The Killeen ISD Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to approve Third Future Schools as the 2026–2029 Texas Partnership operating partner for Manor Middle School.
The decision follows a formal Call for Quality Schools process launched in fall 2025, when KISD initiated steps to become a charter authorizer under the state’s Texas Partnership framework (Texas Education Code Chapter 12, Subchapter C). Since that time, the district has updated governance policies, adopted an authorizer mission and vision, filed its intent to pursue SB 1882 partnership benefits with the Texas Education Agency, and conducted a structured evaluation of a potential operating partner.
An evaluation team with expertise in academics, finance, operations, human resources, and parent/community engagement reviewed the application using the Texas Education Agency’s model rubric, which includes 82 success criteria across academic, financial, governance, and operational domains. In addition to the written application, the district conducted due diligence and a formal capacity interview with Third Future Schools leadership.
Based on the preponderance of evidence, the evaluation team rated Third Future Schools as “Meets” or “Partially Meets” in all domains reviewed and recommended board approval.
Manor Middle School has received low state accountability ratings in multiple years, and the partnership is intended to accelerate academic improvement while maintaining district oversight and accountability. Under Senate Bill 1882, the campus is eligible for up to a two-year exemption from specific state accountability interventions while the partnership is implemented.
Following board approval, the district will engage legal counsel to support performance contract negotiations, develop a menu of services, draft and finalize a performance contract, complete a pre-opening checklist, and submit its SB 1882 benefits application to the Texas Education Agency by March 31. Contract negotiations are scheduled to take place through late March.
In other business, trustees declined to adopt a resolution related to a daily period of prayer and reading of religious text under Senate Bill 11. The law requires school boards statewide to vote to approve or decline the resolution by March 1, 2026.
Participation would require written parental consent for students and written consent from employees. Any prayer and reading would take place before the instructional day, may not replace instructional time, and must occur outside the sight and hearing of individuals without consent.
In making their decision, trustees expressed their desire to uphold the current religious freedom of all students and staff and not infringe on those rights.
The board also approved plans to award 42 scholarships totaling $195,500 to graduating seniors. Recipients are selected through an application and interview process through the Killeen ISD Education Foundation.