Ritenour board approves resolution opposing proposed Missouri open-enrollment bill

The Ritenour Board of Education voted to adopt a resolution opposing proposed Missouri open-enrollment legislation, commonly referred to in the meeting as bill 711 from Sen. Pollitt. The board approved the resolution after a presentation from Dr. Kilbride, who explained key provisions and the district’s concerns.

Dr. Kilbride told the board the bill would allow students to apply to attend any Missouri public school that accepts nonresident students and would cap the number of students leaving a district at 3% per year. He said the bill contains eligibility limits — for example, students with two or more suspensions in the prior year could be made ineligible — and raises unresolved questions about who would bear special-education costs for students who transfer under open enrollment.

The draft resolution the board considered states the board’s intent to “focus resident taxpayer resources upon the education of students who reside in the district,” asserts that “no credible research shows that open enrollment improves student achievement,” and concludes by resolving that the board opposes legislation providing for open enrollment of nonresident students in Missouri public schools.

A motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded; the board voted to adopt the resolution. The board president said the resolution would be updated for the president’s signature the following day.

Why it matters: The district cited potential adverse financial impacts and unresolved special-education funding responsibilities as primary reasons to oppose the legislation. Board adoption places Ritenour among districts publicly expressing opposition as the bill advances in the legislature.

What’s next: The resolution will be finalized for the president’s signature, and the board’s position will be available to legislators and to local stakeholders as debate continues at the state level.