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Ann Arbor board approves limited schools-of-choice windows for 2026–27, cites enrollment and revenue benefits
Summary
The Ann Arbor Public Schools board voted to approve three limited schools-of-choice windows for the 2026–27 school year (April 14–May 13; June 2–July 1; July 23–Aug. 6). Staff said the openings typically bring about 400 students per year (roughly 10% of district enrollment) and roughly $3.6 million in per-pupil revenue.
The Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education voted Nov. 5 to approve limited schools-of-choice enrollment windows for the 2026–27 school year.
Dawn Linden presented the recommendation and the three proposed application windows: April 14–May 13, June 2–July 1 and July 23–Aug. 6. Linden said the district typically enrolls between about 300 and 500 schools-of-choice students across 32 schools, representing about 10% of total district enrollment, and that an average year brings roughly 400 students and approximately $3.6 million in per‑pupil revenue for the district.
Why it matters: Schools of choice allow families from contiguous counties to apply for open seats, help stabilize school staffing and classroom sizes, and provide a modest revenue benefit without new staffing costs. Linden said schools-of-choice applications are available to families in Washtenaw, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties, and that acceptance is conditional on a review of student discipline records.
Board discussion and vote: Trustees asked about whether any provisions changed from prior years, the timing of in‑district transfer windows (opening Nov. 18 and running through Jan. 6 this year), and tracking of students who leave for other districts. Trustee Wilks moved approval; the board conducted a roll-call vote recorded as unanimous 'Yes' and approved the recommendation.
Implementation notes: Linden said the district typically identifies available seats through a multilayer review with building leaders and executive directors; the final summer window is important for enrolling families who move during the summer. Robin Skidinski, enrollment and records coordinator, attended the meeting to answer procedural questions.
Next steps: With board approval the administration will publish the windows and begin marketing; Linden said earlier communication helps alignment with private-school enrollment cycles and provides families planning time.
Quotes: "If we just use that figure, it's about 3,600,000.0," Linden said when describing estimated revenue from schools-of-choice enrollment. "It is not for the purpose of packing schools ... It's to fill seats," she added.
