The idea of a medical school on the campus of Fox Tech High School has taken a major step forward with an agreement between San Antonio Independent School District and the University of the Incarnate Word.
The letter is currently only agreed-to terms between the SAISD and UIW and the full contract is still in negotiations.
UIW wants to build a medical school, and Fox Tech, now a magnet-only campus, has an empty football field. Per the agreement, the SAISD will supply 2.5 acres of land to the UIW for 25 years. A cash payment of $1.5 million would be made over two years.
SAISD Spokeswoman Leslie Price said instead of making payments to lease the land, UIW is providing scholarships to both SAISD students and faculty. Price said the university will have annual scholarships available on top of regular scholarship amounts for any of the students, not just for those attending Fox Tech.
Price said UIW would provide $100,000 annually in an endowment for students who want to pursue graduate careers, and $50,000 annually for teachers who wish to obtain a graduate degree.
Price said they have also agreed to mentorships and curriculum programs for the health career programs at Edison High School, Fox Tech High School and the health program at Whittier Middle School.
A full contract is contingent on city and county infrastructure agreements such as a parking garage. The letter of intent between the two entities expires on Oct. 31 unless it's extended or a contract is drafted.
