District of Innovation

A District of Innovation is a concept passed by the 84th Legislative Session in House Bill 1842 that allows school districts greater local control and flexibility regarding certain state-level regulations in an effort to utilize the designation to better serve students.

The proposed plan, once adopted, will remain in effect for five years (2017-2021).  The plan may be amended at any time by the District of Innovation Committee with the approval of the school board.


•  District of Innovation Plan



District of Innovation Committee

Darlene Arp
James Burson
Susan Douglas
Daniel Garcia
Samantha Gee
Gene Griffin
Judy Gromatzky
Sheryl Huffman
Amberly Leight
James Lenamon
Rhonda Leos
MaryEllen Maddox
Bryanne-Michelle Mlodzianowski
Jennifer Scott
Jacaranda Vigil



Summary of Statutes

Teacher Certification
(TEC 21.003, TAC Title 19/Part 7/Chapter 231/Subchapters A-G)

McGregor ISD will be exempt from the requirements which limit the district's ability to hire the best candidate for a job based solely on certification issues.

Teacher Instructional Assignment
(TEC 21.003, TAC Title 19/Part 7/Chapter 231/Subchapters A-G)

McGregor ISD will be exempt from the requirements which limit the district's ability to assign staff to meet local needs.

Probationary Contracts
(TEC 21.102)

McGregor ISD will be exempt from the limit on the maximum number of years an experienced teacher, new to the district, may be extended a probationary contract.

School Calendar
(TEC 25.081, TEC 25.0812)

McGregor ISD will be exempt from the first day of instruction requirements as listed in the Texas Education Code.

Length of School Day
(TEC 25.081, TEC 25.082)

McGregor ISD will be exempt from the minimum minutes of instruction requirement in the half-day pre-kindergarten program.

Absences for College/University Visits
(TEC 25.087/b-2 1 & 2, TAC 129.21 j)

McGregor ISD will be exempt from the two-day excused absence limit for students visiting institutions of higher education.

Class Size Ratio
(TEC 25.112)

McGregor ISD will be exempt from the 22:1 class size requirements.

Notice of Class Size
(TEC 25.113)

McGregor ISD will be exempt from the requirement to notify parents when class sizes exceed the 22:1 class size limit.

School Health Advisory Council
(TEC 28.004)

McGregor ISD will be exempt from the requirement to hold a minimum of four meetings per year.

Campus Behavior Coordinator
(TEC 37.0012)

McGregor ISD will be exempt from the requirement to designate a campus behavior coordinator for each campus.

View a complete copy of the District of Innovation Plan here.



District of Innovation Timeline

November 17, 2016
• MISD Board of Trustees received information concerning District of Innovation Designation

December 15, 2016
• MISD Board of Trustees discussed merits of District of Innovation in open meeting
• MISD Board of Trustees adopted a resolution to seek designation as a District of Innovation
• MISD Board of Trustees appointed District of Innovation Committee to develop a local plan

January 11, 2017
• District of Innovation Committee voted to develop a local District of Innovation plan
• District of Innovation Committee considered a list of statutes to consider in the local plan

January 18, 2017
• District of Innovation Committee finalized the list of statutes to include in the local plan
• District of Innovation Committee approved a draft of the District of Innovation Plan

February 6, 2017
• District of Innovation plan posted to the MISD website for the required 30 day review period

March 13, 2017
• District of Innovation Committee will conduct a public hearing for final review of the local plan
• District of Innovation Committee will vote to approve/reject the local plan
• MISD Board of Trustees will vote to approve/reject the local plan
• District of Innovation plan, if approved, will be filed with the Commissioner of Education