Districts of Innovation
H.B. 1842 (84th Session of the Texas Legislature) in part added Chapter 12A to 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.
Agency staff do not provide guidance related to nor approve district hiring decisions as they pertain to a district's innovation plan. District personnel should consult with the district's district of innovation contact and/or legal counsel for guidance related to the district's adopted plan and any impact it may have on hiring staff.
We encourage all districts to consult with their legal counsel regarding the effect of any exemption claimed. The Texas Education Agency does not have the authority to approve a district's innovation plan. However, the Agency retains the authority to engage in investigative, intervention and enforcement activities if the district is not in compliance with legal requirements for which an exemption cannot be claimed.
Resources
- TEC Chapter 12A, Districts of Innovation
- Adopted Commissioner's Rules - 19 TAC Chapter 102, Subchapter JJ, Innovation District
- DOI Checklist (Figure: 19 TAC §102.1307(d))
- DOI FAQ
- DOI Amendment and Renewal
- Legislative Updates Related to District of Innovation Prohibitions (7/31/25)
Current Innovation Districts
The following districts have notified the TEA that they have adopted a local innovation plan and are designated as Innovation District. TEA does not have authority to approve or reject plans. Consequently, some plans may claim unallowable exemptions. If a district wishes to use any of these plans as a resource, the district should review each claimed exemption to make sure that the claimed exemption complies with the law and rules.
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There are 980 Districts of Innovation.
For questions regarding a specific district innovation plan, please contact the district directly.
Accreditation
Phone: (512) 463-5899
Email: Accred@tea.texas.gov