MISD designated District of Innovation
By Sam Waller
The Moran Independent School District has been designated a District of Innovation, giving it more local control and flexibility.
Moran ISD superintendent John Denson said the district was notified by the Texas Education Agency Oct. 20 that the district’s application was approved .
“It gives us more opportunities to make our own decisions that will benefit us on the local level,” Denson said.
The superintendent said the district will have more freedom in such areas as setting the school calendar and hiring personnel.
“We can adjust the school start date to better fit local needs if we need to,” he said. “It also gives an opportunity to shop for outside health care if we want to. I don’t know if we will or not.”
Moran ISD will retain the designation through the end of the 2025-26 school year.
The District of Innovation program was created in 2015 with the passage of House Bill 1842 by the 84th Texas Legislature, Denson said. School districts can gain exemption from certain Texas Education Code provisions and flexibility currently available to open enrollment charter schools.
After meeting eligibility requirements, the Moran ISD developed an innovation plan during the summer that reflects the unique needs of the district, Denson said.
The process began with a board of trustees resolution, a public hearing,and the appointment of a committee to develop or decline the plan. After seeking input from assorted stakeholders, including principals and administrators with review by district counsel, the proposed plan was approved by the District Leadership Council and posted on the district website for a 30-day review by the community.
After the review period, a public meeting was held during a District Leadership Council meeting, and the plan was approved by the DLC.
The plan was then presented to and approved by the MISD board of trustees at its Oct. 18 meeting. In accordance with state requirements, the final approved plan was submitted to the Commissioner of Education.
