SAISD Considers New Charter Partnerships to Improve Struggling Schools

District looks to boost academic performance and enrollment through in-district charter model

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The San Antonio Independent School District is considering new partnerships with charter operators, including Colorado-based Third Future Schools, to take over the management of some of its struggling campuses. SAISD currently leads the state with 26 in-district charter schools and is looking to expand this model further as it aims to improve academic ratings and enrollment at underperforming schools.

Why it matters

The in-district charter model allows SAISD schools to operate with more flexibility, similar to open-enrollment charters, while still remaining part of the traditional public school district. This approach has shown promise in helping turn around low-performing campuses in other Texas districts, but has also raised concerns about the potential impact on traditional public schools and equitable access to resources.

The details

SAISD is considering partnerships with three charter operators, including Third Future Schools, which was founded by controversial former Houston ISD superintendent Mike Miles. The district is also looking to partner with the Latino Educational Equity Partnership (LEEP) to operate Graebner Elementary, and Texas A&M University-San Antonio to manage the Young Men's Leadership Academy. These partnerships would allow the charter operators to have more flexibility in areas like curriculum, staffing, and school schedules in an effort to quickly improve academic performance at struggling campuses.

  • In 2024-25, 19 SAISD schools scored a failing grade on state accountability ratings.
  • SAISD must notify the Texas Education Agency about potential new in-district charter partners by March 31, 2026.
  • Trustees may consider potential charter contracts at a March 23, 2026 meeting.

The players

Third Future Schools

A Colorado-based charter operator founded by former Houston ISD superintendent Mike Miles. Third Future currently operates 12 campuses in Colorado, Texas, and Louisiana, including six in-district charter partnerships.

Latino Educational Equity Partnership (LEEP)

A nonprofit organization that operates a school in Brooklyn, New York and is being considered to take over management of Graebner Elementary in SAISD.

Texas A&M University-San Antonio

The university's Institute for School and Community Partnerships currently runs two in-district charter campuses in Edgewood ISD and will operate one in Harlandale ISD next school year. SAISD is considering a partnership for the Young Men's Leadership Academy.

Jaime Aquino

Superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District.

Alejandra Lopez

President of the San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel, the SAISD employee union.

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What they’re saying

“This kind of behavior does not inspire confidence that Third Future Schools would be a reliable partner for our district.”

— Alejandra Lopez, President, San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel (expressnews.com)

“Bottom line is I couldn't even make payroll with the revenue they were giving me.”

— Zach Craddock, Superintendent, Third Future Schools (expressnews.com)

“There is data to show that they are moving the needle.”

— Christina Martinez, Vice President, SAISD Board of Trustees (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The SAISD board will consider potential charter contracts at a March 23, 2026 meeting. If approved, the new charter partners would be tasked with quickly improving academic performance at struggling campuses.

The takeaway

SAISD's embrace of the in-district charter model highlights the district's efforts to boost student achievement and enrollment, but also raises concerns about the potential impact on traditional public schools and equitable access to resources. The partnerships with Third Future Schools, LEEP, and Texas A&M University-San Antonio will be closely watched as the district aims to turn around its lowest-performing campuses.