors, current city council members, nonprofit executives, and faith leaders.
Dr. Ramsey has been on the job since 2022. In July, the board refused to extend her contract beyond its current 2026 expiration date.