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Board gives first reading to limit foreign exchange students, citing resource pressures
Summary
The board held a first reading to amend the district policy governing admission of J‑1 and F‑1 exchange students, adopting a limit modeled on neighboring districts to balance cultural benefits against resource constraints; the first reading passed by voice vote.
The Granite Falls School District Board of Directors conducted a first reading of a policy amendment to limit the number of J‑1 and F‑1 exchange students the district will admit beginning in the 2025–26 school year and approved the first reading by voice vote.
Board materials indicate the proposed policy is based on a template from WASDA and would establish a cap similar to neighboring districts (one example cited: Sultan had a limit of two). Presenters and board members described exchange students as a “rich cultural experience” but noted that the district receives no state funding for international students and a large number of guests can strain local resources.
A community member with hosting experience described hosting two exchange students as “one of the most cool enriching things” for a family and said the choice to limit numbers was difficult. The superintendent and other administrators said any cap would take effect for the 2025–26 school year and would not retroactively affect current exchange students.
The motion to approve the first reading was made and seconded; the board approved the first reading by voice vote. Board members said the administration will bring a final draft back for a subsequent meeting, and that approvals for specific placements would continue to be handled through the district office under the new limit.
No numerical roll‑call vote was recorded in the transcript; the board answered the voice vote in the affirmative.
