Six Groups Seek Fort Worth ISD School Partnerships
The school district is reviewing proposals that could change how local campuses are managed starting in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Administration
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Six organizations have expressed preliminary interest in partnering with Fort Worth Independent School District to redesign school campuses. The Call for Great Schools initiative invites outside groups to propose new educational models for the district.
Why it matters
This initiative aims to expand academic programs like early learning and career readiness for local students. It follows an established model where external partners can operate schools under agreements that require final approval from the district's board of managers.
Six organizations have signaled interest through a 29-page application process that governs these potential school redesigns. These partnerships are structured under a state law that allows campuses to be exempt from certain interventions for two years.
The players
Fort Worth Independent School District
A public school system currently exploring new external partnerships to improve campus-level educational programming.
Texas Wesleyan University
A local higher education institution that currently manages six schools within the Fort Worth ISD through the Texas Partnerships program.
Peter Licata
The Superintendent of Fort Worth ISD who previously noted no specific plans for new partnership expansions as of August 2026.
The details
The Call for Great Schools initiative allows nonprofits, universities, and government agencies to submit proposals for managing specific campuses. Applications undergo a rigorous district review and interview process before any recommendations reach the board of managers. If approved, these partners operate the schools, focusing on specific educational niches such as flexible learning or college-career readiness.
Timeline
2017: Senate Bill 1882 established the Texas Partnerships program.
September 22, 2026: Fort Worth ISD launched the Call for Great Schools initiative.
October 9, 2026: The deadline passed for submitting an intent to apply for 2027-28 partnerships.
October 30, 2026: Completed applications are due for the 2027-28 school year.
May 11, 2027: The board of managers could vote on partnership agreements for the 2028-29 school year.
The Home Front
The district's solicitation of new partnerships operates under the legislative framework created by Texas Senate Bill 1882. This state law provides the legal authority for public school districts to transition campus management to external entities in exchange for specific exemptions.
Families should monitor district communications to see if their specific school is selected as a candidate for future restructuring. You may want to review your current school's academic programming goals, as these partnerships are designed to introduce new models like early learning or flexible instruction.
The takeaway
This initiative is currently in the early proposal phase and no schools have been affected yet. Parents can track board of managers meeting schedules for updates on which specific campuses may eventually be identified for redesign.
What happens next
The district's board of managers may hold votes on proposed partnership agreements by March 9, 2027, for the 2027-28 school year, and by May 11, 2027, for the 2028-29 academic year.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest Administration updates within the district.
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