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Franklin board approves higher open‑enrollment caps, 478 seats for 2026–27 after debate
Summary
After debate about classroom capacity and community impact, the board voted 5–2 to approve 478 open‑enrollment seats for the 2026–27 school year, including two cross‑categorical seats and four physical‑therapy special education seats.
The Franklin Public School District Board of Education voted 5–2 on Jan. 14 to approve a substantial increase in open‑enrollment seats for the 2026–27 school year, setting the total at 478 general-education seats along with two cross‑categorical special-education seats and four physical‑therapy special-education seats.
Mr. Cromie explained the administration’s proposal, noting changes in the capacity formula (moving from 85% to 90% capacity in some elementary grades) and adjustments at the middle and high school levels. He said the change was driven by updated classroom-capacity calculations and projected enrollment. He also noted open enrollment is a significant revenue source, estimating open‑enrollment students generate roughly $11,000 after a state budget increase of $928 per open‑enrollment student.
Trustee Linda (surname as recorded in the meeting) objected to the size of the jump, saying the move would likely increase class sizes and asked the board to "back that off." She argued the proposed increase could send the message that the district is "inviting more students in" rather than rebuilding resident enrollment. Administration staff said the proposal does not add teachers or create new classrooms and that historical application patterns make receiving the full 478 unlikely; last year the district had about 270 open‑enrollment applications.
A motion to approve the seats was made and seconded. The chair announced the motion passed "5 to 2." The motion text recorded at the meeting specified "approval of 478 open‑enrollment seats in general education for 2026–27 school year with 2 cross categorical seats and 4 physical therapy seats in special education." The minutes show the motion was made by Mrs. Zipperzke and seconded by Mrs. Yank (as recorded verbally at the meeting). The roll-call details for individual yes/no votes were reported by voice (motion carries 5 to 2) but individual vote tallies were not printed in the transcript for each board member.
Board discussion highlighted trade-offs between revenue from open enrollment and potential strain on teacher workloads and student experience in popular classes; administration said it would continue to monitor building enrollments and staffing needs. The approved seats will be used in the district’s 2026–27 enrollment process.
