Tuloso-Midway ISD

Forging Pathways for Every Learner

How this Dynamic Independent School District Is Redefining Education from Early Learning to Career Success

In the heart of South Texas, Tuloso-Midway Independent School District (TMISD) is earning a reputation for doing something remarkable—transforming education into a lifelong journey that starts at age four and extends all the way into adulthood.

For Superintendent Steve VanMatre, the vision is clear: “We want to be the preeminent educational organization—period. Whether in Corpus Christi, South Texas, or across the United States, our goal is to provide pathways and opportunities for every student, from our youngest learners to our adult graduates.”

Dual Language, Dual Advantage

At the foundation of TMISD’s success is an innovative Dual Language Initiative (DLI) that begins in pre-K and continues through elementary school. Designed to celebrate the district’s cultural richness—where over 80 percent of students come from Hispanic backgrounds—the program develops full bilingual proficiency in both English and Spanish by fifth grade.

“Instead of taking away their native language, we celebrate it,” says VanMatre. “We teach English speakers Spanish and Spanish speakers English. In our community, being bilingual and biliterate isn’t just an advantage—it’s an economic asset.”

David Crabtree, principal at the district’s primary campus, sees the program as transformative. “It’s strengthening families,” he explains. “Many English-speaking parents tell us their own parents spoke Spanish, and they regret not learning it. Now their children are bringing that language and culture back into the home—and it’s connecting generations.”

The program now encompasses nearly 20 percent of the school’s enrollment, with students mastering reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages by the time they finish fifth grade. “They’re learning to express themselves across cultures,” Crabtree says. “It’s not just about vocabulary—it’s about connection.”

Warpath Academy: College and Career Converge

At the secondary level, TMISD’s Warpath Academy has become a model for career and college readiness, offering students both dual-credit academic courses and industry certifications—all at no cost.

“We’ve built partnerships with Texas A&M University–Kingsville, Coastal Bend College, and Del Mar College,” says Gabe Alvarado, TMISD High School Principal. “Right now, more than 500 of our 1,068 students are enrolled in college-level courses. That’s over 50 percent of our high school students taking classes that count toward a degree.”

The Academy’s dual focus—academic and technical—gives students multiple avenues to success. “Some of our kids finish their freshman and sophomore years of college before graduation,” Alvarado explains. “Others earn industry-based certifications in welding, dental assistance, patient care, or auto mechanics. Either way, they’re walking out of high school workforce-ready or university-bound.”

VanMatre adds, “Before Warpath, we had about 60 kids taking concurrent enrollment. Now, we’ve maxed out our partners’ capacity. It’s a great problem to have.”

Career Tech at the Core

TMISD’s new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, funded through the district’s recent $100 million bond, represents one of the most ambitious investments in student opportunity in South Texas.

“Our welding program became the catalyst,” Alvarado says. “We had kids lined up to get in and had to turn some away because we didn’t have space. That wasn’t acceptable. Welding is a high-demand, high-wage career in our region, and our students deserve access.”

The new facility doubles the district’s welding capacity, introduces an industrial mechanics program, and upgrades labs for medical, cosmetology, and agricultural science. “We were retrofitting 1980s classrooms to meet modern industry standards,” Alvarado says. “Now we’re building facilities that match the workforce our students are entering.”

TMISD’s programs align closely with local economic strengths, from petrochemical manufacturing and energy production to healthcare and agriculture. The district is also exploring new partnerships with the Port of Corpus Christi, the largest energy export port in the world. “We’re just 15 minutes away,” VanMatre notes. “It’s the perfect opportunity for internships and apprenticeships that could change students’ lives.”

Community Trust and Shared Vision

For VanMatre, everything starts with trust. “It’s our most precious commodity,” he says. “If you lose trust with your parents, your taxpayers, your business community—it’s almost impossible to earn it back.”

That trust was on full display during TMISD’s recent bond election. In 2022, the district proposed a $98 million bond that failed. One year later, after transparent community engagement and visible accountability, the district returned with a larger proposal—and it passed overwhelmingly.

“In a year’s time, we built partnerships, communicated openly, and demonstrated that these were needs, not wants,” VanMatre says. “Even with inflation, the community voted to invest in their children.”

Safety and security have been top priorities for that investment. TMISD has upgraded its facilities with hardened entry points, new surveillance systems, and full-time security personnel. “We can’t promise there won’t ever be a crisis,” VanMatre acknowledges, “but we can promise we’re doing everything humanly possible to keep our students and staff safe.”

Social-Emotional Support: Building Strength and Empathy

Alongside academic and career success, TMISD places equal emphasis on emotional intelligence and mental health. A district-wide social worker and counseling staff provide targeted interventions, while programs like PALS (Peer Assistance and Leadership) connect high school mentors with younger students.

“These are our top kids—the football players, cheerleaders, band members—mentoring elementary and middle school students who need support,” Alvarado says. “It gives those younger kids someone to look up to, and it teaches our high schoolers empathy, leadership, and communication.”

The district also partners with Communities in Schools to help families access food, housing, therapy, and financial aid. “We’re removing barriers,” says Crabtree. “If a child’s family is struggling, that stress affects the student. We make sure help is available.”

The Virtual Academy: TMISD Goes Statewide

Looking ahead, TMISD is set to launch its most groundbreaking initiative yet: the Tuloso-Midway Virtual Academy, one of the first of its kind in South Texas.

“This program will open the door for students across the state,” says Alvarado. “Whether they need flexibility to work, want to accelerate their graduation, or hope to earn an associate’s degree while in high school, we’ll make it possible.”

The academy will feature four distinct pathways that include,traditional online learning –

For students who need flexible schedules to balance work or family responsibilities, Accelerated Graduation – Allowing students to complete high school requirements ahead of schedule, an Associate Degree Program – Enabling students anywhere in Texas to graduate with both a high school diploma and a college degree simultaneously as well as a Flipped High School Model – Students take career courses at local community colleges during the day and complete their high school coursework online at night.

New Career and Technical Center

“It’s 100% free for Texas students,” Alvarado says proudly. “If you live in a small town without access to these programs, you can join us virtually. We’re creating opportunity, not just for our community, but for the entire state.”

A District That Leads by Example

TMISD’s commitment to continuous innovation is positioning it as a leader in South Texas education. From early bilingual literacy to college-level academics, from mental health supports to workforce training, the district is redefining what it means to prepare students for the real world.

“Our tagline is simple,” VanMatre says. “It’s our time. We’re not just teaching kids to pass tests—we’re teaching them to lead, to adapt, and to thrive.”

With community trust restored, cutting-edge facilities underway, and programs that open doors for every learner, Tuloso-Midway ISD isn’t just keeping pace with change—it’s leading it.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Tuloso-Midway ISD

What: Leading school distinct that offers distinct educational options to ensure student success

Where: South Texas, USA

Website: www.tmisd.us