What Happened to William James Middle School?

Lessons Learned From the Front Lines of Education

Por Felix Alvarado

Growing up on San Antonio's West Side was, in many ways, the ultimate test of resilience. At the time, the West Side had a reputation as one of the toughest barrios in Texas. Gangs, drugs, and street fights were common realities, and poverty touched nearly every family.

Life in the barrio was often difficult and unforgiving. Many parents spoke little or no English, making it challenging for them to advocate for their children when problems arose at school.

One of my most difficult childhood experiences was what educators called the "Speak English" rule. Spanish was my first language, and I naturally responded in Spanish. Twice, I was referred to the Dean of Boys for violating the rule. Both times, I was paddled. Looking back, the punishment felt harsh and damaging. Experiences like these shaped my understanding of how important it is for schools to respect and value every student's background and culture.

As a young man, I believed my barrio upbringing would prepare me to succeed in any school environment with a large Latino population. I was wrong. What ultimately helped me navigate different personalities and difficult situations were the lessons I learned in the military. The most important lesson was simple: treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of rank or status.

That philosophy would become the foundation of my work as an assistant principal at William James Middle School in Fort Worth.

A School Facing Extraordinary Challenges

William James Middle School was located on Fort Worth's east side, an area that, at the time, had one of the city's highest crime rates. During my time there in the early 2000s, gang activity was at its peak.

Among the gangs active in the area were the Bloods, Crips, Latin Kings, and FMS-13, along with several smaller groups. Violence was a constant concern, prompting community organizations and city leaders to develop intervention programs. These included the Boys & Girls Clubs' Coming Up Program, the Violence Intervention Program (VIP), and youth initiatives sponsored by LULAC Council 4568.

LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens, offered young people an alternative to gang involvement. After seeing firsthand how students responded to the organization, I became actively involved. It was one of the most effective tools we had for connecting youth with positive opportunities.

Earning the Trust of Parents

One of the most important lessons I learned at William James was that parents will seek help when they trust you.

I remember a parent-teacher conference where a mother insisted that her son was not involved in a gang.

"Tell me the names of some of your friends," I asked the student.

After he listed several names, I asked a follow-up question: "Are any of your friends gang members?"

"All of them," he replied.

The parents quietly stood up and left the room with their son. The conference was over, but an important truth had been revealed.

On another occasion, a distraught mother came to my office seeking help because her daughter had run away from home.

"The police can't find her," she said.

I explained that I could not interfere in a police investigation, but I listened carefully and promised to do what I could within appropriate boundaries.

Later, while talking with students on the playground, I began asking questions. No one initially provided information. Yet trust matters. Before long, another parent arrived at my office and quietly handed me a piece of paper containing information about the girl's whereabouts.

"Don't tell anyone where this came from," she said. "Otherwise, my daughter could be hurt."

I immediately shared the information with law enforcement. The young girl was found safely.

Moments like these taught me that relationships matter. When students, parents, and educators trust one another, communities become stronger and safer.

Celebrating Success

Not every memory of William James is tied to crisis or conflict.

I remember student assemblies filled with excitement and pride. Teachers recognized student achievements, and the atmosphere was electric. As students entered the auditorium, they were greeted by the anthem "We Are the Champions." The celebrations reminded everyone that success was possible, even in the face of significant challenges.

The school's principal, Miss Ruffin, was an exceptional leader whose support helped create a positive culture focused on student achievement.

When I left William James Middle School, I believed it was moving in the right direction.

A Difficult Question

Today, however, the school faces an uncertain future. Reports indicate it is facing possible closure after receiving failing accountability ratings for multiple consecutive years.

That reality raises a difficult question:

What happened?

In every public school system, there are four key stakeholders:

1. Students

2. Parents

3. School administration

4. District administration

When a school struggles, responsibility rarely falls on one group alone. Student success requires collaboration among all four.

During my years at William James, parents responded when concerns were raised. Staff members worked tirelessly, and students listened and learned. Together, we created an environment where progress was possible.

The challenges facing the school today deserve thoughtful examination, not blame. More importantly, they deserve solutions.

The students at William James Middle School are worth the effort.

As someone who spent years working with these young people and their families, I would gladly share my experience if asked. Community organizations, including LULAC Council 4568, also stand ready to help strengthen parent engagement and student success.

The real question is not only what happened to William James Middle School.

The more important question is:

What can we do now to ensure its students have the future they deserve?

Felix Alvarado is a community advocate, educator, and member of LULAC Council 4568. Additional information about his work can be found at Latinoculturetx.com.

Editor's Note: Names used in student and parent examples have been changed for privacy purposes.