Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) opened its annual Choice Expo on Thursday, giving parents and students a close look at the district’s specialized programs ranging from world‑language tracks to honors courses and college‑credit opportunities. The event arrives at a pivotal moment for the district, which is facing a state takeover and new leadership after Tuesday’s election.
Students explore options beyond neighborhood schools
At the expo, eighth‑grader Emilia Goodbaster toured the I.M. Terrell campus and said, “Yesterday I went on a tour of I.M. Terrell and I think that was my favorite school so far.” Fellow student Nicolas Fuentes expressed his ambition, noting, “I want to travel the world one day and I want to be able to understand people in other continents.”
FWISD’s Innovation and School Choice executive director, Lynsey Charles, explained that the programs are designed to broaden options for families who might otherwise be limited to schools in their immediate attendance zone. “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.”
Open to district residents and out‑of‑district families
While the expo primarily serves FWISD families, Charles noted that the district also markets its programs to families living outside the boundaries. “We have a range of programs that we’re advertising to all families that live in the district, and even students that maybe live outside the district that are interested in our schools,” she said.
The enrollment window for the upcoming school year opened on the same day as the expo, and families can also apply online.
Parents remain committed to public education
Emilia’s parents, Yavira and Cameron Goodbaster, said the state takeover has not shaken their commitment to Fort Worth public schools. “You know, we can’t give up,” Yavira 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. Taking her away from public schools would only make matters worse.”
Cameron Goodbaster added that the recent election has made the family feel more invested in the district’s future. “From a FWISD perspective, we’re really excited about the changes that we hope come of this recent election,” he said, expressing hope for greater investment in public schools.
District spokesperson emphasizes continuity
A district spokesperson reminded attendees that the Choice Expo is an annual event, regardless of whether a state takeover occurs. The spokesperson highlighted that families from other districts have attended in the past, drawn by FWISD’s robust program offerings.
Emilia, who is considering a career as a child psychologist, said she looks forward to focusing on her studies amid the district’s changes. “I think I might want to be a child psychologist, or some form of helping other people,” she said.
What the takeover means for families
State officials have indicated that the takeover will involve increased oversight and potential restructuring of district governance. While details are still being worked out, district leaders have emphasized that the core mission—providing quality education and diverse learning pathways—remains unchanged.
For families weighing their options, the Choice Expo offers a tangible way to compare programs, meet teachers, and plan for the next academic year, even as the district navigates a period of transition.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
