As the San Antonio ISD (SAISD) and Edgewood ISD Boards consider relinquishing four neighborhood campuses to Colorado-based charter operator Third Future Schools, COPS/Metro leaders and members showed up in force to testify at SAISD—uncovering the power dynamics at play, raising urgent concerns, and putting forward clear demands to protect families.
“We’re connecting the dots, said Fr. Mike DeGerolami. “It’s clear this pressure to close Rhodes and work with Third Future Schools is coming from outside San Antonio and from TEA. No one wants to say what this is—but we will."
The state is bullying San Antonio to accept a TEA-connected charter with a questionable track record and make it seem like we want this. Let me be clear—we have been given no option.”
COPS/Metro leaders pointed to troubling connections between Third Future Schools and the Texas Education Agency. Third Future was founded by Mike Miles, who was later appointed Superintendent of Houston ISD by TEA—raising serious questions about influence and intent.
“What is Third Future School’s connection to TEA?” Fr. Mike asked. “We will hold our district accountable for this reprehensible takeover of our schools.”
Dr. Ricky Georgetown, pastor of St. Paul UMC and COPS/Metro leader, challenged both the justification and the pressure behind the proposal:
“You tell us that this is a non-profit and it will be good for our kids—but where is the evidence?
Is this evidence-based, or is this greed-based?…Our schools are not perfect, but with the right resources, we—the community—can help turn these schools around.”
Recognizing that the contract will likely move forward, Melody Herrera, caregiver to a Carvajal Elementary student and COPS/Metro leader, urged SAISD to commit to specific safeguards:
- A Parent Advisory Committee to ensure families have real decision-making power
- Preservation of existing social supports, including Good Samaritan, Communities In Schools, Boys & Girls Club, and the YWCA
- Full compliance with federal and state special education laws, guaranteeing protections for students with disabilities
- Protection of each school’s culture and historic identity, honoring the communities they serve
COPS/Metro has committed to continue organizing to ensure families are included—not sidelined—in the decisions that shape the future of their schools.
Why Third Future is Being Tapped to Secure the Future of San Antonio Campuses, San Antonio Express-News [pdf]
WATCH | SAISD Talks Vacant Buildings, Closures, KABB FOX 29 News [video]
Third Future Charter will Take Over a Fourth San Antonio School by way of Edgewood ISD, San Antonio Report [pdf]
SAISD School Board Votes to Close Rhodes Middle School During Hours-Long Meeting, KENS5 [video]