At the heart of Tarrant County's growth lies a powerful partnership between public education and the business community. This partnership not only shapes students’ futures but also strengthens our region's economy.
Our Founder and Board Chair, Dr. Elizabeth R. Brands, sat down with Dr. Kim Cantu, Superintendent of Mansfield ISD, and Steve Montgomery, President and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce in our first episode of The Review: A Rev Partnership Podcast to discuss the vital role public education plays in preparing students with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic workforce and tomorrow’s evolving industries.
North Texas had the largest numeric population increase of any US metro area from 2022 to 2023, adding 152,598 residents and surpassing 8 million total residents[1]. There were more than 130,000 jobs created in the Tarrant County from April 2020 – July 2022, with trends exceeding pre-pandemic levels[2].
“North Texas is growing at such a rapid rate, and the city of Fort Worth is the fastest-growing large city in America. A year ago, we were 13th on the list. This year, we are 12th. We predict that by 2028, we will be in the top 10,” shared Montgomery.
There is great power throughout our growing region, and with great power comes even greater responsibility. According to Montgomery, business leaders, from large companies like American Airlines and BNSF Railway to small business owners, share that the number one challenge they face is the attraction and retention of talent.
"With [Fort Worth’s] growth comes challenges," Steve noted. “Our businesses depend on strong educational institutions to provide a pipeline of talented, job-ready individuals.”
To meet this demand, our public education system is raising the bar and using Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to not only fill high-demand jobs but also provide them with the interpersonal skills necessary to enter the workforce.
From the business community's perspective, Steve emphasized the importance of these interpersonal skills –
or "power skills" – such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Employers consistently cite these as critical yet often lacking in entry-level employees. He stressed the need for close collaboration between public education and industry to bridge this gap.
In our conversation, Dr. Cantu shared that school districts are deliberate with their partnerships and make intentional steps to ensure that their students are leaving ready for their next step - whether that’s attending college, entering the workforce, or enlisting into the military.
“By providing our kids opportunities to explore as they matriculate through our system, [students] are able to really find their passion, whether it’s a traditional education or whatever their passion may be,” Cantu said.
Dr. Cantu shared how Mansfield ISD exemplifies this vision, with 100 percent of their CTE students graduating with associate degrees for two consecutive years. Their Advanced Placement (AP) enrollment has increased, and their College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) rates have surged to 78 percent. “We focus on college, career, and life readiness,” Dr. Cantu said. “Providing opportunities for students ensures they’re prepared to excel in whatever path they choose.”
Public schools are themselves economic engines. Together, they employ over 48,000 ISD employees across Tarrant County. Collaboration between schools and businesses – through internships and mentorship programs – ensures mutual success.
By aligning goals and fostering innovation, Tarrant County is setting a national example of how education and business partnerships can drive regional growth. This partnership isn’t just about meeting today’s demands – it’s about anticipating tomorrow’s possibilities.
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Click here to listen to our full conversation:
Want more information on public education’s impact on our region’s economy? Click here to listen to our full episode. New episodes of The Review, a Rev Partnership Podcast, are released each month. Be sure to like and subscribe so you never miss an episode.
[1] https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024/population-estimates-more-counties-population-gains-2023.html