Midland, Texas – Residents of Midland Independent School District (MISD) who are interested in the upcoming District 3 race have a chance to see the two candidates discuss their visions for the schools tonight. Incumbent trustee Tommy Bishop and challenger Tim Lirley will appear in a live, televised debate hosted by Basin PBS and streamed by First Alert 7 at 7:00 p.m.
How to watch
The debate will be broadcast on First Alert 7’s primary channel and can be streamed online through the station’s website. Viewers can click the “Watch Live” button on the First Alert 7 homepage or use the First Alert 7 app on Roku TV or Fire TV devices. The stream will be free and open to anyone in the Permian Basin area.
Why the debate matters
District 3 covers a significant portion of the Midland community, including several elementary and middle schools. The trustee seat influences budget decisions, curriculum choices, and policies that affect families and teachers. Both candidates say they are committed to preserving strong academic standards while supporting parental involvement in school affairs.
Tommy Bishop, who has served on the board since 2020, emphasizes his experience navigating the district’s finances and his focus on maintaining safe learning environments. He notes that the district’s recent improvements in test scores reflect a steady, responsible approach to budgeting and staffing.
Tim Lirley, a local business owner and parent of two MISD students, argues that the district should prioritize more transparent communication with families and expand career‑technical education programs that prepare students for the Permian Basin workforce. He also calls for greater attention to school safety measures and the preservation of traditional values in the classroom.
What voters should consider
Voters are encouraged to listen for each candidate’s stance on key issues such as school funding, teacher recruitment, and the role of parents in curriculum decisions. The debate will also address how the board plans to respond to state education mandates and any upcoming legislative changes that could impact local schools.
Because the election is nonpartisan, the focus will be on practical solutions rather than party ideology. Residents who cannot attend the live broadcast can watch a recorded version on the First Alert 7 website later tonight.
Get involved
Midland ISD encourages community members to submit questions in advance through the district’s website or social media channels. The board hopes the debate will foster an informed electorate and reinforce the partnership between schools, families, and the broader community.
Election day for the District 3 trustee seat is scheduled for March 5, 2027. Early voting locations and absentee ballot information will be posted on the Midland ISD website in the coming weeks.
Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.
