On July 22, 2013 MHProNews.com covered a story from Midland, Texas where the Midland Independent School District (MISD) had plans to buy modular housing for staff because the Eagle Shale energy exploration in the southwest part of the state was gobbling up housing resources. In nearby Odessa, a one-bedroom unfurnished apartment in 2013 rented for $779, up from $568 monthly in 2011. The MISD purchased 25 modular homes for teachers and their families with rents averaging $750 a month, according to oaoa.com. The district is also subsidizing housing for staffers who qualify through the Scharbauer Foundation up to 40 percent of their housing expenses. With competition increasing for housing as the energy exploration expands, MISD is considering purchasing manufactured homes to site on district property for future teachers and staff. ##