The Eanes Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve a District of Innovation designation, which is intended to give traditional independent school districts more local control, plus exemptions from some state mandates. This could result in flexibility with school start dates, required minutes of instruction, and class size ratio. The Eanes District also may be able to gain more local control over site-based decision making processes, attendance and discipline, and teacher certification, contracts, and benefits.
The District of Innovation concept was passed by the 84th Legislative Session in Texas House Bill 1842 and was designed to give school districts flexibilities comparable to those extended to Texas’ open enrollment charter schools.