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Board approves open-enrollment space designation; two members dissent over special-education access
Summary
The board approved open-enrollment space designations for 2025-26; Board member Andrew voted no and argued the policy effectively excludes many special-education students from attending the district, a concern echoed by Rick. The motion passed with two recorded no votes.
The Green Bay Area Public School District board voted to approve open-enrollment space designations for the 2025-26 school year at its Jan. 27 meeting despite expressed concerns that the designations limit access for students with special education needs.
Bryan moved approval of the staff recommendation. Board member Andrew said he would vote no, explaining that his opposition reflected a broader position that districts should find ways to include special-education students rather than effectively closing spaces to them. "My no vote isn't a reflection that I think this isn't perhaps the best available thing that staff could have offered here," Andrew said, adding his concern that families with resources have advantages in accessing alternate enrollment options and that the policy as proposed creates inequities.
Rick concurred with Andrew's concern and urged the board to analyze factors that prevent inclusion and to work strategically to make space for special-education students. Kinsey confirmed the online roll call. The recorded votes on the motion were Becker: No; McCoy: Yes; Lierly: Yes; Milz: Yes; Gerlach: Yes; Crosson: No; Lee: Yes. The motion carried.
The vote implements the staff—s recommended open-enrollment designations for 2025-26; board members who dissented urged additional planning and review to improve access for special-education students in future years.
