1. Districts of Innovation
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Informational Presentation

2. What is a District of Innovation?
The 84th legislature passed HB 1842, which authorized a school district to become designated as a District of Innovation (DOI).
The law is designed to provide public school districts with more local control.
Under a DOI Plan, districts may access many of the flexibilities available to Texas open enrollment charter schools.

3. What is a District of Innovation?
Under a District of Innovation Plan, school districts may pursue specific exemptions from certain requirements under the Texas Education Code in order to pursue innovative practices that give students optimum learning opportunities.

4. Examples of FLEXIBILITIES that Districts may Seek:
Student discipline provisions
Teacher certification
Teacher appraisal
Uniform school start date
School day length
Class size and/or student-to-teacher ratio for PK – 4th

5. Possible Exemption Considerations
Allow Teacher Certification Alternatives – Career / Tech Courses
Flexible School Start Date – School Calendar
Maintain Reasonable Class Size – Kindergarten – 4th Grade
Option of One Year Extension for Probationary Teacher Contract – Teacher Hires Who Have Taught 5 of the Last 8 Years

6. District of Innovation Application Process: First Steps……
Board of Trustees approves a Resolution to consider developing a DOI Plan
Board holds a Public Hearing to receive community input
DOI Planning Committee is assembled to draft a DOI plan

7. District of Innovation Application Process: NEXT Steps……
DOI Plan is sent to the Commissioner of Education / Posted online for 30 days to receive public comment
District SBDM Council holds public meeting to vote on the plan – majority vote

8. District of Innovation Application Process: LAST Steps……
Board votes on the DOI Plan - 2/3 majority vote
Board notifies Commissioner of approval of the DOI plan
DOI Plan in affect for 5 years, may be amended during that time period

9. Possible DOI Timeline for MISD
August 14 Board Passed a Resolution
Board Held Public Hearing
August – September DOI Plan Development Committee Work
September 11 Draft DOI Plan Presented in Board Workshop
September Plan Sent to the Commissioner of Ed
Plan Posted on MISD Website for Comment
October 12 District SBDM Committee Holds Public Meeting to Consider the DOI Plan
October 16 Board Considers DOI Plan
October 17 Commissioner Notified of DOI Approval

10. THANK YOU
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