Commerce ISD superintendent Charlie Alderman says its a busy season for the school district with the school year coming to an end May 18 because of the early start to the school year last August. The 2018-19 school year will start August 13, a week later than last year. The Commerce ISD and others can start and end the school year earlier because it is a "district of innovation," which allows districts to try some experimental programs. Being a district of innovation also allows the Commerce ISD to employ teachers with professional experience who otherwise are not certified as teachers.