District of Innovation

The 84th Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1842 in the summer of 2015, allowing public school districts to obtain the designation of District of Innovation and gain exemption from certain Texas Education Code provisions.  This designation allows independent school districts to have flexibilities currently available to open enrollment charter schools. During spring 2017, Highland Park ISD, having met the state’s eligibility requirements, pursued the process of developing an innovation plan that was adopted for the next five school years. In spring 2021, HPISD developed its second District of Innovation Plan. In spring 2026, the District began developing its third District of Innovation plan that will reflect the unique needs of the district and allow the district to assume greater local control.  On March 31, 2026, the Board of Trustees approved the third District of Innovation plan which will have effect from 2026-2031.