Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct outcome of the board’s discussion on hiring an independent third-party expert to review the pipeline easement. A previous version incorrectly reported that the motion passed unanimously. The motion failed on a 3–4 vote.

What happened: The Midland ISD Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, Nov. 18, and heard detailed reports on campus turnaround plans for Legacy Freshman, Bunche, and De Zavala, and reviewed academic and financial updates and student discipline challenges. Trustees also took action on a special education audit and pipeline-safety review for the new Midland High campus.

Key points:

  • JJAEP compliance: MISD staff claimed to the trustees that the district is out of compliance with state law because there is no Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) in Midland County that can provide education to students with serious criminal offenses. MISD is working with county officials and juvenile probation on options.

Without a JJAEP, MISD said it currently has about four students expelled with violent felony charges who don’t receive education, and four more with violent felony charges whom the district must continue educating in person. If a student is in a special education program or is considered homeless, the district must provide in-person education, regardless of criminal activity.

Last year, MISD had 32 expellable offenses. This year, the eight expellable offenses include felony assault, deadly conduct, gun charges, and sexual assault.  Administrators said aggravated assault is likely to become the most common offense requiring JJAEP placement because Title 5 felonies committed off campus now also require expulsion.

  • Pipeline easement review: Trustees discussed whether to hire an independent pipeline engineer to evaluate safety risks and design considerations related to the pipeline easement at the new Midland High School site. The motion failed on a 3–4 vote.
  • Special Services & SPED: MISD said demand for special education continues to rise. As of October, 4,011 students receive special education (about 14% of the student population), including 600 with autism and 781 with dyslexia (another 808 diagnosed but not receiving special accommodations). Speech therapy counsels 1,245 students in person and 450 virtually.

The district received 369 initial special-needs evaluation requests this fall and completed 148, plus 259 reevaluations. With three diagnostician vacancies, some evaluations are happening on Saturdays to meet the state’s 45-day deadline. Trustees also approved a full independent audit of special education. MISD already contracted an auditor, and quarterly updates will continue through June 2026.

  • Legacy Freshman: The board held a public hearing on Legacy Freshman’s turnaround plan, which the state mandates after several years of low performance. Administrators reported that Algebra I students meeting grade level rose from 16% to 38%, and students approaching grade level improved from 55% to 75%. The play adds daily coaching for teachers and sets intervention periods for students who need extra help.
  • De Zavala & Bunche: MISD reported continued work on turnaround plans at De Zavala and Bunche. Bunche’s certified-teacher rate increased from 53% to 61%, and the campus added two lead teachers and six high-performing teachers (with four more waiting for approval). The principal receives daily coaching, and district staff visit frequently to review lessons and student work.

At De Zavala, teachers use consistent district materials for reading and science, and meet weekly to review student results and adjust lessons.

  • Enrollment update: Superintendent Stephanie Howard reported enrollment at 29,065, about 400 fewer students than last year and 1,038 below the district budget, triggering a $7.3 million loss in state funding because Texas pays based on attendance. In June, the board approved a $508.2 million budget, with a $7.9 million shortfall for 20256-26.
  • Financial accountability rating: MISD earned a “Superior Achievement” rating from the Texas Education Agency, the highest financial score, by meeting every major measure on the FIRST accountability system. Staff said the district maintained a strong fund balance, kept administrative costs low, and managed debt responsibly.
  • Teacher certification: MISD reported that 71% of teachers are certified, including 78% of K–5 core teachers. Secondary shortages are mainly in technical fields such as welding, where candidates often come from industry and may not pursue state certification.
  • Campus ratings: MISD said 27% of students (8,010) now attend an A or B campus, compared with the district’s goal of 70%. Overall district scores improved over three cycles (from 66 to 70 to 72), and 13 schools have moved out of the district’s lowest performance bands.