In Texas, all but one of the state's school
districts are considered "Independent" since they do not fall under the
direct control of any other local government, and their boundaries are
not constrained by any city or county border lines. Each district
is run by an elected school board, which appoints a superintendent and
sets budgets and tax rates. Only the State of Texas has the authority
to regulate and oversee the actions of an Independent School District.
The one exception is the Stafford Municipal School District, which de-annexed
itself from the Fort Bend Independent School District. Stafford MSD
(#50) lies entirely within the city limits of the City of Stafford, and
shares its recreational and auditorium facilities.