NEWS RELEASE

June 24, 2025

San Antonio ISD has issued its Annual Call for Proposals for in-district charter school proposals for the 2027-28 school year. Proposals are sought to align with the district’s strategic goals to improve student outcomes, increase innovation, and expand high-quality options for families. Any non-profit 501c3 educational entity, higher education institution, or internal school leader may submit a proposal.

The current call is specifically seeking proposals for a turnaround elementary or middle school model, or an innovative school model that reimagines traditional schooling. A virtual information session will be held on July 14, during which time the turnaround schools will be announced. Letters of intent will be due July 31.

“The Annual Call for quality schools is SAISD's commitment to ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education,” said Melissa Alcala, Ed.D., assistant superintendent for 1882 partnerships. “It is our opportunity to reimagine what’s possible for our students by supporting bold, innovative school models that meet community needs and raise the bar for excellence.”

Submissions that propose to turnaround an elementary or middle school will serve a low-performing campus within the district, with a plan that demonstrates capacity to significantly raise academic achievement within three years. This plan also should outline strong instructional leadership and teacher development strategies, prioritize data-driven instruction and targeted student interventions, demonstrate a sound operational and financial plan, and offer a sustainable strategy to transform school culture and family engagement.

Submissions that propose an innovative school model may serve any grade configuration (PK-12). These proposals should incorporate forward-thinking instructional models such as project-based learning, STEM/STEAM, or competency-based learning. The plan should provide evidence of how its proposed innovation is aligned with improved student outcomes and demonstrate clear strategies for scaling, sustainability, staff training, and community demand.

Interested applicants will have access to district data, campus needs assessments, and technical assistance sessions. Planning grants or startup funds may be available for approved proposals. 

Completed proposals, including all required attachments, will be due by Oct. 31. Applicants will be reviewed and potentially interviewed in November and December, with board approval for proposals that move forward scheduled in early spring of 2026.

The complete call for proposals is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ez6r3-SETYeI6N0jko2WimOJdC4-7LiX/view?usp=sharing.

For more information, visit https://innovatesaisd.org. For questions or to submit proposals, contact Dr. Alcala at malcala1@saisd.net or (210) 554-2500, ext. 42662.