HISD will become a District of Innovation (DOI) after the School Board approved the DOI plan at a meeting last night. The vote was 8 in favor, 0 opposed.

Houston is one of the only school systems in the state that did not have DOI status. Systems with the designation are exempt from certain statutory requirements and have greater flexibility in the way they conduct district operations to support students. HISD’s DOI Committee developed its plan as part of a broader effort to ensure every student has a high-quality education and graduates prepared for the modern workplace and world.

Exemptions in the DOI plan fall within the following areas: high-quality instruction, modern staffing, and improved schools. One key exemption allows the District to begin school before the fourth Monday in August, making it more feasible to implement a longer school year. Research indicates students benefit from more time in school. HISD plans to propose that the first day of school for the 2024-2025 academic year be no earlier than August 7 and no later than August 14. All proposed versions of the calendar will adhere to guidance in the DOI plan that the 24-25 school year be no more than 180 instructional days.

Certain HISD staff members and stakeholders groups will have the opportunity to provide feedback on proposed calendar options in mid January. HISD will then request input from all staff and families more broadly beginning on or around January 19. The District plans to submit the final proposed calendar to the School Board on February 8.

To learn about the other DOI exemptions and how stakeholders collaborated to develop a thoughtful plan grounded in the best interests of HISD students and staff, see here.