1. District of Innovation
Northwest ISD
Public Hearing
October 23, 2017

2. Background and Context
District of Innovation is a concept passed during the 84th Legislative Session in House Bill HB 1842 gives traditional independent school districts the opportunity to gain flexibility through a variety of available exemptions to the Texas Education Code.
A school district must adopt an innovation plan in order to access these exemptions.
School districts may amend/change/extend an innovation plan through the same process utilized to adopt a plan.
A school district’s most recent academic performance rating must be at least acceptable in order to be eligible for designation as a District of Innovation.
District of Innovation replaces many of the TEA waiver processes.

3. Across the State
According to the TEA website, over 450 districts have submitted approved District of Innovation plans to the Commissioner. These districts vary in size, geographic location, and exemptions requested. Over 2 million students are served by these districts.
Lewisville, Plano, Allen, Coppell, Frisco, Denton, Grapevine-Colleyville, Richardson, and Grand Prairie are included above.
Other large districts include: Arlington, Clear Creek, Conroe, El Paso, Humble, Katy, Round Rock, and San Antonio.

5. Proposed DOI Timeline
September 25- Present the NISD Board of Trustees a Resolution to create a District of Innovation (DOI) committee and plan for consideration. (TEC 12A.OO1(c)(1))
October 23- Public Hearing by NISD Board of Trustees (TEC 12A.OO2(a))
September- November 28- Nomination of membership and a series of committee meetings with NISD stakeholders. (TEA 12A.002(b)(2), 12A.003)
Shared plans and ideas with DEIC and Supt. Roundtable while soliciting volunteers and nominations.
Meetings include Oct. 25, Nov. 7, Nov. 14 and as needed sub-committees
November 28- DEIC holds public meeting , votes on plan
December 11- Plan presented to NISD School Board for consideration (must be posted for 30 days per TEC 12A.005(a)(1))
January 22- NISD School Board votes to approve final plan (TEC 12A.005(b))
Plan submission to Commissioner (if Board approved)

6. Possible Topics to Explore
Uniform Start Date
Minutes of Instruction
90% Attendance Rate
Teacher Certification
Appraisals
Contracts
Campus Behavior Coordinator
Site Based Decision Making
Class Size
Student Transfers
Credit By Exam
Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
Planning Periods
Off Campus DAEP
3 Day limit on Suspensions
Professional Development

7. Pros and Cons of becoming a District of Innovation
Allows for district flexibility on areas of interest
Regain of local control in some areas in which it has been lost over time
Join many other school districts across the state
Con’s
Relatively new process (84th Legislative Session) – new territory
Uncertainties regarding how Legislature will treat these plans/this group of districts in the future
Is there a true benefit to student learning/instruction