Benjamin ISD

Benjamin Independent School District Local Innovation Plan INTRODUCTION House Bill (HB) 1842, passed during the 84th Texas Legislative Session, permits school districts to become Districts of Innovation and to obtain exemption from certain provisions of the Texas Education Code. To be eligible for designation as a District of Innovation, a school district's most recent academic performance rating must be acceptable. State law requires a district to develop a local Innovation plan before the district can be designated a district of innovation. The plan may Include Innovations In curriculum and instructional methods; provisions regarding community participation and parental involvement; modifications to the school year; provisions regarding the district budget and sustainable program funding; accountability and assessment measures that exceed the requirements of state and federal law; and any other Innovations prescribed by the board of trustees. As a District of Innovation, Benjamin ISD will have: • Increased local control as the decision makers over the educational and instructional model for our students; • Increased freedom and flexibility with accountability relative to state mandates that govern educational programming; and, • Increased authority to innovate and think differently creating the individuality needed for a smaller, rural educational community. • The flexibility includes exemptions from mandates such as: 1. The 90 Percent Attendance Rule 2. Instructional Calendar Length of School Day 3. School Start Date 4. Teacher Contract Rights 5. Teacher Certification 6. Teacher Contract Days 7. School District Depository Contracts 8. District Level and Site-Based Decision Making 9. Transfer Students HB 1842 does not allow for exemptions from statutes including curriculum and graduation requirements or academic and financial accountability. PROCESS The process required to become a District of Innovation is clearly