District of Innovation

What is a "District of Innovation"

Updated February 18, 2022

In the spring of 2015, during the 84th Texas legislative session, House Bill 1842 (HB 1842) was passed. The bill affords Texas public school districts the opportunity to become a “District of Innovation.” A District of Innovation allows for traditional independent school districts to have most of the flexibilities available to Texas' open enrollment charter schools.

By becoming a District of Innovation, a school district can:

Exercise greater local control over decisions impacting instructional models for students;
Experience increased flexibility with regards to state accountability and mandates; and,
Develop innovative approaches to teaching and learning

To become a District of Innovation, a school district must adopt an innovation plan, as set forth in Texas Education Code chapter 12A.

In December 2016, the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees took the first step in becoming a District of Innovation and adopted a resolution that gave the Superintendent the authority to appoint a local innovation committee that would be responsible for developing an innovation plan for the district. This plan was reviewed by the Board of Trustees and the public. The board approved the innovation plan in February 2022.