Under Chapter 12 of the Texas Education Code
Texas law provides a legal path for communities to create a Home Rule Charter District—a locally governed public school district with more autonomy over curriculum, staffing, funding, and school operations.
✅ Step 1: Start the Process
There are two ways to initiate the creation of a Home Rule district. Only one is required:
🔹 Option 1: Community Petition
Must be signed by at least 5% of registered voters in the school district (or defined area).
Must be submitted to and certified by the Board of Trustees.
🔹 Option 2: School Board Vote
The Board of Managers, by a 2/3s vote, may initiate the process without a petition.
✅ Step 2: Charter Commission Formation
Once the process is initiated (by petition or board vote), the Board of Trustees must:
- Appoint a Charter Commission within 30 days.
- Include 15 members, with a majority being parents of currently public school students and
25% being classroom teachers.
✅ Step 3: Drafting the Charter
The Charter Commission writes the Home Rule Charter, which acts as a constitution for the new district.
The charter must:
The charter must:
- Outline governance structure, funding rules, student rights, staffing, operations, etc.
- Comply with all federal and state laws, but it may override many HISD regulations.
✅ Step 4: Public Hearings
The commission must hold at least two public hearings before the charter is adopted:
- Allow for community input and transparency.
- Give residents a chance to ask questions and express concerns.
✅ Step 5: TEA Compliance Check
While the Texas Education Agency does not approve the charter, the district must still follow all state and federal laws.
TEA continues to monitor legal compliance and academic accountability.
✅ Step 6: Voter Approval
The final version of the charter must be put to a public vote:
- Requires majority approval by registered voters in the area affected.
- Must occur during a regular or special election in compliance with local election law.
✅ Step 7: Implementation
If voters approve the charter:
- The new Home Rule District becomes the governing authority over the defined area.
- Local control begins over school operations, staff, funding priorities, and more.
