District of Innovation (DOI)

The District of Innovation concept, passed during the 84th Legislative Session in House Bill 1842, gives traditional independent school districts most of the flexibilities available to Texas’ open-enrollment charter schools. The flexibility derives from the district’s ability to exempt itself from state mandates that may limit its ability to implement innovative ideas. The potential benefits of becoming a District of Innovation include increased local control to decide which flexibilities best suit local needs, freedom in customizing an innovation plan, and autonomy in that the innovation plan does not require state approval.

The term of the plan is for five years, beginning December 19, 2023, and ending December 19, 2028, unless terminated or amended earlier by the board of trustees in accordance with the law. If, within the term of this plan, other areas of operations are to be considered for flexibility as part of HB 1842, the board will appoint a new committee to consider and propose additional exemptions in the form of an amendment to the plan. Any amendment adopted by the board will not extend the term of this plan. The district may not implement two separate plans at any one time.

Uniform Start Date

Uniform Start Date – Texas Education Code §25.0811

Current Statute

Except as provided by this section, a school district may not begin instruction for students for a school year before the fourth Monday in August.

Proposed Statute

Flexibility in regard to the uniform start date allows the district to designate the first day of school each year to best meet the needs of our students, staff, and community.

Additional advantages may include:

  • The ability to assist in retention and hiring.
  • The ability to align to other districts’ academic and UIL calendars.
  • The ability to balance the two semesters.
  • The ability to thoughtfully spread Professional Development throughout the year.

The district does not intend to implement this exemption for the purpose of altering the language in or application of teacher contracts.

Draft calendars will continue to be developed and feedback will be gathered from WOISD stakeholders. This feedback will be used to form the final recommendation presented to the board of trustees.

Affected Regulation and Policy

(EB Legal/Local)

2023–2024 Committee

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