September 25, 2012

 TITLE 14  Education  Free Public Schools  CHAPTER 4. SCHOOL DISTRICT ENROLLMENT CHOICE PROGRAM

School choice began in 1996, the goal was twofold 1. To increase access to educational opportunity for all children throughout the State regardless of where they may live. 2. To maximize parental choice in obtaining access to educational opportunities for their children.

 There are no statewide regulations addressing the school choice program.  Each school district is to adopt, and make available upon request, a policy establishing criteria for acceptance or rejection of applications and to set priorities for acceptance.

 Local school districts may also establish (each year, through policy) which schools are open for “Choice” and which schools are not open for “Choice”.  Other policies can be adopted by the districts as long as they do not violate the state law.

 Additional revenue for the district at a time when more money is needed to cover current expenses.  Assistance for day care issues for families who work  Support for the statewide goal of providing parental choice in obtaining access to educational opportunities for children.  Fill capacity at all schools

 Increased administrative cost – time and money  Volatile staffing needs  More students riding the bus (perception of “crowding”) and longer bus rides – particularly on perimeter routes which are often the longest runs.  Increased discipline issues

 Institution of a “lottery” process to ensure equal access to choice  Institution of a formal appeal process  Possible increase in waivers and class size (K – 3)  Backlash from ASD parents over crowded buses and larger class size.  Perception that local residents’ taxes are paying to build new schools for out of district students.  Fosters ill will and competition between districts.

 Will the district move from an annual review process to guarantee that once admitted, a student can “graduate” from that building? (This is current practice in other “choice” districts)  Will the district adopt a sibling policy if one child from the family is approved?

 Will it be legally permissible to discontinue out of district choice when home sales pick up and more room is needed to educate local residents’ children?  Will the district allow termination requests for concerns regarding attendance, behavior and academics?

 Early Childhood Center: 618 seats  Elementary: 908 seats  Middle: 549 seats  High: 510 seats Capacity is based on square footage – not instructional capacity

 In 2009:  73 students used choice to go to another district  54 students used choice to attend Appoquinimink  There were 3,680 students participating in the state’s interdistrict choice program.  Applications that are processed are any where from 500 to over 2000  Choice students range from