MISD releases statement on Third Future

May 17—In light of the recent call for an investigation into the finances of Third Future Schools (TFS) by Representative Ana Hernandez District 143 and a media release provided by TFS, Midland Independent School District (MISD) is offering the following statement:

"Third Future Schools has operated Sam Houston Collegiate Preparatory Elementary since the 2020-21 school year and began operating Lamar Elementary during the 2023-24 school year in Midland Independent School District. Agreements are in place to continue the partnership through June 2025 and June 2026 at both campuses respectively. Per its contract with TFS, MISD is obligated to provide oversight both financially and academically. The District also meets its financial obligations that are outlined in the contract. Annual independent audits are provided by TFS to the District as per the partnership agreement."

"MISD upholds financial integrity and has earned numerous awards including receiving Texas State Comptroller Transparency Stars since 2019 and the Association of School Business Officials International Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting in 2021-22. The District was recently awarded the 2024 Texas Association of School Business Officials Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (GFOA) and the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (ASBO). These awards are given as the highest forms of recognition in the areas of governmental accounting and financial reporting and reflect a commitment to financial transparency and high-quality financial reporting."

"The District has received clean audit findings for the last five years dating back to 2019."

"Should TEA elect to conduct an investigation, MISD will provide the requested information and documentation and cooperate fully. MISD has been in communication with TFS and has been assured that funds for students served in Texas have not been used for schools in other states where they operate."

"Midland Independent School District values its partnership with Third Future Schools and the work they are doing at Lamar Elementary and Sam Houston Collegiate Preparatory Elementary in Midland. In the upcoming years, as contracts with Third Future Schools in Midland ISD expire, as with any other partnership agreement, the District will evaluate the renewal of these based on the effectiveness of the school along with the track record of successful student outcomes and the state accountability system," the statement concluded.

Third Future, a charter school network, also runs Ector College Prep Middle School, but Ector County ISD is taking it back starting in the fall as Third Future had fulfilled its mission of turning the campus around.