Midland ISD trustees approve TEE membership, hire outside counsel and authorize multiple property marketing actions

Midland Independent School District trustees voted on a package of governance, legal and property actions at a Feb. 25 board meeting that also included routine approvals for school improvement plans and bond-related construction documents.

The board voted 4–2 to approve membership with Texans for Excellence in Education (TEE), a three‑year‑old nonprofit that offers board training and other services. John Petri, TEE president, told trustees that TEE "does not take advocacy positions. They do not lobby. They stick to the facts." The board then approved a set of next-step service options to begin a policy audit and related services.

Trustees also voted to hire outside counsel for the board’s use. The board approved retaining the law firm Ohanian, Demarest & Castillo (partner attorney identified in meeting materials) in a 5–1 vote; the agreed fee schedule presented to the board lists hourly rates for partners, associates and paralegals and allows termination at any time. The board made clear this retention is for legal representation of the board itself, separate from district counsel.

On facilities and district real property, trustees authorized marketing several properties and approved other bond‑program items: - A small parcel on Carver Street: approved to be marketed for sale (unanimous). - The apartment property at 2910 W. Michigan (currently occupied and housing a program serving students): approved to be marketed for sale (vote 5–1). - Town and Country Apartments: approved to be marketed for sale (vote 4–2). - A roughly 40‑acre parcel south of Travis Elementary on South Mesa Road (gifted to the district earlier): approved to be marketed for sale (unanimous). - The board postponed a decision on the Audrey Gill Sports Complex (the athletic/golf property sometimes called the "boneyard"/golf complex) to a future meeting so trustees and staff can pursue additional community and taxing‑entity conversations; the motion to postpone passed.

Trustees also moved forward with several education and operational items required for ongoing construction and school accountability work: - Approved the district’s elementary, middle and high school educational specifications to guide designers on 2023 bond projects (unanimous). - Approved the district’s targeted improvement plans for campuses identified by the Texas Education Agency and related school improvement documents (unanimous). - Approved budget amendment No. 7, which adjusts general, child‑nutrition and debt service functions and recognizes certain reimbursements and donations (unanimous). - Approved an invitation for competitive bids tied to e‑rate (FCC) funding for fiber and bus Wi‑Fi services (unanimous). - Approved a two‑vendor pool for HVAC testing, adjusting and balancing (unanimous).

Why it matters: the actions package affects near‑term district operations (retaining board counsel, starting a policy audit, e‑rate upgrades), long‑term facilities (bond education specifications and property marketing) and local governance (membership with a new statewide board association). Several votes were divided, reflecting disagreement among trustees over strategy and timing for property decisions and association memberships.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda (minutes, monthly financials, donations, MOUs including Baylor College of Medicine STEM+ and Air Force JROTC memorandum): approved (6–0). - Targeted improvement plans (TEA‑required plans for identified campuses): approved (unanimous). - Membership: Texans for Excellence in Education (TEE): approved (4–2). - Board retention of outside counsel (Ohanian, Demarest & Castillo): approved (5–1). - Carver Street parcel: authorize marketing/sale: approved (unanimous). - 2910 W. Michigan apartment property: authorize marketing/sale: approved (5–1). - Town and Country Apartments: authorize marketing/sale: approved (4–2). - 1900 S. Mesa Road parcel: authorize marketing/sale: approved (unanimous). - Audrey Gill Sports Complex (boneyard / golf complex): motion to postpone final decision; postponement approved (vote recorded as passed). - Bond education specifications (elementary, middle, high): approved (unanimous). - RFQ for fiber and bus Wi‑Fi (E‑rate): approved (unanimous). - RFQ pool for HVAC testing/adjusting/balancing: approved (unanimous). - Budget amendment No. 7: approved (unanimous). - Exit from Lone Star Governance framework (board governance program): approved (4–2).

What trustees said - Superintendent Dr. Darin Howard (superintendent) summarized academic progress and district actions, and flagged an estimated $26–31 million operating deficit for the fiscal year as staff continue budget reductions and planning. - John Petri, president of Texans for Excellence in Education, said TEE is a nonprofit launched in late 2021 and described the group as "committed to helping school board trustees better govern their districts" and repeated that TEE "does not take advocacy positions. They do not lobby." The board majority said they wanted a second vendor choice for board training and policy work and to begin an independent policy audit.

What’s next - Administration will begin the policy audit and related services with the approved vendor(s) and will work with trustees and staff to negotiate next steps for any marketing or sale process for district property; staff said any future sale would respect existing leases and tenants while the district explores long‑term options. - The board postponed the Audrey Gill Sports Complex decision to allow additional discussion with community partners and possible interlocal options with other taxing entities.

sources and authorities cited in meeting materials and discussion included: Texas Government Code §551.001 (open meetings), the Texas Education Code, the Texas Administrative Code (school facilities rules, ch. 61), and references to TEA accountability rules and House Bill 3979 on specified instructional requirements.