The District of Innovation concept was passed into law by the 84th Legislature (2015) through House Bill 1842, which was codified in Texas Education Code Chapter 12A. The designation allows school districts to access many of the same options that are currently available to charter schools. 

Despite its name, this designation does not allow McDade Independent School District to be overly innovative, or to make changes in areas related to curriculum, graduation requirements, governance, academic and financial accountability, and much more. For more information about Districts of Innovation, see information from the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Association of School Boards.

McDade ISD has completed the process of renewing our District of Innovation Plan for 2023-2028 school years. This plan contains the following exemptions:

• First Day of Instruction

• Teacher Certification

• Minimum Service Required

• Teacher Probationary Contracts

• Retire / Rehire Minimum Salary

• Teacher Appraisal

• Local School Health Advisory Council

• Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 4 Class Size Reporting Requirement

• Transfer Policy

• Grade Level Certification

• College / University Days

• DAEP (Certified Teacher, Separate from Other Students, Altered Daily Schedule)

• DAEP (Suspensions and Expulsions)

McDade ISD District of Innovation Plan Amendments August 15, 2023

McDade ISD District of Innovation Plan Ratification August 15, 2023

McDade ISD District of Innovation Plan  Ratification November 19, 2019

McDade ISD District of Innovation Plan Adopted 5/15/18 (Amended 8/20/19)