Image Courtesy of WFAA

FORT WORTH, Texas — The Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) Board of Trustees has voted to name Dr. Karen Molinar as the sole finalist for the district’s permanent superintendent position.

This decision comes more than four months after Dr. Angelica Ramsey resigned from the role in October, a move that cost the district over $500,000. The vote was unanimous, passing 9-0.

Board President Roxanne Martinez shared that the board had reviewed 12 candidates, noting, “It was clear we had the lone finalist in Dr. Molinar.”

Dr. Molinar was appointed interim superintendent just a week after Ramsey’s resignation. Since stepping into the interim role, Molinar has emphasized a commitment to improving STARR test results and has worked alongside city leaders to focus on ensuring students read at grade level across the district. Last month, Molinar announced a concerted effort toward literacy for all students.

“Our Board of Trustees has already demonstrated its commitment by adopting a strategic plan and a literacy resolution,” Dr. Molinar said in a press conference following the board meeting. “These two elements serve as our road maps to accelerate student success and academic achievement. I will continue to model transparency, collaboration, and accountability as we implement these strategies.”

Molinar has dedicated 27 years to Fort Worth ISD, with experience as a deputy superintendent, classroom teacher, principal, and the district’s chief of elementary schools.

She takes over at a time when the district, like many in North Texas, is grappling with a budget deficit and declining enrollment in some schools.

The district is considering potential campus closures, though Molinar emphasized that the process is in its early stages and will involve input from the community.

“We’re looking at late spring before making any decisions or recommendations,” she said, adding that any closures would be phased in. “This won’t be happening next year.”

Molinar expressed pride in leading the district in a city she holds dear. “Fort Worth ISD is my home, and I’m excited to work alongside our talented educators and staff to ensure every student receives a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.”

She also reflected on her decision to wait until now to seek the superintendent role, saying, “When the opportunity came before, [my daughter] was entering her senior year. It just wasn’t the time—I wanted to spend that time with her.”

State law requires a 21-day waiting period between naming a finalist and appointing a superintendent. The FWISD board’s first opportunity to officially name Dr. Molinar as superintendent will be Tuesday, March 11.

In October, WFAA had a one-on-one interview with Dr. Molinar. Here’s what she shared: