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The Fort Worth Independent School District is considering seeking designation as a District of Innovation. This special status would give the District increased flexibility and local control to better meet the needs of our students.

A little background on the District of Innovation status:

Last year, the Texas State Legislature passed HB 1842, allowing a way for traditional school districts like Fort Worth ISD to be exempt from certain state regulations. Before this new law, only open-enrollment charter schools were allowed these exemptions. In order for school districts to have this flexibility and more local control, they must present a plan to become a District of Innovation. This plan is created with input and participation from the local community. Each school district works with its community to design a plan that outlines priorities that are important and unique to them.

Focus on flexibility and local control:

Superintendent Dr. Kent Scribner has said this plan to become a District of Innovation will focus on specific areas that are priorities in Fort Worth ISD, including:

• Providing flexibility regarding the certification requirements for professionals in specialized areas, such as engineers, to teach career and technology classes; and
• Allowing Fort Worth ISD more control of its school calendar for professional development.

Timeline:

The target date for this District of Innovation plan to be implemented will be the 2018 – 2019 school year. Fort Worth ISD has begun the process to create and seek approval of the plan.

• Fort Worth ISD Resolution was passed by the Board of Trustees October 13, 2016
• A District of Innovation Public Hearing was held by the Board of Trustees October 25, 2016
• District of Innovation will be an action item at November 2016 Board Meeting
• Board of Trustees will approve the identification of District of Innovation Committee members
• The Board of Trustees will finalize the District of Innovation committee in December 2016
• District of Innovation committee will begin work in January 2017 for implementation in 2018 – 2019.

ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« District of Innovation Committee:

The Fort Worth ISD District of Innovation committee will be diverse. Students and staff of Fort Worth ISD will have a voice, as well as community members. Everyone has an important role to play in the success of our District, and we want input from as many stakeholders as possible, including students, teachers, administrators, service staff, paraprofessionals, teacher organizations, board members, civic organizations, elected officials, business leaders, philanthropic organizations and others.  

A District Plan for the Future:

Our District of Innovation plan will truly represent what is special and important to the Fort Worth ISD community as we look to the future. As a District of Innovation, we will be able to introduce new ideas and methods to prepare all students for college, career, and community leadership.