The West Lafayette Community School Corporation on Jan. 12 voted unanimously to tell families that currently enrolled transfer students in good standing will be welcome to continue enrollment for the 2026–27 school year.

The board’s motion, approved 7–0, directed the central office to notify current transfer students and their families that they “will be permitted and welcome to continue enrollment at the West Lafayette Community School Corporation for the 2026–27 school year.” The vote followed extensive discussion about timing and process and came amid a broader effort to gather community feedback on whether—and how—the district should accept new transfer students in coming years.

Superintendent Dr. Griner said district-collected survey and focus-group data indicate broad community interest in a “controlled transfer policy.” He told the board the results show “a majority support a controlled transfer policy of some sort,” and that the administration had brought forward the topic so the board could set next steps.

Board members pressing for clarity cited frequent calls from anxious families and the need to provide immediate direction to the central office. Dacia, a board member who had urged deferral of certain agenda items earlier in the meeting, had asked the board to wait for consultant input; other members said delaying any statement risked further distress for families already enrolled.

To craft a durable policy for future admissions, the board asked the administration and a hired facilitator to hold community forums and focus groups; dates and formats were announced and will include virtual and in-person sessions. The board agreed to a public work session to review the consultant’s report and expected to consider a proposed policy in subsequent board meetings.

The board separated two questions: (1) whether currently enrolled transfer students should be guaranteed an opportunity to continue (the board answered yes), and (2) whether the district should open or expand new transfers for 2026–27 (left for later deliberation after community input). A separate motion to immediately continue the existing transfer process for new TSC families was tabled to allow time for the forums and a public work session.

Next procedural steps announced by the superintendent include distribution of focus-group results in Friday notes, a facilitator presentation to the board, and scheduling a public work session so the board can deliberate with full community input.