SAN MARCOS, Texas ——Hays CISD will now join the several hundred schools in Texas as “districts of innovation.”

The school board vote at Monday’s meeting was unanimous in favor of becoming a DOI.

The concept gives traditional independent school districts exemptions from certain parts of the Texas Education Code.

There are several terms a district can apply for within its innovation plan. In its innovation plan, Hays has asked for two things: a modified start schedule, and an exemption to certifications for Career and Technical education teachers.

Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright said Hays is on the back end of this, as there are more than 700 districts in Texas that are districts of innovation.

Each district applies for exemptions from the Texas Education Code, in this case, Hays is only looking to be exempt from the two on the plan.

With the school board’s approval, the district will now submit its Innovation Plan to the Texas Commissioner of Education and, if accepted, it will stay in effect for five years.