Del Valle ISD board approves moving forward with District of Innovation waiver application, contingent on accountability score
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Summary
The board voted to submit a District of Innovation waiver application to TEA, conditioned on the district increasing its accountability score to the threshold required (A/B/C rating); trustees said the waiver would provide operational flexibilities including calendar and hiring options.
The board approved staff moving forward to file a District of Innovation (DOI) waiver application with the Texas Education Agency, while noting the application is contingent on the district reaching the accountability threshold TEA requires for flexibility.
Doctor Cantu explained that TEA's rules require an A, B or C rating for the agency to grant certain flexibilities. He said district staff met with the DAT and the commissioner and received support to proceed, but noted that final approval rests with TEA and that the waiver's effect depends on the district reaching at least a C rating in the next accountability cycle.
Trustees discussed the contingency: if the accountability score does not rise, staff said they would re-engage TEA for further discussion and re-apply if appropriate. Trustee Pantoja moved to approve submission as presented; Trustee Tracy Franco seconded and the motion carried 8–0.
Why it matters: A DOI waiver can give districts flexibility on calendar, certain hiring practices and local processes; approval to submit does not guarantee TEA approval and remains contingent on accountability requirements.
Next steps: Staff will finalize the application and submit to TEA; the board will monitor accountability results and report back as TEA responds.