Paris, August 18, 2026
Sale of the Churchill Campus in Dallas
1. A longstanding relationship in which MLF played a decisive role
The decision to sell the Churchill campus must be understood in the broader historical context of the relationship between Mission laïque française (MLF) and Dallas International School (DIS).
MLF played a decisive role in the creation, development and financial support of DIS. In particular, it acquired the Churchill property, which remains an asset owned by MLF today.
For many years, DIS was considered by MLF’s governing bodies to be a fully managed school. As such, MLF assumed significant responsibility for the school’s operations and financial stability.
In certain instances when DIS experienced financial deficits, MLF provided the necessary financial support to ensure the continuation of the school’s activities.
This financial commitment was accompanied by an active role in the governance of DIS
2. A governance structure historically centered on MLF
The bylaws of Dallas International School historically governed the relationship between DIS and Mission laïque française by recognizing MLF’s central role in the governance of the school and designating it as the sole member of the corporation.
This governance structure, approved by the Dallas Board, constituted the foundation of DIS’s governance for many years and reflected MLF’s longstanding commitment to the development and financing of the school.
The year 2023 marked a turning point in the relationship between the two institutions, as a legal review of the bylaws was undertaken by DIS. DIS took the position that certain provisions of the bylaws were no longer consistent with ISAS’s (Independent Schools Association of the Southwest) independence requirements.
Relying on that legal interpretation, DIS challenged MLF’s historical role in its governance and initiated a significant restructuring of its institutional governance.
3. MLF sought to modernize the bylaws and reach a balanced governance arrangement
Faced with these legal issues, MLF’s objective was not to preserve the status quo at all costs.
Instead, MLF sought to:
• bring DIS’s governance into compliance with applicable law;
• preserve MLF’s representation in a manner consistent with its historical commitment; • rebalance the composition and functioning of the Board; and
• establish a new governance framework capable of maintaining a constructive relationship between the two institutions.
In connection therewith, certain proposals were prepared by and on behalf of MLF with the intent to establish a new governance balance, without undermining DIS’s operational autonomy.
4. The unilateral decision to remove MLF from DIS governance
At the Board meeting of July 10, 2024, DIS made the decision to remove MLF from the governance of DIS.
After having supported DIS for decades, financed its development, covered its financial deficits as necessary, and retained ownership of the Churchill campus used by the school, MLF was removed from its governance.
This governance break fundamentally changed the nature of the relationship between the two organizations, as MLF was reduced to the role of landlord.
5. Financial disputes further deteriorated the relationship
Following this governance rupture, significant financial disputes arose leaving MLF with unpaid invoices and no other option but to engage attorneys to help recover outstanding amounts, some of which are still pending (rent for 2025-26 for example is still pending payment).
6. Despite these circumstances, MLF initially pursued a sale of the property to DIS
MLF did not immediately seek to sell the Churchill property to a third party.
On the contrary, despite the deterioration of the relationship, MLF’s governing bodies decided in June 2025 to give priority to a sale of the Churchill property to DIS.
This decision demonstrates that MLF remained committed, until the very end, to enabling DIS to acquire the campus it occupied. However, after months of unfruitful back and forths, involving institutional actors and legal experts, MLF decided it was open to other sale opportunities.
7. The expiration of the lease required MLF to act
DIS’s lease of the Churchill property expires in October 2026, a date that had long been known to the DIS Board. In the absence of a secure agreement with DIS, MLF had a responsibility not to leave one of its principal assets in a prolonged state of uncertainty.
8. Several purchase offers were received
MLF received DIS’s offer on July 7th 2026, months after negotiations and very late in the school year. MLF let DIS know that the offer was refused days later, on July 21.
This decision was not taken against DIS. Rather, it resulted from the absence of a final agreement after an extended period of negotiations and from MLF’s responsibility to protect its assets.
MLF’s governing bodies studied all offers received and ultimately chose the one that was most secure for its network of schools, after much careful consideration and with respect to the educational community.
9. The rationale behind the decision
It is therefore inaccurate to characterize the sale of the Churchill campus as either a sudden decision by MLF or an attempt to place DIS in difficulty. Throughout the years, efforts were made to find mutually acceptable legal solutions, and financial concessions, Mlf’s constant concern and objective—consistent with its historic mission—was always to protect the interests of students and families.
The decision to market the Churchill property and ultimately select the purchaser that in MLF’s judgment offered the greatest certainty of closing was therefore a prudent decision taken only after every reasonable opportunity to reach an agreement with DIS had been explored.