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MSAD11 committee debates adding 'nonvoluntary' transfers to elementary open enrollment policy
Summary
Superintendent Kate Eagle proposed adding language that would allow the superintendent to enact nonvoluntary transfers at initial placement to balance class sizes; committee members and an elementary principal raised concerns about parental reaction, student stability and year‑to‑year impacts before voting to send the policy to the full board for first reading.
The MSAD11 Policy Committee on April 2 reviewed a proposed change to policy JCD (limited open enrollment) that would permit the superintendent to determine nonvoluntary transfers for initial placements to keep class sizes within board‑established ranges.
Superintendent Kate Eagle said the addition is intended to give the district a tool to manage uneven enrollment across multiple elementary buildings and to keep class sizes within policy limits. Under the draft language read to the committee, “upon initial placement, the nonvoluntary transfer of students between schools within MSAD11 may be determined by the superintendent,” and “transportation will be provided by the district.” Kate Eagle said affected parents or guardians would be notified in advance and the superintendent’s decision would be communicated to the school board.
Several committee members voiced concern about the proposal’s optics and practical effects. One committee member said the public would likely react strongly to language that appears to let the superintendent choose where a child attends and worried about students being moved year to year. “My gut is telling me that this community would be really uneasy if the superintendent just chooses which school my kid goes to,” the member said. An elementary principal spoke from experience about year‑over‑year enrollment swings and budgeting constraints that make midyear hires difficult, but also said frequent transfers could harm student continuity.
Supporters argued the language is targeted to initial placement decisions — for example, when a family requests enrollment outside their neighborhood and the district needs to maintain balanced class sizes across buildings — and that transportation would be provided for the year. The superintendent noted the policy is meant as one tool among options (hiring additional staff where budgets allow or exploring consolidation) and suggested the committee consider the draft at the full board to gather wider input.
A motion to bring policy JCD to a first reading at the full board was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Committee members recommended the full board discussion include attention to class-size goals, transportation implications and community outreach.
Next steps: JCD will appear on the MSAD11 board’s agenda for a first reading; committee staff and the superintendent indicated they may return with revised language based on board feedback and public comment.
