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To avoid state takeovers, Texas districts are spending millions to outsource struggling schools. Here's how it works.

  • 1.  To avoid state takeovers, Texas districts are spending millions to outsource struggling schools. Here's how it works.

    Posted 02-22-2026 12:25 PM

    Texas school districts are opting to outsource their failing campuses to third-party operators in a little-known, but increasingly common attempt to avoid state takeovers, a WFAA investigation found. In exchange for paying millions to a third party with the promise of improved accountability scores, the TEA grants a two-year reprieve from state intervention and sends the district additional public education funds to help cover the cost. In these scenarios, superintendents and school boards keep their jobs and retain at least partial local control over their schools - all of which would be at risk with a state takeover.

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    Michael Spurlin
    ATPE
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  • 2.  RE: To avoid state takeovers, Texas districts are spending millions to outsource struggling schools. Here's how it works.

    Posted 02-23-2026 08:59 AM

    What type of agencies/groups are available to "step in" ahead of the state that would be approved by the state to take over a district?  How would a school board have the knowledge to know a sales pitch from a "real deal" that can prove their plan will work.   Where does the money come from to try these groups?  Would these be large districts or small ones?  How long would they have to prove their plan is working to keep the state from taking over?  I would like to follow a district that is going this route to see how effective they are being and what the parameters are for evaluating their success.



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    Mary Jane Waits [Designation]
    Central Texas Membership Specialist
    ATPE
    305 E Huntland #300
    Austin TX 78752
    mjwaits@atpe.org
    254 368 8520
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