District of Innovation Plan through December 2021 - Final Approved Plan (approved 12.12.2016)

District of Innovation Plan to take effect in January 2022- Final Approved Plan (approved 11.15.2021)

District of Innovation Plan Amended April 2022- Final Approved Plan (approved (4.21.2022)

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 certain mandates 

The Gunter ISD District of Innovation Committee reviewed the possible exemptions and focused on four main areas:  School Start Date, Teacher Certification, Minimum Minutes of Instruction for Pre-K, and Teacher Contract Length. 

Notification to Commissioner of Intent to Approve Local Innovation Plan 2016

Minutes from District Advisory Council which approved Local Innovation Plan 2016

District of Innovation Flowchart 2016

District Advisory Committee Public Meeting to Renew Proposed Plan October 12, 2021

• Agenda

• 2021 Committee Members

• Proposed District of Innovation plan renewal recommended by the District Advisory Committee