What is the Rio Hondo ISD District of Innovation
The District of Innovation (DOI) concept, established by House Bill 1842 during the 84th Legislative Session, grants traditional independent school districts many of the flexibilities available to Texas’ open-enrollment public and charter schools. To access these benefits, Rio Hondo ISD must develop and implement an approved innovation plan.
By adopting an innovation plan, Rio Hondo ISD can seek exemptions from various Texas Education Code requirements. Potential exemptions include areas such as educator certification, teacher contract rules, the academic calendar (start and end dates), length of the school day, class size limits, and specific purchasing or contracting regulations.
Districts are eligible for the DOI designation if they receive a "Met Standard" rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and comply with the procedural guidelines for adoption set by TEA. Once designated, the DOI status is valid for up to five years.