Team

Dr. Karen Calvert Molinar

Dr. Karen Calvert Molinar is the Superintendent of the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) and brings over two decades of dedicated service to education. With a career spanning multiple leadership roles within FWISD, Dr. Molinar has built a reputation for her strategic vision, operational expertise, and commitment to student success. In her current role, she provides leadership and oversight to critical areas such as Budget & Finance, Talent Management, and Safety & Security, among others, ensuring that FWISD runs efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of students, staff, and the community.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Molinar served as Deputy Superintendent of FWISD from 2020 to 2023, where she played a key role in leading the Superintendent’s Leadership Team and directing district-wide initiatives. Her extensive experience also includes serving as Chief of Staff, Chief of Elementary Leadership, and Assistant Superintendent. Her work has been integral in supporting the success of FWISD’s elementary campuses, fostering a leadership culture that enhances educational outcomes for students while building strong community partnerships.

Dr. Molinar holds a Doctorate in Education Administration from Texas Wesleyan University, a Master’s in Education Administration from Tarleton State University, and a Bachelor’s degree from Salisbury State University. Throughout her career, she has been an active member of professional organizations, including the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Urban Council, and she has been recognized for her leadership and unwavering dedication to public education.

Maria Chavez, a native of El Paso, Texas joined Fort Worth ISD as the Comptroller in April 2022.   In her current role, she oversees a wide range of finance departments and functions, including the Accounting Department, Accounts Payable, Grant Accounting, Medicaid/SHARS and Treasury Management.

Maria has more than 20 years of progressive career experience in financial management.  She is proficient in providing leadership, direction and continuously improving performance.  Prior to her current role with the district, she served as the Executive Director of Finance at Anthony ISD and the Director of Finance at El Paso ISD.  

Maria earned her Bachelor of Accounting Degree from New Mexico State University.

Her personal interest is her family and her passion for fitness.

Tonya D. Wright currently serves at the Treasurer in the Accounting Department for FWISD which is the 5th largest school district in Texas.

Prior to accepting a position with FWISD, Tonya worked in Banking & Finance for JP Morgan Chase Bank for 25 years in the capacity of Branch Manager of banking centers, Personal Bank and Investments Representative.  She manages a portfolio for the school district in excess of over $700,000,000 and performs various cash management, banking, investing, accounting, and debt management functions.

Tonya was born and raised in Fort Worth.  She is an Alumni of North Side High School in the Fort Worth Independent School District. 

Tonya graduated from Texas Wesleyan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Her personal interest is enjoying her first grandchild, spending time with her husband, son and daughter-in law.  She enjoys traveling, volunteering at her church and enjoying life to the fullest.