House Bill 1842 allows Texas public schools who have continuously maintained an acceptable academic rating as defined by the Texas Education Agency to receive exemptions typically reserved for open enrollment charter schools in curriculum, instruction, governance, parent/community involvement, calendar, and budget by becoming a District of Innovation. When a Texas public school district becomes a District of Innovation they obtain exemptions from provisions of the Texas Education Code requirements to allow more flexibility and local control for innovative programming. The term of the Local Innovation Plan is five years provided that the District maintain an Academic Acceptable performance rating from the Texas Education Agency. As a District of Innovation, United Independent School District will exercise greater local control, customize learning, unique to our student population, as well as provide flexibility in several areas. A District Advisory Committee (DAC), composed of District stakeholders, including educators, administrators, parents and community members develop an Innovation Plan unique to the needs of the school district. The Committee obtains input from various stakeholders and posts information on the district website.

On November 14, 2016, district staff met to discuss District of Innovation and the positive impact it could have at United ISD. It was determined that many of the Texas Education Codes in place restrict the district from achieving the various goals set to better improve the overall education of the students in the district. At the School Board Instructional Meeting held on December 6, 2016, the Superintendent’s Cabinet presented data about what becoming a District of Innovation entails and how it could positively impact the district. It was determined that the district should further review and evaluate the various components of the District of Innovation to better determine what areas of exemption should be included in the proposed Innovation Plan. On December 13, 2016, a presentation to all UISD Principals and Department Directors was made where various members of the Superintendent’s Cabinet presented data on District of Innovation and how it could potentially assist the district in accomplishing the goals set in both Campus and District Improvement Plans. On December 14, 2016, information about District of Innovation, including five exemptions (Instructional Minutes, 90% Minimum Attendance, Campus Behavior Coordinator, Instructional Calendar, and Teacher Certification for Career and Technical as well as Dual Enrollment Courses) was made to the Board of Trustees and the General Public. The process of becoming a DOI was 4 explained, the timeline was presented, and the appointment of the District Advisory Committee Members as well as the DOI Resolution was presented. The Board approved the Resolution and appointed the District Advisory Committee. On this same date the first Public Hearing was held. Soon after these meetings, a website for District of Innovation was activated as a subpage on the district’s website. Information regarding the intention, timeline, and FAQ’s was posted for easy accessibility for our constituents. On January 5, 2017, the first meeting was held with the District Advisory Committee to 3 discuss District of Innovation. Committee members voiced concerns, praised the district for their continuous efforts in supporting the students of United ISD, and listed their top three choices for the exemption sub-committees they wanted to serve on. On January 17, 2017 the DAC met (2nd meeting) and devised proposed criteria by exemption to add to the United ISD’s Innovation Plan. The Innovation Plan was compiled using the information collected from the DAC and shared with committee members on January 31, 2017. Board Resolution Approved on December 14, 2016 Our 2016 plan expires in March 2022. The District of Innovation Committee members composed of District stakeholders, including educators, administrators, parents and community members formed to develop the Local Innovation Plan (Plan). On October 14, 2021, the District Committee met to review the recommendations.