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Duncanville ISD board approves seven District of Innovation exemptions in 6-1 vote
Summary
Trustees approved seven proposed exemptions under the District of Innovation plan in a single omnibus vote (6-1), including flexibility to hire uncertified teachers and counselors, extend probationary contracts, alter vape-related DAEP placements, adjust attendance-for-credit rules and a targeted class-size maximum of 24.
The Duncanville ISD Board of Trustees voted 6-1 to approve an amendment package to the district's District of Innovation (DOI) plan on May 19, adopting seven additional exemptions intended to give local officials greater flexibility on staffing, discipline and operational policies.
Presenters told trustees the amendments would allow the district to hire candidates pursuing certification when certified applicants are unavailable, permit flexibility in counselor certification and introduce LPC hiring options, and extend the allowable probationary contract period under the 5-of-8 rule in limited circumstances. Administration said these exemptions are intended to be used only "when absolutely necessary" to address staffing shortages.
Other amendments included an exemption to revert from a mandatory-DAEP placement for vaping incidents to local discretion (administration said DAEP placements and vaping incidents had increased 47% under the state mandate), an attendance-for-credit exemption to enable flexible instructional models aimed at dropout prevention, a class-size amendment setting a target maximum of 24 to reduce transfers and preserve neighborhood schools, and a depository contract term extension allowing one additional two-year term before a required RFP.
Trustees asked procedural questions about parental notice under Texas Education Code 25.113; administration replied the proposed class-ratio approach would not require additional written notices if the district remains under the proposed ratio. Board members voted on the package as a single motion; the motion passed 6-1.
