Highland Park ISD Takes First Step Toward ‘District of Innovation' Classification

Highland Park ISD appears headed toward becoming a "District of Innovation," joining dozens of local and state-wide school districts who have been given some of the flexibility available to open-enrollment charter schools in Texas. The Texas Legislature in 2015 passed House Bill 1842 which created the concept of a "District of Innovation." The classification grants districts some ability to overrule current rules in the Texas Education code on curriculum, accountability, governance and finance.HPISD board trustees took their first step toward the designation during their Jan. 10 meeting by appointing its 36-member District Leadership Council to develop a local innovation plan. The plan by the council, which is made up by HPISD teachers, parents and students, will ask other community members, teachers and staff for feedback. "We are still reaching out to administrators and the community to get suggestions," said Cristy Hirsh, HPISD director of student and administrative services. "It is still very early in the process."  Continue reading...