Paying it Forward: They will 'Make it So' for Hirschi #121
Boldly going outside the box, Wichita Falls ISD partners with Third Future Schools to turnaround student learning at Hirschi Middle School. Like Enterprise's Jean Luc Picard says, "Make it So."
Jack Browne, Wichita Falls Times Record News, Sunday June 22, 2025
Leaders build teams, assembling those with skills, knowledge, and track records. Big dreams take capable teams, and the best leaders know that speed of execution matters.
In the 1982 film ‘Star Trek II: the Wrath of Kahn,’ the Kobayashi Maru test was administered by Star Fleet Academy as a “no win” situation. Cadet James T. Kirk became the only winner when he changed the rules of the game.
Spock similarly changed the rules, in the battle with Khan, noting “The needs of the many outweigh those of the few.”
Likewise, Wichita Falls ISD has made a bold choice to work with Third Future Schools as a turnaround partner for Hirschi Middle School after 8 years of trying harder without improving from a “low performing” rating as assessed by the Texas Education Association.
Third Future Schools has a multi-year record of success with 7 other Texas schools who progressed from F to C or B during no more than two successive academic years.
Third Future Schools will operate Hirschi, with sole responsibility for teachers, curriculum, school calendar and budget. Progress updates will be provided by Third Future Schools to the WFISD School Board at mid-year and at the end of the year.
WFISD will seek grant funding through an 1882 Partnership grant from TEA to support the partnership with Third Future Schools. Additionally, Third Future Schools will receive a per pupil allocation of district funds and Federal Title Funds.
Our students deserve better than we’ve delivered. This proven program accelerates the learning to close the gap so that today’s students become the graduates our community and employers need for the future.
Preparations are underway.
Third Future Schools is interviewing to select those teachers most able to accelerate the learning of the students in preparation for the 2035 work environment.
Expectations are high for students as well as teachers and staff. The Third Future Schools year has 12 more days of instruction than the conventional WFISD calendar year. The school is open from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, good or bad weather.
And during the summer, a Fifth Quarter is offered with five weeks at no cost to students or parents. This Fifth Quarter program is open to all students but required for students who do not make adequate growth or have adequate attendance during the regular school year.
To build strong communities, we need capable citizens. To compete in the world of the future, students need to be prepared.
What is more important than igniting a passion for success and excellence in our children? They are our future.
Thank you both, WFISD Superintendant Donny Lee, and Third Future Schools Superintendent Zach Craddock, as you “Make it so.”
Jack Browne is a community activist and former technology engineer, sales and marketing executive at Motorola and other top tech companies.