What happened: State assessment scores showed MISD improved at the elementary level, except for fifth grade, while high school scores declined.

Why it matters: Ongoing academic struggles, budget pressures, and a lack of student discipline are affecting MISD’s ability to improve outcomes for students, board member Dr. Matt Friez said on KWEL.

Go deeper: Friez said the Texas Education Agency’s new A–F rating system classifies schools into “green zone” (A/B) or “red zone” (C/D/F). Principals of red zone campuses must submit improvement plans, and trustees will monitor progress.

“If you don’t know that we have an educational crisis, you need to know. Our schools are not where they need to be,” Friez said.

MISD reduced its deficit from $42 million to $7.8 million over two years and now holds 6.8 months of cash reserves, exceeding board policy. Friez credited district leadership for its progress but warned that next year’s budget could require class size increases and further cuts.

“Our goal is to get our financial house in order and to get these scores up,” Friez said.

Friez also advocated for creating a Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program in Midland to provide expelled students with an alternative placement. He said campus discipline has improved, but noted that state law limits how teachers can discipline students under age 12.