BISD TO BECOME ‘DISTRICT OF INNOVATION’
The Brenham Independent School District Board of Trustees adopted a resolution declaring BISD's interest in becoming a District of Innovation during their meeting on Monday.
The district will now move forward in appointing a committee to explore becoming a District of Innovation (DOI). Only 44 out of 1,247 school districts in Texas have notified the Texas Education Agency that they have adopted a local innovation plan and are designated as a DOI. The DOI is a concept passed by the 84th Legislative Session in House Bill 1842 that gives more local control to school districts. DOIs may be exempted from a number of state statues, have greater local control, and increased flexibility. The board has discussed their interest in how a DOI would pertain to curriculum, instruction, professional development, the school calendar for the school district.
In January, the Brenham ISD District of Innovation Committee and Focus Group will begin meeting to discuss educational programs for innovation and education code provisions to be exempted. In February, the Brenham ISD Innovation plan will be posted of the district website for 30 days. The committee will then hold a public meeting and must pass the plan by majority vote.
In other business, the board heard an update of the district’s strategic goals. The goals that were previously set included:
Having a coordinated curriculum, develop well-rounded students and citizens, provide a safe and secure environment, balance the demographics on the elementary campuses, and attract and retain quality staff.
The board also held a public meeting on the district’s FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas). Director of Business and Finance, Kim Horne, led the board through the annual required process. Brenham ISD scored a “Superior” rating of 98 out of 100.
Also the meeting, the Brenham Junior High PTO donated $2,500 towards the purchase of a new laminator for the campus; the “You Make a Difference” award was given to BISD Outdoor Education Program; and Brenham Junior High’s Mission Possible STEM Competition group gave a presentation.