District of Innovation

Advisory Committee

October 12, 2016

5:00 - 7:00 PM

Inspiring Students Through Innovative Education

Innovation Inside the Box

But...What If We Could Change the Box to Meet Our Unique Needs?

District of Innovation

Forney ISD Overview

Definition

A District of Innovation is a concept passed by the 84th Legislative Session in House Bill 1842, effective immediately, that gives traditional independent school districts most of the flexibilities available to Texas’ open enrollment charter schools. To access these flexibilities, a school district must adopt an innovation plan, as set forth in the Texas Education Code chapter 12A.

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-TASB Legal Services

Are We Eligible?

• Yes--if district academic accountability rating is met standard

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• No--if final or preliminary rating is Improvement Required

Process

1. Board Resolution
2. Public Hearing
3. Board Appoints Committee
4. Advisory Committee Meets:
1. Develops Plan
2. Posts online for 30 days
3. Holds public meeting
4. Notify commissioner
5. School Board Votes on Final Plan

What does this look like in Forney ISD?

What is off the table?

Prohibited exemptions include (but not limited to)…

• District Governance
• Curriculum
• State Assessment System
• State Accountability System
• School Finance
• Federal Requirement
• Other requirements in state law outside of the Education Code

What is up for discussion?

Possible allowable exemptions (but not limited to)…

• Uniform School Start Date
• Teacher Appraisal System
• Designation of Campus Behavior Coordinator
• Educator Certifications
• Site-Based Decision Making Process
• 90 Percent Attendance Rule
• Other Requirements in State Law Inside the Education Code

So Why a District of Innovation?

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Increases local control...to allow Forney ISD to make the best decisions for Forney students, Forney parents, and Forney educators!!!

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QUESTIONS???