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
Affected Regulation and Policy
(EB Legal/Local)
2023–2024 Committee
RJ Alvarado
Executive Director of Safety, Security, and Student Services
Korinne Caruso
Assistant Professor Del Mar College
Marcy Davis
West Oso Elementary School Principal
Margaret Dechant
Associate Vice President for School and Community Relations Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Belinda Gamez
Director of Human Resources
Rhonda Garcia
Director of Curriculum & Assessment
Gregorio Garza
West Oso Elementary School Paraprofessional
Kimberly Hamling
West Oso Elementary School Teacher
Olga Mendez
Chief Financial Officer
Kimberly Moore
Superintendent
Dana Moore
West Oso Junior High School Principal
Dr. Roana Rivera
Director of Special Education
Luis Rodriguez
Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend Career & Education Outreach Specialist
Pauline Teran
TCOM Regional Project Manager, AEP
Ann Vlach
Director of Programs and Operations, Education to Employment Partners