DENVER, Colo. -- Free at last.

On Tuesday, bids for autonomy from Bruce Randolph and Manual High School were approved by the district and its teachers union.

"I think it's a positive thing for our students and our community," said Bruce Randolph principal Kristin Waters.

Bruce Randolph was once known as the "worst performing middle school in the state of Colorado." Waters said cutting ties with DPS will now allow them the flexibility to make decisions on campus instead of waiting for approval from the district.

"We will have flexibility over our funding and how we spend that money. We will have flexibility on hiring and when we start hiring," said Waters.

Traditionally, district schools have to wait for the official hiring cycle. They would have the post jobs and first open them up to candidates in the district, after that they could look outside.

"Now what I can do is post the position and I can look at candidates both within the district and maybe somebody who is in Connecticut," said Waters.

The goal -- find the best candidates for students.

The break from the district also allows Waters the ability to pay teachers better. She said if they want to teach an extra class -- she can pay them. If they want to tutor students outside of the classroom -- she can pay them.

Parents said it was time for change.

"There are a lot of decisions that have to be made for the benefit of the children and those decisions were being grossly delayed by the district," said parent Holly Hudson.

Bruce Randolph said it's a big step for their campus and they believe many other schools will soon follow suit.