Fort Worth ISD Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Fort Worth ISD has 4 executives leading key functions including financial management, technology infrastructure, administrative operations, and strategic coordination.

Committed to academic excellence, Fort Worth ISD fosters student development through comprehensive K-12 programs and specialized learning environments across the Texas region.

Leadership Roles at Fort Worth ISD

  • Chief Financial Officer - Darla Moss
  • Chief Technology Officer - Eric Upchurch
  • Chief of Staff - Frederick Van Valkenburg
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Sumara Case
  • Darla Moss - Chief Financial Officer

    Darla Moss, the Chief Financial Officer at Fort Worth ISD, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the entire educational institution. Overseeing complex funding streams, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with state and federal regulations while optimizing resource distribution across elementary, middle, and high school campuses. Moss directs long-term financial planning to support academic initiatives and infrastructure maintenance throughout the district. By analyzing expenditure patterns and revenue projections, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the economic stability required for high-quality student services. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the Board to align fiscal policies with district-wide educational goals. Through rigorous oversight of procurement and payroll systems, Darla Moss secures the necessary capital for classroom resources. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer drives sustainable growth by balancing immediate operational needs with the future financial requirements of the district.

    Eric Upchurch - Chief Technology Officer

    Eric Upchurch, the Chief Technology Officer at Fort Worth ISD, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern classroom learning and administrative efficiency. Managing district-wide network security and hardware deployment, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across all campuses. Upchurch drives the integration of educational software platforms to enhance instructional delivery and data management. By modernizing information systems, the Chief Technology Officer facilitates secure access to academic resources and student performance metrics. This leadership role requires constant evaluation of emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in K-12 education. Eric Upchurch coordinates with IT teams to mitigate cybersecurity risks and maintain system uptime for critical district operations. Through strategic investment in digital tools, the Chief Technology Officer empowers educators to utilize data-driven insights, ultimately improving student outcomes and operational agility within the expansive Fort Worth educational network.

    Frederick Van Valkenburg - Chief of Staff

    Frederick Van Valkenburg, the Chief of Staff at Fort Worth ISD, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication between the superintendent and district leadership teams. Overseeing the implementation of strategic initiatives, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment across all departments to meet the educational mission of the district. Van Valkenburg manages high-level projects and policy development, providing the necessary structure for effective decision-making. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff enhances organizational efficiency and supports the daily operations of schools throughout the region. This leadership role involves mediating complex issues and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders to achieve district objectives. Frederick Van Valkenburg monitors the progress of key performance indicators to ensure accountability and transparency in all administrative functions. Through proactive management of executive priorities, the Chief of Staff maintains the focus on student success and institutional excellence across the entire Fort Worth ISD organization.

    Sumara Case - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Sumara Case, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Fort Worth ISD, supports the execution of district-wide programs and assists in the management of daily administrative functions. Focusing on operational logistics, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that school-level requirements receive adequate support from central office departments. Case facilitates cross-functional communication to resolve bottlenecks and improve service delivery for students and staff. By analyzing operational data, the Deputy Chief of Staff identifies opportunities for process improvement and resource optimization across the district. This leadership role involves preparing reports for the Board and assisting in the coordination of district events and community outreach efforts. Sumara Case works closely with the Chief of Staff to translate strategic goals into actionable tasks for various departments. Through diligent attention to detail and organizational support, the Deputy Chief of Staff maintains the operational rhythm necessary for the successful functioning of the entire educational institution.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fort Worth ISD Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Fort Worth ISD?
    Fort Worth ISD is led by Darla Moss (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Eric Upchurch (Chief Technology Officer) and Frederick Van Valkenburg (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Fort Worth ISD’s executive team?
    The executive team of Fort Worth ISD includes leaders such as Darla Moss (Chief Financial Officer), Eric Upchurch (Chief Technology Officer), Frederick Van Valkenburg (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Fort Worth ISD have?
    Fort Worth ISD has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Fort Worth ISD’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Fort Worth ISD includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff.