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District reports early enrollment trends; four families rescinded open‑enroll plans after online option offered
Summary
District staff reported four families (with a fifth likely) have rescinded open-enrollment applications after the district created an online program; administrators also described current class-size caps and said a fuller enrollment report — including ESA/private-school transfer details — will be provided in October.
Ames — District administrators gave the board an enrollment update and an initial report on families who reversed open‑enrollment plans after the district began offering an internal online program.
Superintendent Grimes and enrollment staff told the board they have identified families who had already submitted open‑enrollment applications elsewhere and are now choosing to remain in the Ames system because of the new online option. At the time of the meeting staff reported contact with four families and were still in communication with a fifth; the presenter said it was likely the number would be five the next day.
"We've identified a number of students, and we've begun contacting those students and families. At this point, there are 4 different families. I think by tomorrow morning, that'll be 5," the staff member said on the record.
Administrators explained capacity is still being finalized. They said a few class sizes have been capped (Mitchell Elementary was cited) and that principals and teachers have been consulted about moving class caps temporarily by one student if needed; administrators emphasized the district prefers to keep families in their neighborhood buildings where possible and that transportation is not provided for parents who request a transfer beyond the district's transportation eligibility.
Board members asked whether the district knows how many students leaving the district are using Education Savings Accounts (ESA) or enrolling in private schools. Staff said they do not yet have a complete breakdown but that Cassie in records can provide detailed transfer destinations; staff committed to adding ESA/private‑school transfer counts to the October report (final counts will be certified on Oct. 1).
Administrators also noted the district's staffing report: roughly 20–21 newly hired certified staff for the year, a number lower than some prior years, and that vacancies are being filled as registrations are finalized.
The board asked staff to return in September with detailed online‑learning eligibility criteria and to provide the October enrollment report with transfer destination details.
