The District of Innovation concept, passed by the 84th Legislative Session in House Bill 1842, gives traditional independent school districts most of the flexibilities available to Texas’ open-enrollment charter schools. Potential benefits of becoming a District of Innovation include:

• Local control: Districts decide which flexibilities best suit their local needs.
• Customization: Districts can create an innovation plan for a level of school (e.g., only high schools), grade level, or a single campus.
• Autonomy: Districts must submit a district of innovation plan to the commissioner of education, but approval is not required. 
• Flexibility: Districts will have the flexibility to implement practices similar to charter schools, including exemptions from mandates such as:
  • School start date
  • 90% attendance rule
  • Class-size ratios
  • Site-based decision-making processes
  • Certain student discipline provisions
  • Use of planning and preparation periods
  • Teacher appraisal requirements

Click here to view the 2021-2026 District of Innovation Review Plan for Royse City ISD.