Traditional independent school districts in the Cedar Creek Lake area are following the lead of other districts statewide in considering the adoption of District of Innovation status.

Mabank Independent School District started the process in the Spring, and the Kemp Independent School District Board of Trustees will consider adopting such a plan this summer.

District of Innovation status allows independent school districts to set policies similar to those available to open enrollment charter schools. The 84th Texas Legislature passed the option into law for school districts achieved at least an acceptable rating during the most recent academic performance review.

KISD Supt. Phil Edwards recommended the trustees consider the plan, saying the school district would enjoy more flexibility in the areas of academic instruction and extracurricular actities under the new status. Edwards said he would recommend the trustees take advantage of establishing KISD’s own start-of-school date and minimum minutes of instruction per school year.

Other options available to the trustees would be more local decision making opportunities and the establishment of policies regarding class-size ratios, attendance rules, student discipline, teacher certification, teacher contracts, teacher benefits and teacher appraisal.

All school district policies are now set by the Texas Education Agency. Edwards said that many school districts in Texas are considering adopting the new District of Innovation status at this time.

Under the plan, school districts cannot seek exemption from state or federal requirements placed on open enrollment charter schools and state requirements for curriculum, graduation and accountability for academic and financial performance.

The plan would have no impact on school funding. It can be set for a term of up to five years, but it can be amended or rescinded. It can also be renewed for another term upon expiration.