Zapata County ISD

What is a District of Innovation?

House Bill 1842 was passed in the 84th Legislative Session which gives traditional school districts most of the flexibilities available to the state's open enrollment charter schools. Any district with performance ratings of at least Acceptable in both Academic and Financial Ratings is eligible to become a District of Innovation.

Potential Benefits of Becoming a District of Innovation

• Local control: Districts decide which flexibilities best suit their local needs.
• Customization: Districts can create an innovation plan for a level of school (e.g., only high schools), grade level, or a single campus.
• Autonomy: Districts must submit a district of innovation plan to the commissioner of education, but approval is not required.
• Flexibility: Districts will have the flexibility to implement practices similar to charter schools.  A District may pursue specific innovations in:
  • Curriculum
  • Instruction
  • Governance
  • Parent/Community Involvement
  • School Calendar
  • Budgeting

What are the DOI Committee Responsibilities?

The membership of the committee is not specified in statute, but as a practical matter, the members of the committee must:

• be able to write a comprehensive plan with specific elements including Identification of the Texas Education Code provisions from which the District of Innovation should be exempted,
• clearly articulate the purpose of the plan, and
• persuade the school community of the value of the plan.

Additional Information:

• Once a local Innovation Plan is approved, the term of designation as a District of Innovation may not exceed five (5) years.
• The Innovation plan may be amended, rescinded, or renewed if approved by vote of Board of Trustees and DOI Committee with 2/3 voting requirement.
• Currently 800+ school districts have become Districts of Innovation
• Texas Education Agency DOI Information
• TASB DOI Information