Midland Independent School District (ISD) has released a statement in response to State Representative Ana Hernandez's (D-Houston) request for the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to investigate whether Texas school funds have been misappropriated to private schools in Colorado.
Spectrum News reports that Mike Miles, Superintendent of Houston Independent School District, was appointed by TEA Commissioner Mike Morath in the summer of 2023. The appointment was aimed at aiding a district facing a $450 million budget shortfall. Prior to his current role, Miles served as the superintendent of Dallas Independent School District and established three charter schools in Colorado named Third Future Schools (TFS) upon leaving Dallas in 2015. These schools are currently grappling with financial difficulties and enrollment issues. Spectrum News suggests that Miles' association with TFS could be linked to budget cuts within Houston ISD and other Texas school districts, given that TFS began operating Midland Sam Houston Elementary, Ector College Prep in Odessa, and Austin Mendez Middle School in 2020 amid a $2.7 million budget deficit.
In a news release from TFS, it is stated that the Colorado-based schools have never received funds intended for Texas education. The issue appears to revolve around checks made payable to the school but addressed to a Colorado location - the site of their headquarters. TFS maintains that any funds they receive are deposited into separate bank accounts.
The school district's statement clarifies their relationship with TFS: "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," said the district. They further added their commitment to cooperate with any TEA investigation: "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."