What is a District of Innovation

In 2015, the 84th Texas Legislature with H.B. 1842 amended Chapter 12 of the Texas Education Code to create Districts of Innovations. Districts are eligible for this designation if certain performance requirements are met and the district follows certain procedures for adoption as outlined in the Statue. The designation provides that the district will be exempt from certain sections of the Texas Education Code that inhibit the goals of the district as outlined in the locally adopted Innovation Plan.  

Being designated a District of Innovation empowers school districts with some of the same flexibility given to charter schools by allowing the district to be exempt from certain requirements imposed by state law.  

The term of the designation as a District of Innovation may not exceed 5 years.