2022-2027 District of Innovation Plan

Plan approved by Board of Trustees, February 28, 2022 

Introduction

House Bill 1842, Section 4, passed in the 84^th Texas Legislative Session, allows Texas public school districts to modify certain state requirements at the local level to better meet the needs of the students served. By allowing school districts this opportunity, districts can develop strategic plans that are unique and tailored to their community and the students they serve. As a District of Innovation, Splendora ISD will be able to implement the Board’s vision of developing and providing an educational setting where every student is empowered to be self-motivated, confident, adaptable in learning, critical-thinking, and a productive citizen. 

Term

The previously adopted District of Innovation Plan (DOI) is effective August 2017 - August 2022, unless terminated or amended earlier by the Board of Trustees in accordance with the law.  In March 2020, an amendment was made to the DOI plan, allowing the District the option to offer additional benefits options to employees. 

Previously Adopted Exemptions:

District-Level and Site-Based Decision-Making (TEC §11.252, §11.253)

District and campus level strategic planning committees are established as outlined in TEC §11.251 to review, learn, study, and analyze multiple data sources regarding success of all aspects of district operations, most importantly students’ success.  The committees meet at least two times per year and review the strategic plan for district resources and efforts. Under the DOI, the prescriptive list of requirements in the District and Campus Improvement Plans are replaced with a Strategic Planning process. Compliant items listed in the TEC §11.252 & TEC §11.253 are replaced by relevant strategic plan components that directly address the unique needs, talents, and interests of Splendora ISD’s community and staff with a targeted focus on the Board of Trustees vision and mission. 

Teacher Certifications (TEC §21.003)

The district will maintain its current expectations for employee certifications and make every attempt to hire individuals with appropriate certifications. When that is not reasonably possible, the district has the flexibility to hire individuals who are knowledgeable in the area and equipped to effectively perform the duties of the position in question.  Splendora ISD has the ability to locally certify teachers in high demand, to better meet the educational needs of our students. These areas would include, but are not limited to CTE, STEAM, and LOTE. Special education and bilingual teachers will be required to hold a standard teaching certificate. Teachers with industry certifications and native speakers with qualified experience could be eligible to teach a course through a local teaching certification. This process will allow more flexibility in our scheduling and provide more options for our students in class offerings, leading to industry-recognized certifications. 

Appraisals and Incentives (TEC §21.352, TEC §21.354)

Splendora ISD established a committee of administrators and teachers to develop a local teacher and administrator evaluation system that is a combination of the TEA recommended evaluation systems, with the addition of locally identified accountability measures that align to our Community-Based Accountability System. Administrators and teachers are evaluated on various performance measures, including classroom observations, goal setting and tracking, and collective student growth progress toward identified academic and cultural objectives.

First Day of Instruction (TEC §25.0811)

Splendora ISD has the flexibility to begin instruction earlier than the fourth Monday of August. This flexibility fits the local needs of our community and balances the amount of instructional time between the first and second semesters. Balancing instructional days before and after winter break allows teachers to better pace the delivery of instruction within an academic school year. It also allows the district to schedule more timely and meaningful staff developments throughout the year. 

Minimum Attendance for Class Credit or Final Grade (TEC §25.092)

The district will maintain its current structures for maintaining a minimum attendance percentage for traditional classes, while allowing flexibility for students demonstrating mastery of content through innovative systems, including blended learning, and a more flexible pace.  Students who miss class due to extracurricular activities, academic activities, or other extenuating circumstances will not be penalized. 

Due to SB 1444 new Texas law no longer requires Splendora ISD to be exempt from TEC 22.004.  SISD has opted out of TRS ActiveCare beginning in 2022.