The DOI designation allows districts to have flexibility in school calendars, giving them more local control over the administration of school activities.
Linda Macias, chief academic officer and associate superintendent, gave the board a presentation on the district's options and requirements to apply for the designation.
Long story short
“The Texas Education Agency requires ... that the board approve a resolution item, which will be considered on Monday. The board also has to provide approval to establish a DOI committee to work on this. ... We would recommend that if you approve the resolution that you allow us to utilize the district’s Districtwide Educational Improvement Council [to] be that committee,” Macias said.
The DEIC includes teachers, parents, and community and business leaders, and it is charged with the responsibility of pitching plans to the board.
“So whatever committee is in place, the DEIC has to approve the plan before it comes to you, but if they do not approve the plan, it dies. It doesn't come to you. So it just makes sense. ... And they have to approve it by a majority vote, and then it'll come to you to the board, and then it requires a two-thirds majority vote,” Macias said.
Zooming in
The District of Innovation designation allows the district to be exempt from certain sections of the Texas Education Code, according to the TEA website.
To qualify, the district’s plan must meet the following requirements:
- Provide innovative curriculum, instructional methods and provisions regarding community participation, campus governance and parental involvement
- Manage district modifications to the district calendar regarding school day and dates
- Provide program funding and accountability assessment measures, and any other innovations prescribed by the board of trustees
