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Tecumseh schools propose limiting schools-of-choice at grades 1–5 to manage class sizes
Summary
Superintendent Matt Hilton presented a first briefing proposing a move from unlimited to limited schools-of-choice at grades 1–5, keeping kindergarten (young fives) and grades 6–12 unlimited; board discussion focused on enrollment timing, lotteries and family notification.
Superintendent Matt Hilton presented a first briefing to the Tecumseh Public Schools Board of Education proposing a change to the district's schools-of-choice policy that would limit enrollment at grades 1 through 5 for the 2025–26 school year while leaving young fives, kindergarten and grades 6–12 unlimited.
Hilton said the district has run an unlimited schools-of-choice program historically but is proposing the change to allow the district to “grow at grade levels where we only have a little space,” keep class sizes at appropriate levels, and better predict staffing and facilities needs. He recommended an unlimited enrollment window for young fives, kindergarten and grades 6–12 beginning March 8 through the first Friday of the school year, and a 30-day limited enrollment window for grades 1–5 from May 1 to May 30 with family notifications by June 13 for applicants under the limited window.
The nut graf: The proposal is a first briefing, not a board vote. Hilton said the change is intended to balance maximizing nonresident enrollment with predictable class sizes and staffing and to allow the district to prioritize siblings already enrolled if capacity is limited, a priority permitted under Michigan law.
Board members asked for clarification about timing and the district’s enrollment patterns. Hilton presented historical application timing data showing roughly half of yearly schools-of-choice applications arrive at the youngest grades (young fives/kindergarten), typically in March and April, while many other applications come in July and August. He said the district would publish both the limited and unlimited windows and run a lottery only if applications for a limited grade exceed available seats.
Trustee discussion focused on practical benefits: Trustee Davis and others noted advantages for facilities planning, staffing predictability, and budget forecasting. Trustees asked that the district communicate the new windows clearly and repeatedly to parents, particularly since many families contact the district late in the season concerned they have missed a deadline. Hilton said the district would “push hard” on publicity and would open a second window over the summer if space remained.
No formal action was taken; Hilton described the presentation as a first briefing and said a formal schools-of-choice plan and recommended adoption would return to the board in February for formal consideration.
Ending: The board did not vote on the proposal. Hilton said the plan is intended to be a measured change that stabilizes elementary enrollment while preserving access for kindergarten and older students; the board asked for clear outreach if it advances to a formal action item.
