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Board discusses placement options for Fordham Early Learning Academy students left on wait lists
Summary
Board members sought short-term placements for four Fordham Early Learning Academy students on school-choice wait lists and proposed a work session to address longer-term magnet capacity and policy options.
Marion County School Board members on May 8 discussed how to place a small group of Fordham Early Learning Academy students who remain on magnet-school wait lists and whether to change capacity or policy to accommodate more students in future years. Board members agreed to pursue options for the four students currently waiting and asked staff to prepare a fuller work session on magnet capacity and policy.
Why it matters: Board members described Fordham as a highly regarded early learning magnet and said the district should avoid losing students to private schools when public options are constrained. Several members said they want a short-term solution for the four currently on wait lists and a longer-term plan before the next choice window.
Board members and staff described current constraints and potential remedies. Dr. Campbell and others noted the district’s existing sibling priority and lottery rules; one board member said Madison’s zoning pattern and capacity limits make placement there infeasible for some families. Board member Thrower reported that as of April 22, there were 23 students on the Madison lottery wait list, highlighting the scale of demand at that school.
Several members said they support making exceptions if staff can identify placements without degrading program quality. Dr. Campbell said she hoped the district “can find a home for all of these students.” Members suggested staff present options at a future work session — including adding classroom units at magnet schools, temporary placements at underused campuses, or a policy to prioritize Fordham students — and requested transportation and capacity analyses.
The board did not take a formal vote. Chair Conrad asked staff to work with families and report back; some members said they would support an immediate accommodation for the four children while planning a comprehensive strategy for future cohorts.
What’s next: Staff were asked to return to the board with concrete options, capacity data and any required policy changes; board members proposed a dedicated work session before the next school-choice window so the board can decide whether to add units or revise priorities for Fordham students.
