Midland residents urge trustees to honor bond, oppose land-swap that could delay Midland High

Dozens of Midland residents used the public‑forum portion of the Midland ISD Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 21 to urge trustees to proceed with building the new Midland High at the Ranchland Hills site approved by voters and to oppose any land swap or delay that would alter the bond plan.

The speakers said the district and city should stop discussing alternative sites and deliver the campus the voters approved. "I heard that there's a possibility of the construction of Midland High being halted, and I don't really know why that's even being discussed," said John Morris during the public‑forum portion. "There's no reason that this should be put at a halt costing no telling how much in time and money."

Why it matters: The 2023 bond included a new Midland High at Ranchland Hills. Several speakers said the district promised a timetable tied to voter approval and that any delay would add costs and deny students planned athletic fields and recreation space. Speakers also asked trustees to publicly reaffirm the bond plan and to support Superintendent Stephanie Howard, whose contract and evaluation were on the board calendar.

Speakers repeatedly referenced the bond vote and the district's pledge to voters. "That bond wasn't just a set of plans. It was a promise to prioritize our children's futures," Denise Norman said. Katie Joyner, who identified the vote tally of 12,412 in favor of the bond, said voters expected the district to follow the approved plan: "I am asking you as a board not to let your four votes that you need to undo an election be more important than the votes of the people of Midland."

Parents and former educators described the high school replacements as safety and education priorities. "I know there's about 30 different doors in that school," said Crystal McGinnis of the current Midland High, noting concerns over the building's layout. Several former teachers and administrators, including Stan Van Hooser, urged trustees to provide consistent leadership and avoid disruptions that can damage morale.

Support for Superintendent Howard was a recurring theme. Several speakers—parents, alumni and retired district staff—praised Howard's two years in the district and asked the board to retain her. "She has a deep love for our community," Stephanie Meade said. "I would like to personally invite the seven board members to do all within your power to support our current leadership." Other speakers cited discipline improvements, gains on AP and college‑readiness measures, and expanded staffing as reasons to continue her contract.

Opposition to hiring outside counsel and concerns about possible legal advisors tied to controversies in other districts also surfaced in public comments. Multiple speakers raised alarm about a potential board‑level attorney and asked trustees to be transparent about any legal engagements.

Board response and next steps: Board President Hodges told the audience the board had discussed the topics with Superintendent Howard and that trustees want to keep the district on track to be "a destination district." The board did not take a formal vote on the Ranchland Hills site during the public forum. Several consent and action items were processed later in the meeting (see separate article for votes). A special meeting and an executive session scheduled during the board meeting signaled additional discussion on contract and legal‑counsel matters would continue behind closed doors.

The public‑forum speakers and written comments reflect strong community interest in the bond timetable, school site, and district leadership. Trustees accepted the public input and proceeded with agenda business; community members asked for public confirmation that the district will deliver the bond projects on the timeline presented to voters.

The board moved on to routine consent and action items after the public comments and later recessed to closed session for personnel matters. No formal board action changing the bond site or cancelling the Ranchland Hills plan was recorded in the public meeting minutes.