Public Innovative Districts
In 2013 the legislature passed the Coalition of Innovative Districts Act, which became KSA 72-4221-4230. The purpose of the Act is to allow districts to be exempt from certain “laws rules and regulations that are applicable to school districts” in order to try programs to improve student outcomes.
Applications to join the Coalition of Innovative Districts are to be submitted in a “form and manner prescribed for the state board” and include the following:
- Description of educational programs;
- Description of parental and community support;
- Specific goals and measurable pupil outcomes to be obtained;
- Explanation of how pupil performance in achieving the specified outcomes will be:
- Measured;
- Evaluated;
- Reported; and
- Description of what state laws, rules and regulations from which the district is requesting to be exempt.
Forms
Innovative District Application
Applications are due May 1st of the school year preceding participating as a Public Innovative Districts.
Completed applications must be sent to:
Dr. Frank Harwood, Deputy Commissioner
Or
Kansas State Department of Education
Attn: Frank Harwood
900 SW Jackson
Topeka, KS 6612
Current Innovative School Districts in Kansas
- USD 329 - Wabaunsee
Legislation
- Public Innovative School District Statute (external link)
