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Exemplary Programs and Practices in the
Fort Worth Independent School District


TSPR identified numerous best practices in the Fort Worth ISD (FWISD). Through commendations in each chapter, the report highlights model programs, operations and services provided by the district’s administrators, teachers and staff. Other school districts throughout Texas are encouraged to examine these exemplary programs and services to see if they could be adapted to meet local needs.


  • Reconstituted low-performing schools—FWISD reconstituted four of the lowest performing elementary schools in 1995 and subsequently four other campuses. Staff members on these reconstituted campuses use research-based instruction, health and social services, parental involvement, staff development and well-defined approaches to improve student conduct. One of the district’s reconstituted schools earned an Exemplary rating for the 1999-2000 school year.

  • Energy management program—FWISD developed an effective energy management program that has held down costs by more than $1.5 million over the last two years. In May 1997, the district signed a performance contract that includes an energy accounting software program, employee training on using the software and general energy conservation training for the district’s energy managers. The accounting software tracks energy consumption and makes adjustments to compensate for variations in weather, building additions and new construction, billing period lengths, additional technology and added new equipment.

  • Chairs for Teaching Excellence award program—After receiving feedback from employee groups for the need to infuse a new spirit of service, the district established the Chairs of Teaching Excellence award program. More than 80 businesses in Fort Worth sponsor an annual outstanding teacher recognition dinner where 11 teachers are awarded $10,000 cash stipends.

  • In-house attorney—FWISD’s use of a staff attorney helps reduce the need for more expensive outside legal services. Consequently, the district’s legal fees are only $8.80 per student, compared to its peer districts that average $15.85 per student in legal fees. Actual comparative data for 1999-2000 is not available yet, but FWISD’s legal fees for outside counsel dropped by another $23,000 last year.

  • Control employee health care premiums—In spite of general increases in health care costs, FWISD’s health care premiums compare favorably to those of its peer districts. In fact, the district offers lower premiums than the peer average for each coverage category while benefits are on par with the peer districts. To control the overall cost of health care, the district bids health insurance every three years and requires agency service agreements for brokers and agents placing district insurance coverage. The district also contracts directly with medical providers, which allows the district’s input into the rate setting process.

  • Sound inventory controls protect assets—FWISD’s Central Warehouse controls inventories by maintaining lists of commodities and sharing these lists with the Accounting and Internal Audit departments. Consequently, FWISD’s inventory variances due to theft, loss, receiving or distribution errors, or damage have been less than 1 percent annually since 1998.