L.D. Howard Opposes Proposed Third Future Takeover of Four Edgewood ISD Campuses
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 22, 2026
San Antonio, TX — Independent Texas House District 124 candidate L.D. Howard is urging Edgewood ISD trustees to reject a proposed partnership that would transfer management of four neighborhood schools to the Colorado‑based charter operator Third Future Schools. Ms. Howard expressed concern that the proposal reflects patterns seen in other charter partnerships across San Antonio that resulted in instability, disruption, and ultimately school closures.
Edgewood ISD and San Antonio ISD are both facing end‑of‑month deadlines to select a charter partner as a strategy to avoid potential state intervention. As a result, trustees are considering turning campus operations over to Third Future. Families throughout the community have raised questions about placing struggling campuses under an operator with no local roots and a reputation for a rigid, test‑centered academic approach.
“Edgewood families deserve investment—not disruption,” Ms. Howard said. “Instead of empowering teachers and strengthening our public schools, this proposal shifts responsibility to an outside organization using a test‑driven model that has raised concerns statewide.”
Reports from other districts show that Third Future’s founder previously implemented in Houston ISD a model built on scripted lessons, daily quizzes, and significant shifts to campus culture—changes that drew criticism from educators and families alike.
Ms. Howard noted that San Antonio has already experienced the consequences of reform‑oriented charter experiments that promised innovation but delivered instability. Essence Prep, founded on a similar philosophy, was ordered closed by the Texas Education Agency after repeated failing ratings and extremely low proficiency scores. In its final year, only 16% of students met grade‑level expectations, with no fifth‑ or eighth‑grade students meeting expectations in science or social studies.
“When a charter experiment fails, it is our children, our teachers, and our neighborhoods who bear the burden,” Ms. Howard said. “Edgewood cannot afford another disruption. What our community needs are sustained, community‑driven solutions—not another high‑pressure turnaround plan.”
Ms. Howard called upon state and district leaders to prioritize evidence‑based investments, including:
Edgewood ISD and San Antonio ISD are both facing end‑of‑month deadlines to select a charter partner as a strategy to avoid potential state intervention. As a result, trustees are considering turning campus operations over to Third Future. Families throughout the community have raised questions about placing struggling campuses under an operator with no local roots and a reputation for a rigid, test‑centered academic approach.
“Edgewood families deserve investment—not disruption,” Ms. Howard said. “Instead of empowering teachers and strengthening our public schools, this proposal shifts responsibility to an outside organization using a test‑driven model that has raised concerns statewide.”
Reports from other districts show that Third Future’s founder previously implemented in Houston ISD a model built on scripted lessons, daily quizzes, and significant shifts to campus culture—changes that drew criticism from educators and families alike.
Ms. Howard noted that San Antonio has already experienced the consequences of reform‑oriented charter experiments that promised innovation but delivered instability. Essence Prep, founded on a similar philosophy, was ordered closed by the Texas Education Agency after repeated failing ratings and extremely low proficiency scores. In its final year, only 16% of students met grade‑level expectations, with no fifth‑ or eighth‑grade students meeting expectations in science or social studies.
“When a charter experiment fails, it is our children, our teachers, and our neighborhoods who bear the burden,” Ms. Howard said. “Edgewood cannot afford another disruption. What our community needs are sustained, community‑driven solutions—not another high‑pressure turnaround plan.”
Ms. Howard called upon state and district leaders to prioritize evidence‑based investments, including:
- Strengthening teacher recruitment and retention
- Adding counselors, reading specialists, and student support personnel
- Expanding high‑quality tutoring and literacy programs
- Deepening family engagement and community partnerships
“These are the approaches proven to create long‑term growth,” Ms. Howard said. “Our families deserve thoughtful, locally rooted solutions—not outside control negotiated under threat of state intervention.”
As Edgewood ISD prepares for a crucial vote, Ms. Howard urges trustees to stand with families, educators, and community stakeholders.
“Edgewood’s children are not a project,” she said. “They are the heart of our community, and I stand firmly with the parents and teachers calling for genuine investment in our neighborhood schools.”
About L.D. Howard
L.D. Howard is an independent candidate for Texas House District 124, committed to strengthening public education, serving working families, and ensuring every child in Greater Lackland and San Antonio’s West Side has access to a stable, high‑quality neighborhood school rooted in community values.
Media Contact
Team L.D. Howard for Texas
Email: coms@teamldhowardfortexas.com
Phone: 210‑578‑1316
Email: coms@teamldhowardfortexas.com
Phone: 210‑578‑1316