SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) has proposed the closure of Rhodes Middle School at the end of the current academic year. If implemented, this decision would mark the 26th school closure within the district since 2016, highlighting a significant trend in educational restructuring aimed at improving academic outcomes.
On Tuesday, parents and staff received a letter detailing this proposal, which includes a partnership with Third Future Schools starting in the 2026-27 school year. Under this plan, students currently enrolled at Rhodes would be reassigned to Tafolla Middle School, which will be operated by the nonprofit organization.
While families will have the option to enroll their children in other schools within the district, district leaders assert that the partnership with Third Future Schools is designed to enhance academic support and improve student performance.
“This partnership will allow Tafolla Middle School to continue operating as part of SAISD while gaining additional support and flexibility designed to accelerate growth for our students,” the district stated in its communication.
SAISD officials highlighted that Third Future Schools specializes in assisting campuses needing academic improvement. The organization has reported gains in student performance in reading, math, and language assessments, suggesting a positive trajectory for students under its management.
The proposed partnership would operate under Texas Senate Bill 1882, which permits school districts to collaborate with external organizations for campus management while maintaining district oversight. As per district materials, Third Future would handle daily operations at Tafolla, including hiring staff and implementing its instructional model. Meanwhile, SAISD would retain responsibility for academic performance and accountability ratings.
The instructional model proposed includes structured class periods featuring grade-level instruction, followed by targeted small-group support tailored to student understanding. Third Future Schools claims that its students achieve growth rates higher than average on nationally normed assessments.
The plan also includes the strategic use of unused 2020 bond funds from Rhodes Middle School and Carvajal Elementary School to construct a new campus for the community, with significant input from families to ensure it meets their needs.
However, the announcement has left many parents feeling blindsided. Rebecca Morales, a grandparent of a Rhodes student, expressed her confusion, saying, “When I saw today’s message, I’m like, ‘What, they’re closing Rhodes? Why?’”
Families have voiced their concerns, feeling that the changes could negatively impact their children. “These changes are going to mess them up more than before,” Morales added.
Another parent, Viridina Delacruz, urged district officials to reconsider the plan, saying, “Don’t do it.” She raised concerns about the potential loss of extracurricular opportunities, questioning whether students would have access to activities beyond core subjects.
According to the district’s frequently asked questions, electives such as sports, performing arts, and other enrichment programs would remain available outside of regular school hours. Additionally, Third Future Schools offers extended-day access, keeping campuses open from early morning until late afternoon, along with free before- and after-school care.
Despite these assurances, some families remain apprehensive. “I was shocked,” Delacruz noted, reflecting the uncertainty that surrounds the proposed changes.
The SAISD board of trustees is set to convene at 5:30 p.m. on March 23 to discuss the closure recommendation and vote on the proposed contract with Third Future Schools, which could significantly reshape the educational landscape for many families in the area.
