Killeen ISD Partners with Third Future Schools to Operate Manor Middle School
Key Insights
Killeen ISD board approved a three-year contract with Third Future Schools to manage Manor Middle School, effective 2026-2027.
The goal is to enhance academics and prevent state intervention, addressing the school’s consecutive F ratings.
Third Future Schools will manage staffing, curriculum, and budget, while KISD retains facility management.
Current Manor Middle School teachers can apply to remain at the school under TFS.
TFS uses a unique teaching model, including "Art of Thinking" classes and short, timed activities to enhance critical thinking.
In-Depth Analysis
Killeen ISD’s decision to partner with Third Future Schools (TFS) comes after Manor Middle School received consecutive F ratings, raising concerns about a potential state takeover. By implementing this partnership, KISD aims to leverage TFS’s experience in managing schools under similar Senate Bill 1882 partnerships. TFS, a Colorado-based charter network, has been operating Manor Middle School in Manor ISD since 2025.
The TFS model includes:
Unique Curriculum: Including an "Art of Thinking" class focused on problem-solving and critical thinking.
Instructional Methods: Utilizing short, timed activities (e.g., 30-45 second intervals) to increase instructional rigor.
Differentiated Instruction: Implementing 90-minute core blocks with immediate assessment and remediation or enrichment.
The agreement allows KISD to maintain local oversight while benefiting from TFS’s expertise. All KISD middle school students can request a transfer to Manor, based on capacity. Manor Middle School will also operate on a different academic calendar and daily bell schedule. Stanley Golaboff, a former Manor Middle School student, voiced concerns that the partnership is not a long-term solution and may insult educators.
FAQs
Q: Why is Killeen ISD partnering with Third Future Schools?
To improve academic performance at Manor Middle School and prevent state intervention due to consecutive F ratings.
Q: Will Manor Middle School remain a Killeen ISD school?
Yes, it will remain part of Killeen ISD, but operated by Third Future Schools.
Q: What changes will be implemented at Manor Middle School?
Changes include a different academic calendar, daily bell schedule, and TFS’s unique teaching model.
Key Takeaways
Killeen ISD is proactively addressing academic challenges at Manor Middle School through a partnership with Third Future Schools.
The partnership aims to improve student outcomes and avoid a potential state takeover.
Current teachers at Manor Middle School will have the opportunity to apply to remain at the school under the new operator.
Discussion
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