Board adopts policy 22-55 and opens enrollment for OpenEd Washington program

The Easton School District board on Tuesday adopted policy 22-55, clearing the way for the district to open enrollment for an OpenEd alternative-learning program in Washington.

The move followed a presentation from the superintendent and remarks from an OpenEd representative, Grant, who said the program has drawn substantial interest. "As of 20 minutes ago, we're up to 551," Grant said, updating an earlier figure that 501 families had started the online application process. He told the board that about 747 families have expressed interest overall and that OpenEd historically converts roughly 60% of initial applicants into enrolled students.

The superintendent told the board that enrollment districtwide remains steady at 75.5 full-time-equivalent students and that the district has completed recruitment for several classroom hires. She framed the OpenEd partnership as a way to expand learning options for families and asked the board to approve the necessary board policies to allow the program to operate.

A board member moved to adopt policy 22-55; the motion received a second and passed by voice vote. After the vote, Grant said enrollment will move from an interest-collection phase to active enrollment, and that OpenEd will begin accepting required documents such as birth certificates and vaccination records.

The policy vote was procedural and the board did not set a firm cap on enrollment; the OpenEd representative asked the board to consult with the vendor before considering any limits so OpenEd staff can propose mutually workable enrollment processes.

The board also approved two routine community-support resolutions (see Votes at a glance). The superintendent said the district will provide updates to the board as OpenEd begins reporting completed enrollments and compliance documentation.