Board reviews option-enrollment resolution; Lincoln View to open and select elementary schools to start at capacity

District staff presented the annual option-enrollment resolution required by state law and recommended capacity designations for the 2026–27 school year.

Missy Stolle told the board that because Lincoln View will open in the fall, and because of neighborhood growth and current staffing, the district recommends that Ashbury Elementary, Lincoln View Elementary and Prairie Queen Elementary start the 2026–27 year at capacity. Stolle said special-education placements continue to be determined case by case under state statute and that the district will review records and make individualized determinations.

Board members asked for historical context on how long Prairie Queen and Ashbury have been designated as "closed" (at or above stated capacity); members and staff indicated Prairie Queen has been above typical stated capacity (a 3-unit building standard of roughly 450) for at least five years. Staff said some uncertainty remains for a small set of families (about 16 military families) who may choose to remain at Prairie Queen rather than enroll at Lincoln View; the administration said planning meetings on that question are scheduled.

Board members also asked whether the administration must notify the state when particular grade levels are closed; staff said the district uses a capacity-based staffing formula to make closure decisions and communicates directly with families when a requested school or grade is not available. Staff described the option process: families may list multiple preferences; if their first choice and requested grade level are at capacity, staff will work with them to identify alternate placements with available capacity.

The resolution discussion took place during the meeting as part of required October business; staff noted the statutory filing deadline of Oct. 15 for declaring programs, classes or schools unavailable.