Open Enrollment
If you have not already heard about it, you soon will. Open enrollment is a hot topic in the State Legislature this year. It can also be an extremely complicated issue to sort through.
There are two types of open enrollment policies. In Missouri the practice of an Intradistrict open enrollment policy is utilized by various school districts. This policy is determined by each school district and can allow for a student to transfer from one school to another within that district. Districts decide which buildings within their district they will allow students to transfer into and how many transfers they will authorize. These policies are made and handled at the district level.
What might be proposed through legislation is a type of Interdistrict open enrollment that would allow students to transfer from their home district to any other district within the state.
Proponents of the Interdistrict open enrollment say this gives parents more choice in schools. It would allow for competition between schools. This type of competition would encourage school districts to perform at a higher level. It would also be up to the school districts to decide how many “extra” students they could handle. If the school district lacked the resources to handle an enrollment over a specific number they would not be required to accept transfers. Opponents however question how decisions will be made regarding acceptance of new students and if districts will be able to stop the inflow if capacity is reached. Proponents say,smaller school districts or districts facing a reduction in growth are able to fill already established space and hire additional teachers.
On the flip side, funding is a huge issue. Property taxes vary greatly from district to district. So if a student from district A transfers into district B and district A has a lower property tax, then district B may have to supplement the education for that student. Interdistrict open enrollment could also open the gates for high school recruitment. Students who show potential in math, science, arts and sports could be lured from one district to another. One of the bigger questions Interdistrict open enrollment might pose - would this type of policy cause already struggling districts even more harm as they are abandoned for more stable districts.
Other states, have implemented Interdistrict open enrollment policies with success. While we could model a policy for Missouri from one already established a key component to note is the difference in how Missouri schools are funded compared to how other states fund their schools. There are also statistics from other states that an Interdistrict open enrollment would actually affect less than 3% of the student population, in Missouri that 3% would equate to 27,000 students.
What is Missouri PTA’s position on open enrollment? Currently the Missouri PTA does not have a position on open enrollment. However, we do have positions on some of the issues that may be included within an open enrollment policy. The Missouri PTA believes parents do have a right when it comes to choice in education. We also have positions on school funding and transportation. While the issue is complicated, the Missouri PTA is working to ensure any legislation proposed or passed will be in the best interest of all Missouri’s students. Most importantly we want you, our members, to become informed. Contact your representatives to see where they stand and let them know how you feel about the issue.