SSISD Appoints Planning Committee to Seek Proposed District of Innovation

Under House Bill 1842 passed during the 84th Texas legislative session, Texas public school districts have an opportunity to be designated at a District of Innovation. In a recent session of the SSISD board, the local district voted to become a school of innovation. A number of other schools in the area are also taking the step. Specific qualifiers, having attained the accountability rating of “Met Standard”, allow a district to become a district of innovation.

The designation allows the district to be exempt from certain sections of the Texas Education Code that inhibits the goals of the district. The designation has only a five year life span. Among those options offered are:

  • Innovative curriculum, instructional methods, and provisions regarding community participation, campus governance, and parental involvement.
  • Modifications to the school day or year.
  • Provisions regarding the district budget and sustainable program funding.
  • Accountability and assessment measures that exceed the requirements of state and federal law.
  • Any other innovations prescribed by the Board of Trustees.

The proposal provides a proposed timeline for plan development and approval through notifying the commissioner of education on April 11 of this year. In order to meet that timeline, a 26-member Planning Committee was elected that is composed of the Superintendent, all Principals, six elementary teachers, two secondary teachers, two parent and two business representatives and a community representative along with select specific staff.

Author: Staff Reporter

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