What happened: The Midland ISD Board of Trustees met on May 20.

Why it matters: The board approved a sweeping policy overhaul reshaping district governance, academic standards, content restrictions, and rules for student facilities and activities. It also adopted a new math curriculum, reviewed Pre-K and budget performance, and finalized names for two new middle schools.

Key points: 

  • Public comment: Nineteen speakers addressed the board on the policy update. Critics raised concerns about transparency and student impact. Supporters praised the changes as strengthening academics and restoring traditional values. Others requested that seniors be allowed to walk at graduation despite pending STAAR scores, and discussed math placement and reading support.

  • Policy changes: The board passed the policy package after a failed motion by Trustee Burleson to delay the vote. The student travel policy was revised and approved separately. New provisions include:

    • Shifting the board’s role to hold the superintendent directly accountable

    • New academic goals: all students on grade level, all campuses rated B or higher, 100% of graduates college-, career-, or military-ready

    • Oversight for underperforming campuses and budget deficits capped at 4%

    • Superintendent evaluations with at least 50% tied to board goal progress and TEA ratings

    • Restrictions on content promoting critical race theory, gender fluidity, social-emotional learning conflicting with board goals, or pornographic material

    • Board approval is required for all new library materials

    • Rules based on biological sex for restrooms, athletics, overnight travel, and fine arts casting

In a statement, the board said the policy update promotes transparency, fiscal responsibility, and improved student outcomes.

“This policy update provides the pathway for the district to turn its $41 million deficit to less than half of that for next school year (2025–26) and a balanced budget the following year.”

  • Superintendent update: Dr. Howard reported that 1,779 students will graduate this year, earning $17.5 million in scholarships; early reading proficiency (K–2) rose from 56% to 65%; and fights and assaults dropped 18% this year and 58% over the past two years.

  • Pre-K progress: 91% of students met phonological awareness targets, and 95% met early math goals.

  • Budget: Projected deficit for 2025–26 reduced to $15.9 million and $183 million fund balance, equal to about six months of operating costs.

  • Bond progress: Lone Star Trails Elementary is 75% complete and on track to open in August. Designs for the new high school are 50% complete, and groundbreaking is set for June 25–26.

  • Curriculum adoption: The board approved STEMscopes Math for grades 6–8 and Algebra. The curriculum was reviewed by educators and community members for rigor and TEKS alignment. Implementation includes doubled instructional time for on-level seventh-grade math, small-group instruction, and teacher training.

  • New school names: Midland Middle School (mascot: Dawg), at the current Midland Freshman campus, and John “Randy” Storie Middle School (mascot: Buffalo), at the current Legacy High campus, honoring the longtime Lee High band director.