Possible Dream Foundation seeks three adult charter campuses in South Texas; TEA staff press on finance, governance and supports

The Texas Education Agency on Feb. 20 interviewed the Possible Dream Foundation’s proposal to open three adult charter high school campuses — in Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo — as a subchapter G charter serving primarily adult learners.

Dr. Daniel King, introduced as the foundation’s board president and a Region 1 executive director, told the panel the proposal would enroll 300 students at each campus in year one and reach a maximum of 1,800 students by year five. “We are proposing to stand up … 3 campuses or 3 locations for the Charter High School, 1 in Brownsville, 1 in McAllen, and 1 in Laredo in partnership with the 3 community colleges that serve those areas,” King said during the 10‑minute overview.

Why it matters: the model targets adults who never finished high school and pairs dual‑enrollment with industry certifications and wraparound services — child care, transportation, counseling and career advising — intended to help students complete diplomas and earn workforce credentials.

TEA staff focused questions on financing and governance. A TEA finance staffer noted that Career School Program (CSP) grant funds are not available to subchapter G charters and asked how the $900,000 line in the applicants’ workbook would be replaced. Applicants said they are soliciting commitments from cities, economic development corporations and local workforce boards and reported verbal six‑figure interest but no signed funding agreements prior to TEA approval. “We haven't asked for the hard until we have approval, but we're very confident of raising up money,” King said.

The panel also raised an appearance‑of‑conflict question because King is affiliated with the service center that would provide contracted back‑office functions to the charter. King told TEA he would “not vote on any issues that involve the service center” and would abstain on related board votes; he said Region 1’s director (Romalda/Romada Ruiz) would manage evaluations of contracted services and that Region 1 rates are standardized. King’s statement addresses the immediate conflict concern but TEA staff asked for explicit protocols to ensure procurement and contracting are neutral.

Instructional model and supports: applicants described an adult‑focused schedule with flexible morning, afternoon and evening sessions, some self‑paced options and a strong emphasis on teacher‑led lessons. Darsha (Darcy) Cuellar, the proposed superintendent, said many students will receive about “75% to 80% of their time” in direct instruction, with wraparound supports and college partner services to handle special‑education needs and accommodations.

On special education and transitions, applicants said individualized plans, diagnostic assessments, embedded vocational rehabilitation counselors and college disability services would be used to monitor progress and support students. College partners described campus counseling and accommodations for students with disabilities and a plan for transition-to-work or further education.

Operational details: Region 1 staff explained its facility lease charge methodology, saying the center sets a standardized monthly rate (stated as 2.70) derived from audited facility expenditures and depreciation and that the rate covers amenities such as security and custodial services. Applicants said they would use conservative budgeting that assumed leased space initially and would braid resources across partners to reduce duplicate costs over time.

Transportation, child care and other barriers: applicants described a braided approach — college shuttles, local metro systems, workforce travel vouchers for eligible students, rideshare as a last resort — and said students will indicate transportation needs on applications. For child care, applicants said they would seek workforce slots, federal grants and Head Start partnerships, supplemented by budgeted funds where needed.

Next steps: TEA staff said the commissioner’s proposal on the application will be issued on or around March 7. The interview record shows applicants provided experience and operational plans but several key funding and governance items remain contingent on signed partner agreements or additional TEA review.

The TEA interview record contains detailed exchanges on funding availability, governance safeguards, and operational supports; TEA will rely on the application record and this interview in making its final recommendation.