FORT WORTH, Texas — There are roughly 75,000 students who attend Fort Worth ISD schools. And now, one of Texas’ largest school districts is in need of a new superintendent.
On Tuesday night, the Fort Worth ISD Board accepted the resignation of Superintendent Angélica Ramsey. She’s led the district since 2022. The board voted 8-1 to accept the resignation.
“There’s been some turmoil and division there for some time,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “You can tell the board was split, and I think that translates into a division of community and which direction we’re headed.”
Parker said on Wednesday she understands this was a tough decision for the board to make but respects their decision.
Ramsey’s resignation comes weeks after Mayor Parker and more than 40 other businesses, community leaders, and city officials wrote a letter to the school board demanding improvements in student achievement, citing low STAAR testing scores.
“Sure, we could point fingers in not giving someone enough time, I also think leadership is very difficult. So, let’s take the time to reset and find the right leader,” said Parker.
In a joint statement with Ramsey, the district said her last day will be Oct. 1, but she will remain employed by the district until next August.
In her own statement, Ramsey highlighted her accomplishments over the last two years, including raising the district’s rating from a “D" to a “C.”
Later thanking students directly, saying in part: “Whoever follows me in this position is here to serve you, and I believe in your potential to shape a brighter future for this community."
Out of the more than 40 members who signed the mayor’s letter is Estella Williams, president of the Fort Worth Branch of the NAACP.
“It’s overdue. Our children have suffered,” said Williams. “I would think whoever the next one is, should come in and immediately develop some strategies or some goals. ”
Williams said fixing the district’s issues won’t solely be fixed by the departure of Ramsey.
Parker said she expects the search for the interim superintendent to start soon.
“I do think community leaders can come alongside the board to help attract the right candidates,” Parker said. “I’m still confident we can find that leader.”