The Fort Worth Independent School District board has approved two significant measures that will reshape the district. In a recent meeting, trustees voted to adopt a new curriculum that includes Christian biblical teachings and moved forward with a plan to convert seven struggling schools into specialized "resource campuses" under a state program.
The decisions, particularly the curriculum approval, have generated both support and considerable public opposition, setting the stage for major changes in the 2026-27 academic year.
Key Takeaways
- The Fort Worth ISD board voted 6-3 to approve the "Bluebonnet curriculum," which incorporates Christian biblical stories and themes.
- Seven schools identified as struggling will be converted into "resource campuses" to receive additional state support from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
- All principals and teachers at the seven affected schools must re-apply for their jobs, though the district says no one will be laid off.
- Community members expressed concerns that the new curriculum violates the First Amendment's separation of church and state.
Seven Schools to Become Resource Campuses
Fort Worth ISD is taking steps to address performance issues at seven of its schools by enrolling them in a Texas Education Agency (TEA) initiative. The "resource campus" model is designed to provide intensive support to schools that have consistently struggled with academic and behavioral standards.
The transition is planned for the 2026-27 school year and aims to bring targeted resources to students and staff. According to district officials, these campuses will receive enhanced academic programs, specialized staffing, and robust behavioral support systems.
What is a Resource Campus?
The Resource Campus Model is a state-level intervention strategy in Texas for schools with a history of low academic performance. By partnering with the TEA, districts receive additional funding and guidance. A key requirement is often a complete staff overhaul to ensure that every position is filled by personnel specifically selected for the challenging environment.
Affected Schools and Staffing Changes
The district has identified the following seven schools for the transformation:
- Clifford Davis Elementary School
- Morningside Middle School
- Wedgwood Middle School
- West Handley Elementary School
- Western Hills Elementary School/Western Hills Primary
- William James Middle School
One of the most significant requirements of this model is that all principals and teachers currently employed at these seven schools must re-apply for their positions. Superintendent Karen Molinar addressed this during the board meeting, clarifying the district's position on job security.
"When we say reapply... and what we're forcing on teachers, this is part of the criteria, but it's also a teacher's choice if they want to do it," Molinar explained. "I have to do it now, to recruit for seven campuses... It will take me the entire school year to find the best."
She emphasized that while staff must re-apply, they are not at risk of losing their jobs with the district. Employees who are not rehired at their current school may be reassigned to other campuses within FWISD. To attract highly qualified candidates, the district plans to offer a teacher incentive allotment and potentially additional compensation for those who accept positions at the resource campuses. Recruitment is scheduled to begin in October.
Controversial Curriculum Gets Green Light
In a separate but equally impactful decision, the board voted 6-3 to adopt the "Bluebonnet curriculum." This educational framework, developed by the TEA, has drawn criticism for its inclusion of Christian biblical narratives and themes in its lesson plans.
Superintendent Molinar recommended the curriculum, stating her desire to make it available as an option for all schools in the district, not just the resource campuses. The approval followed a period of public comment where several community members and leaders voiced strong opposition.
Vote Breakdown
The motion to approve the Bluebonnet curriculum passed with a 6-3 vote by the Fort Worth ISD Board of Trustees, highlighting a division on the issue among district leaders.
First Amendment Concerns Raised
Opponents argued that implementing the curriculum would cross the constitutional line separating church and state. They expressed concern that teaching religious texts as part of a public school curriculum could be interpreted as a state endorsement of a specific religion.
Natalie Norton, a speaker at the meeting, articulated this concern directly.
"My primary concern is that this curriculum violates the First Amendment establishment clause by including so many Christian texts, specifically biblical narratives, it blurs the critical line of teaching about religion and a state-sponsored religion," Norton stated.
Another speaker, Rev. Mary Spradlin, suggested that adopting the curriculum under pressure to avoid a state takeover would mean the district had already surrendered its autonomy. "If you feel you must adopt it to avoid takeover, we've already lost local control," she said.
Community Reaction and Next Steps
The reaction from the community has been mixed. While the resource campus initiative received support from some parents, the curriculum decision remains a point of contention.
Caroline James, an FWISD parent, spoke in favor of the bold action being taken to help struggling schools.
"There is simply no time to wait. These schools, these children, need help now. Everyone deserves an awesome third grade. Thank you for taking bold action on behalf of these students," James said during public comment.
With the board's approvals, the district will now proceed on two parallel tracks. First, it must formally apply to the TEA for each of the seven schools to be designated as a resource campus. The state agency will have the final say on these applications.
Second, the district will begin the process of integrating the Bluebonnet curriculum into its educational offerings. The implementation details and the extent to which individual schools will adopt it remain to be seen. The ongoing debate over its content is likely to continue as the district moves forward.
