A District of Innovation is a concept passed by the 84th Legislative Session in House Bill 1842, effective immediately, that gives traditional independent school districts most of the flexibilities available to Texas' open-enrollment charter schools. To access these flexibilities, a school district must adopt an innovation plan, as set forth in Texas Education Code chapter 12A.

On May 17, 2016, the Board adopted the Local Innovation Plan. On May 14, 2019, the Board adopted an amendment to the District of Innovation Plan. On December 8, 2020, the Board approved the District of Innovation Resolution to consider renewal of designation of a District of Innovation. On May 11, 2021, the Board adopted and renewed its Local Innovation Plan. On May 16, 2023, the Board amended its Local Innovation Plan. On February 18, 2026, the Local Innovation Committee, comprised of 11 members appointed by the Board of Trustees and 7 staff members appointed by the Superintendent, began its work on the current renewal of El Paso ISD’s District of Innovation Plan.

The term of the local innovation plan is for a period of five years, beginning at the start of the 2026-2027 school year and ending at the end of the 2030-2031 school year, unless the plan is terminated earlier by the El Paso ISD Board of Trustees.

• Resolution Requesting Administration to Evaluate the Removal of the District of Innovation Exemption from the 90 Percent Attendance Rule Aug, 27, 2025

• El Paso ISD's Amended Local Innovation Plan May 16, 2023

• El Paso ISD's Renewal Local Innovation Plan May 11, 2021

• Local Innovation Plan Amendments adopted May 14, 2019

• Initial Local Innovation Plan

A District of Innovation is a concept passed by the 84th Legislative Session in House Bill 1842, effective immediately, that gives traditional independent school districts most of the flexibilities available to Texas' open-enrollment charter schools. To access these flexibilities, a school district must adopt an innovation plan, as set forth in Texas Education Code chapter 12A.

On May 17, 2016, the Board adopted the Local Innovation Plan. On May 14, 2019, the Board adopted an amendment to the District of Innovation Plan. On December 8, 2020, the Board approved the District of Innovation Resolution to consider renewal of designation of a District of Innovation. On May 11, 2021, the Board adopted and renewed its Local Innovation Plan. On May 16, 2023, the Board amended its Local Innovation Plan. On February 18, 2026, the Local Innovation Committee, comprised of 11 members appointed by the Board of Trustees and 7 staff members appointed by the Superintendent, began its work on the current renewal of El Paso ISD’s District of Innovation Plan.

The term of the local innovation plan is for a period of five years, beginning at the start of the 2026-2027 school year and ending at the end of the 2030-2031 school year, unless the plan is terminated earlier by the El Paso ISD Board of Trustees.

The Plan's comprehensive educational program is guided by and aligned with the District's Vision, Mission, Strategic Priorities, and Strategic Plan for the District.

Vision

INSPIRE and EMPOWER learners to THRIVE.

Mission

In partnership with our families and community, we will uphold the highest standards to provide inclusive and fair learning experiences that support the whole child.

Strategic Plan

El Paso ISD’s Strategic Plan includes key levers: Whole Child Development, Academic Excellence, Destination District and Culture of Accountability.  El Paso ISD is in development of the next phase Strategic Plan representing the recent Community Listening sessions.

First Day of Instruction: Texas Education Code Section 25.0811

A.   Current Law

Current law prohibits the District from beginning instruction before the fourth Monday in August.

B.   Benefit of Exemption

Beginning instruction earlier in the calendar year provides the District with greater flexibility to balance instructional time across semesters, enabling teachers to more effectively pace and deliver instruction before and after the winter break. This balanced schedule supports stronger instructional continuity and promotes more effective learning throughout the school year.

Additionally, the flexibility to start and end the school year earlier allows students to enroll in college courses that begin in early June, thereby expanding opportunities for dual credit participation and strengthening college and career readiness.

Finally, an earlier start to the school year benefits students transitioning from elementary to middle school and from middle school to high school. The additional time and support at the beginning of the year help students adjust to their new campus environments, promoting social and emotional development and supporting a smoother academic transition.

Teacher Certification for Career and Technical Education Instructors: Texas Education Code 21.003 and 21.053

A.   Current Law

Current law requires certification for educators (21.003) and that a certificate must be presented before a teaching contract becomes binding (21.053)

B.   Benefit of Exemption

Texas Education Code Sections 21.003, and 21.053, limit the District's ability to hire noncertified teachers to teach hard-to fill, high demand Career Technology Education (CTE) courses when high quality certified teachers are not available. By obtaining exemption from existing teacher certification requirements for CTE teachers, the District will have flexibility to hire professionals in certain trades and vocations to teach the crafts of those trades and vocations (such as welding, etc.) in career and technical courses if certified teachers are not available to teach those courses.

Preference to Texas and United States Products: Texas Education Code 44.042

A.   Current Law

Current Law requires districts to give geographical preference in procurement to Texas and U.S.-made products.

B.   Benefit of Exemption

Exempting the district from the geographical preference requirement allows us to focus on best value instead of location. This helps us secure better pricing, ensure product availability, and receive goods and services in a timely manner. It also gives us access to a wider pool of vendors, which is especially important when items are not available locally or during supply issues. Overall, this flexibility supports responsible spending while ensuring campuses and departments have what they need.

Energy Savings Performance Contracts & Long-Range Energy Plan to Reduce Consumption of Electric Energy: Texas Education Code 44.901& 44.902 

A.   Current Law

Current laws were designed to encourage districts to reduce electricity and utility use. 

B.   Benefit of Exemption

Texas Education Code sections 44.901 and 44.902 can limit flexibility and slow down our ability to move forward with energy improvements that save money and improve school facilities.

By requesting this exemption, the District would gain more flexibility to manage energy‑related projects such as:

·      Heating and air conditioning improvements

·      Lighting upgrades

·      Water conservation systems

·      Other energy‑efficient building improvements

This flexibility allows the District to:

·      Move more quickly on energy‑saving projects

·      Choose solutions that best fit our schools and facilities

·      Adjust plans as technology and costs change

·      Maximize long‑term savings on utility bills

·      Lower energy costs mean more dollars can be redirected back into what matters most—students, classrooms, and staff.

In simple terms, this exemption helps the District manage energy more efficiently, reduce operating costs, and be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars—while continuing to serve students at the highest level.

C.   Local Guidelines

The district will continue to adhere to Board-approved policies, maintain strong financial controls and audits, ensure Board oversight and public transparency, carefully evaluate the cost and benefit of all energy projects.