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Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026

Fact brief: Does FWISD’s new leader have a Texas superintendent certification?

Ismael M. Belkoura, Fort Worth Report
no

State-appointed Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Peter B. Licata does not have a Texas superintendent certification.

Licata does not hold any Texas educator certifications, according to Texas Education Agency records. He previously served for 10 months as superintendent for Broward County Public Schools in Florida in 2023. 

Agency spokesperson Jake Kobersky said the board of managers will request a certification waiver at their first meeting. Licata plans to obtain his certification.

The six previous leaders for Fort Worth ISD had superintendent certifications during their tenures. 

Licata started leading FWISD March 24. He is on a 21-day interim contract until the new board of managers approves his hiring.

A person can serve as an interim superintendent without being certified. Texas Education Agency officials can grant waivers for superintendents to hold such positions without the certificate.

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath appointed Licata and the managers as a result of the district’s low academic performance.

Editor’s note: This story was updated to include Licata’s plan to be certified.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

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