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Fort Worth ISD Families Explore School Options as State Takeover Looms
At the district's annual Choice Expo, families navigated specialized programs and reaffirmed their commitment to public education amid a state takeover and post-election uncertainty.
FORT WORTH â Fort Worth ISD families began planning for the next school year Saturday at the district's annual Choice Expo, where students and parents explored specialized programs ranging from world languages and honors courses to law enforcement and medical science pathways. The event, which also marked the first day of the enrollment window for choice programs, unfolded against the backdrop of a state takeover and changes following Tuesday's election.
The expo gives families a chance to look beyond their neighborhood campuses. Lynsey Charles, FWISD's executive director of Innovation and School Choice, said the programs are designed to widen options across the district.
"You may live in a particular area that would have your attendance, so only one particular set of schools," Charles said. "But these programs transcend that. We have to transport students within our district to any of these schools for these programs."
Charles said the district is advertising the programs to all families who live in the district, as well as to students outside it who are interested in FWISD schools or whose families have pursued other choice options. A district spokesperson said the expo happens every year regardless of the state takeover, and noted that some families from other school districts attended because of interest in FWISD's offerings.
Eighth grader Emilia Goodbaster came to research her ideal high school. "Yesterday I went on a tour of I.M. Terrell and I think that was my favorite school so far," she said. Fellow student Nicolas Fuentes said he is looking for a program that matches his ambitions. "I want to travel the world one day and I want to be able to understand people in other continents," he said.
For Emilia's parents, Yavira and Cameron Goodbaster, the decision is about more than picking a campus. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the state takeover, they said they remain committed to Fort Worth ISD and public education.
"You know, we can't give up," Yavira Goodbaster said. "As a Latina woman, as someone who went to public school, and also hopefully as a social worker in future, I can't not do anything about it. And so, taking her away from public schools I think would only make matters worse."
The family said Tuesday's election left them feeling more invested in what comes next for public education. Cameron Goodbaster said he hopes the changes bring greater investment in public schools. "From a FWISD perspective, we're really excited about the changes that we hope come of this recent election," he said.
While the adults focus on the future of public education, Emilia is keeping her own plans in view. "I think I might want to be a child psychologist, or some form of helping other people," she said.
Families can view the choice programs and enrollment information online at fwisd.org/choices.