SINTON ISD

A District of Innovation (DOI) is a concept passed by the 84th Texas Legislative that gives traditional independent school districts most of the flexibilities available to open enrollment charter schools, including exemption from many requirements mandated in the Texas Education Code. To create a DOI, a school district must adopt an innovation plan for its district.

"H.B. 1842 (84th Session of the Texas Legislature) in part amended Chapter 12 of the Texas Education Code (TEC) to create Districts of Innovation. Districts are eligible for designation if certain performance requirements are met and the district follows certain procedures for adoption as outlined in Statute. The designation provides the district will be exempt from certain sections of the TEC that inhibit the goals of the district as outlined in the locally adopted Innovation Plan. The term of the designation as a district of innovation may not exceed 5 calendar years." - Texas Education Agency (TEA)

Sinton ISD first adopted a District of Innovation (DOI) plan on March 22, 2019. The last amendment to this plan was approved by the SISD Board of Trustees on January 22, 2024.

Why choose a District of Innovation?

• 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:
  • Site-based decision making processes (to the extent required by state law) 
  • Teacher benefits
  • Teacher contracts
  • Teacher certification (except as required by federal law) 
  • Teacher appraisal system
  • Student discipline provisions (with some key exceptions, like the requirement to have a code of conduct and restrictions on restraint and seclusion)
  • The 90 percent attendance rule (but compulsory attendance still applies)
  • Minimum minutes of instruction
  • Class size ratio 
  • Uniform school start date