The Conroe ISD board of trustees unanimously voted to become a District of Innovation during Tuesday night's board meeting. Becoming a District of Innovation—a new program approved during the 2015 state legislative session—grants school districts more flexibility and local control on certain state statutes.

The only item adopted that would affect the district was the school year start date. The committee members who decided on the presented plan was composed of appointed parents, community members and teachers.

“[The committee] worked very diligently and had great conversation from input from community members, teachers, parents and administrators to develop the plan,” CISD deputy superintendent Curtis Null said.

Currently, students in Texas may not begin school before the fourth Monday in August. As a District of Innovation, CISD could make the start date for the 2017-18 school year earlier.

For more information about CISD becoming a District of Innovation, visit www.conroeisd.net.