Amid declining enrollment and anticipated budget shortfalls, the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) is preparing to reduce its staff.
Superintendent Angelica Ramsey made the announcement online on Monday.
During a special meeting scheduled for Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., school board members will deliberate on which positions will be affected and the extent of the staff cuts.
Ramsey cited ongoing challenges stemming from declining enrollment, which led to budget reductions of approximately $1.6 million last year.
“This year, due to continued projections of declining enrollment, coupled with legislative inaction on public school financing, the sunsetting of ESSER funds, fewer federal dollars, and a projected budget deficit, it has become necessary for us to make additional reductions both in budgets and staff,” Ramsey stated.
ESSER funds, which stand for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds, were part of federal COVID relief grants.
The district is focusing on job cuts because more than 80% of its budget is allocated to salaries.
Ramsey’s announcement has prompted questions and concerns from various stakeholders.
Meredith Bowman, a teacher, parent in the district, and president of the Association of Texas Public Educators, raised questions about the criteria for deciding which employees will be retained and which will be let go.
Steven Poole, executive director of the United Educators Association, expressed anxiety among employees about potential job losses.
The lack of action by the Texas legislature regarding public school funding and declining enrollment in FWISD are among the main concerns.
Ramsey reassured that job assistance programs and opportunities within the district will be available for affected employees. She also mentioned the natural turnover that occurs due to retirements and resignations, creating additional opportunities for those wishing to remain with FWISD.
However, the lack of a clear long-term plan to address enrollment declines and attract families back to FWISD remains a significant issue for Poole and others, leading to uncertainties about the district’s future.
