On February 17, the Midland ISD Board of Trustees discussed a proposal to partner with Third Future Schools to operate South Elementary beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
District administrators recommended approving a three-year School Action partnership with the charter operator through the 2028–29 school year, citing a need to accelerate student achievement and strengthen long-term campus performance. According to Erin Bueno, the agenda item outlined an implementation framework to improve instructional systems and align South Elementary with district improvement priorities. South is currently the district’s only F-rated campus under the state accountability system, according to the 2024 Texas Academic Performance Report shared during the same meeting.
District leaders said Third Future Schools’ prior turnaround work at Sam Houston Elementary and Lamar Elementary was part of the rationale for considering this partnership. Trustee Matt Friez said, “the broader set of agenda items under consideration is intended to prioritize student learning, campus safety, and financial efficiency, though each item would require a separate board vote,” according to remarks made during the meeting.
The proposal drew public comment from parents and community members. Some raised concerns about transparency, special education oversight, and the district’s recent handling of allegations involving South Elementary’s life skills program. Trustees have not yet taken final action on the partnership, which would require board approval before moving forward for the 2026–27 academic year.
The Midland Independent School District aims to enhance student achievement and support diverse groups through targeted educational and assistance programs according to its official website. The district operates under Superintendent Stephanie Howard and collaborates with organizations such as the Midland Education Foundation to finance initiatives in academics, fine arts, robotics, STEM, history and other areas. The district provides educational services focusing on these areas through partnerships and functions as a public education entity in alignment with state guidelines. The district marked a key development with its origins dating back to an original one-room schoolhouse after Midland County’s establishment in 1885.