College Station ISD reviews out-of-district transfer criteria to shore up enrollment

College Station Independent School District administrators outlined a proposed out-of-district transfer program intended to stabilize enrollment and protect programs as the district copes with recent declines.

Communications Director Mr. Dunson told trustees the program is distinct from open enrollment and would allow students who live outside district boundaries to apply to attend specific campuses. “Out of district transfer, we’re using that terminology because this is a program that allows students who live outside of the district’s boundaries to apply for enrollment at specific schools within the district,” Mr. Dunson said.

Why it matters: the district reported losing about 300 students this year, which lowers state funding tied to average daily attendance. Mr. Dunson said the district’s basic allotment is $6,215 per regular student, while the board’s current per‑student budgeted expenditure is about $11,000 — a gap driven by fixed campus costs that rise as enrollment falls.

What the district proposed: administrators described eligibility and operational rules now under review. Academic and attendance criteria would factor heavily: the presentation listed expectations such as core-course achievement thresholds and the state‑set 90% attendance rule for the prior two school years. Behavior criteria would limit applicants to no more than three referrals and no major infractions (the presentation referenced DEAP in this context). Administrators emphasized that meeting the criteria would not guarantee admission; campus capacity and program balance would determine final approvals.

Campuses and pathways: district staff identified several campuses as potential entry points, including Creekview Elementary and Cypress Grove Intermediate for the K–6/6–8 pathways described. For high schools, administrators said a lottery system would be considered after several years of the program to manage demand and capacity while expansion projects are completed.

Logistics and oversight: the transfer application period would open Jan. 5 and close Feb. 27, with families to be notified beginning March 6 and asked to confirm intent to enroll by March 20. A separate administrative committee — composed of internal stakeholders — would review transfer applications annually; transportation would not be provided for out‑of‑district students. Mr. Dunson said marketing and community outreach would accompany the rollout.

Trustee questions and financial cautions: trustees asked how academic thresholds would apply to very young students evaluated under standards‑based systems rather than traditional letter grades. Miss Wilson, the district’s chief financial officer, explained how state weights and federal revenue blend with the basic allotment to produce the per‑student figures administrators used in the presentation. Trustees cautioned that recruitment and marketing costs, and potential changes to a campus’s Title I status, could affect the net fiscal benefits of enrolling out‑of‑district students.

Next steps: administration presented the proposal for review and discussion only and did not seek formal action at this meeting. Officials said they will finalize application procedures, the review committee composition and eligibility mechanics, then return to the board with the final process for any required approvals.