USD 383 board revises foreign-exchange policy to follow open-enrollment law; board members warn of unintended consequences

The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board voted 6-0 to revise board policy JQKA governing foreign-exchange students so the district's procedure aligns with the state's open-enrollment rules.

District staff explained the statutory open-enrollment framework requires districts to designate available slots by May 1 for the coming school year before accepting nonresident students. Under the revised policy, foreign-exchange student placements that would bring nonresidents into the district are contingent on the number of open slots the district establishes under state law; if no open slots exist, the district cannot accept foreign-exchange placements that exceed its slot allocation.

Board members and others raised concerns about unintended consequences. Members noted foreign-exchange programs bring cultural and educational benefits and that timing and visa-processing deadlines could make it difficult for exchange students or agencies to complete paperwork in time if slots are not set until May. Board members suggested the change could reduce two-way exchange opportunities for local students and urged district staff and state-school board partners to communicate the issue to legislators.

The board recorded the vote as 6 in favor, 0 opposed.

Speakers at the discussion included board members who described the law and its impact on placement timelines; district staff noted the district now accepts web applications starting Jan. 1 but cannot finalize placements until open slots are designated on May 1. The board said it will consider raising the issue with the Kansas State Board (KSB) and local legislators to seek clarification or legislative remedy.

The board approved the policy revision and asked staff to communicate with exchange agencies and partner districts about how the new timeline will be applied in practice.