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February 19, 2026 — Midland Independent School District has been awarded $674,000 through the Leveraging Instructional Frameworks for Transformation (LIFT) grant as part of the Texas Education Agency’s Local Accountability System Outcome (LASO) Cycle 4 funding opportunities. The grant will support high-quality instructional materials, professional learning, and instructional coaching to enhance daily classroom instruction across the district. These efforts aim to build instructional capacity, improve consistency in classroom learning experiences, and close achievement gaps districtwide.
LASO grants are designed to help districts better meet student needs by strengthening instructional practices, supporting strong curriculum implementation, and promoting instructional models that improve student learning outcomes. Each LASO cycle offers different funding options, with Cycle 4 focusing on sustainable, high-impact instructional support.
“We are grateful for the leadership and collaboration that made this opportunity possible,” said Araelia Betler, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning. “The LIFT grant gives our teachers access to high-quality instructional materials, practical strategies, and resources to better support students who need additional help. It also provides professional development and coaching that strengthens teaching, improves how we use data to guide instruction, and supports meaningful learning experiences for all students.”
The LIFT grant is one of several LASO grants Midland ISD received. Additional awards include the Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles (APCSP) Grant, PREP Grow Your Own Program, Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership (PREP) Program Allotment, and the Strategic Staffing (TSS) for Residencies Grant.
Directly supporting the Growth and Development pillar of the district’s strategic plan, work is already underway. The Grow Your Own and Mentorship programs are currently in the design phase, with information and processes set to roll out in preparation for implementation.
“As good stewards of these funds, we are focused on building programs and systems that will remain in place and continue to support our work long after the grant period ends,” said JR Napoles, Director of Talent Development. “One of our priorities is developing our people. Through the Residency Preserve, Grow Your Own, and Mentorship programs, we are creating clear pathways for career advancement, strengthening mentorship practices, and expanding access to certification opportunities.”
Midland ISD expects to formally accept the grant by March 11, with implementation beginning once funds are made available by TEA. Professional learning plans, coaching support, and systems enhancements will roll out to campuses to support effective teaching and learning.
Overall, the LIFT grant and related LASO initiatives represent a significant investment in educators and students, ensuring consistent, effective instruction and helping students across Midland ISD reach their full potential.
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