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Board discusses possibly reinstating out-of-district tuition, cites Act 388 and $6,000-per-student state funding
Summary
Trustees reviewed the 2019 decision to waive out-of-district tuition, discussed Act 388's effect on per-pupil funding (about $6,000 per student cited), and considered a policy to let the board set any tuition during the annual budget process; a final decision was deferred to the budget timetable.
Board members and staff reviewed the district's non-resident student policy, which was changed in 2019 to allow waivers of out-of-district tuition. A presenter summarized the policy history, the rationale tied to Act 388 (which shifted funding toward per-pupil allocations), and the district's use of targeted out-of-district admittances to smooth class sizes.
The presenter said state aid averages roughly $6,000 per student and that the district's administrative rule allows admissions with or without tuition, on a "space available" basis and subject to criteria (discipline record, transportation ability, and other conditions). The presenter proposed language for the board to consider that would have the board set out-of-district tuition during the annual budget process, while continuing to exempt categories such as children of employees, students planning to move into the district, students who move mid-year and foreign-exchange students.
Board members compared Anderson 3's approach with neighboring districts and noted most Anderson County districts currently charge tuition; the presenter said Anderson 2 and Anderson 3 had been waiving fees while others charged historical amounts in the $3,500—$4,000 range. The presenter recommended grandfathering currently enrolled students if the district resumes charging tuition.
Trustees agreed to review competing policies from adjacent districts and to finalize any change during the budget cycle (targeted for consideration in January and as part of the spring budget process). No vote was taken to change the policy during this meeting.
