The Price of Failure: How school districts pay to avoid state takeovers
A WFAA investigation uncovered a little known, but increasingly common attempt for school districts to avoid a state takeover: outsourcing failing campuses to third-party operators. In exchange for millions of dollars, the state gives a district more time, while superintendents and school boards keep their jobs. Could it come for your school? What do we know about the company that has benefitted the most? And why do critics call it privatization by another name? WFAA reporter Cole Sullivan explains it all to the Jasons over a pint at Community Beer in Dallas, and answers whether the program is even working at all. Guest Cole Sullivan, WFAA Reporter
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Show Notes
00:00 Y'all-itics at Community Beer Co.
01:52 What Is a Texas “State Takeover”?
03:32 The 5-Year Failing Rule Explained
04:29 Outsourcing Failing Schools to Avoid TEA Control
05:26 $375,000 Per Month Per School
06:24 Who Is Third Future Schools?
07:32 The Mike Miles Connection
08:47 What Changes Inside These Schools?
10:11 Silent Hallways & Strict Discipline Model
11:36 Answer Math to Get Lunch?
13:01 Is This Privatization of Public Schools?
15:17 Where the Money Comes From (SB 1882 Funds)
20:19 Do Test Scores Actually Improve?
21:46 What Happens When the Contract Ends?
36:53 Big Picture: Sustainability, Vouchers & What’s Next
41:18 Closing Thoughts