The 84th Texas Legislature passed HB 1842 which included provisions to allow Texas school districts to become Districts of Innovation. Under a DOI plan, a school district may access many of the flexibilities available to Texas open-enrollment charter schools. The original DOI committee began its work in 2016 and considered three areas: student matters, human capital matters, and operational matters. The RISD board approved the DOI plan in January of 2017 with a subsequent amendment in 2019. In July of 2022, trustees voted to renew the DOI plan and include additional elements to support recruiting and financial efforts.  

Richardson ISD would like to make revisions to the current DOI plan to align with recent legislation and support revision with financial institution depository contacts. 

• Removing disciplinary action regarding vaping in alignment with new legislation.
• Ensuring the flexibility with certification requirements will not extend to core content teachers.
• Flexibility on the school depository contract to allow RISD to address customer service issues with its depository bank that directly impact the District’s employees and operational efficiency.

Additional information about the DOI plan can be accessed on the TEA website. Questions about the proposed updates to the Richardson ISD DOI Plan can be sent to Dr. Denise Beutel, Executive Director of Federal Programs and Grants, denise.beutel@risd.org 

Proposed Updates to RISD District of Innovation (DOI) Plan