What to watch: The Midland ISD Board of Trustees will meet Tuesday, Nov. 18, to discuss the turnaround plan for Legacy Freshman High School and review the district’s annual financial accountability report. Trustees will also hear updates on teacher quality, Special Services, progress at Bunche and De Zavala Elementary, and student offenses that qualify for placement in a Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP).

Key points: 

  • Legacy Freshman turnaround plan: Trustees will hear the required turnaround plan for Legacy Freshman High School after the state reidentified the campus for intervention because certain student groups are not making enough academic progress. The school scored 43 on the state’s “Closing the Gaps” measure, below the target score of 57, marking its second straight year under the threshold.

Key steps include more structured planning time for Algebra I and English I teachers, new curriculum tools, weekly support from district content experts, more frequent classroom observations and feedback, and targeted coaching sessions. The campus aims to increase the percentage of students who meet grade-level expectations in Algebra I from 16% to 38% and English I from 41% to 44% by the end of next school year.

  • FIRST Report: MISD will present its annual Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) report. The district earned the highest possible rating, A  Superior, with a perfect score of 100. This is MISD’s eighth consecutive superior rating. The score increased from last year due to stronger financial stability following the district’s sale of voter-approved 2023 bond funds, which improved its cash-to-liabilities position.
  • High-quality teachers: The board will receive an update on its goal to ensure every student has a strong, well-supported classroom teacher. The report will outline trends in teacher certification, hiring, training, and coaching, and how these efforts connect to better student outcomes.
  • School Action Plan: MISD will update trustees on its annual analysis of how many students attend highly rated campuses and the district’s long-term planning cycle. MISD also plans to apply for state grant funding to support redesign efforts that increase access to A- and B-rated schools and close achievement gaps.
  • Special Services: MISD currently serves 3,978 students receiving Special Education services, 1,589 students with dyslexia, 1,695 students receiving speech therapy (including 450 virtually), and 1,090 students with Section 504 plans. District staff will present trustees with staffing needs, department priorities, and ongoing initiatives to support students and staff.
  • Bunche and De Zavala turnaround progress: Trustees will hear progress on Bunche and De Zavala Elementary after the Texas Education Agency (TEA) formally approved each school’s revised turnaround plan on Oct. 8.

Improvements include more consistent instructional coaching, better use of high-quality lesson materials, increased staffing support through Multi-Classroom Leaders, and stronger intervention systems that track student progress more frequently.  Both schools are working to sustain academic gains and improve long-term performance for struggling student groups.

  • JJAEP offenses: Administration will brief trustees on the types of serious student offenses that qualify for placement in a JJAEP. MISD recorded 32 expellable offenses last year and eight so far this year. The presentation will also explain how the new state law allows districts in counties without a JJAEP, like Midland, to use a Virtual Expulsion Program, pending final state guidance.
  • Closed session actions: Trustees may take action on several items discussed during a closed session, including:

    • A resolution regarding students with disabilities

    • Ordering an independent audit of the Special Education Department

    • Requesting a district-wide Special Education strategic plan

    • Adding measurable Special Education outcomes to the superintendent’s evaluation

    • Hiring an outside expert to advise the board on easement issues