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Liberty Elementary board narrows open enrollment, will close at class-size targets
Summary
The Liberty Elementary District board voted 5–0 to close open enrollment in regular education at the board-approved class-size target and to close special-education open enrollment when classes come within three students of the ratio in policy 5-2-11(a).
The Liberty Elementary District (4266) Board of Education voted unanimously March 5 to close open enrollment in regular education when grade levels at a school reach the board-approved class-size target and to close special-education open enrollment when classes come within three students of the ratio outlined in policy 5-2-11(a).
Member Zimmerman argued that the version in the packet effectively allowed open enrollment up to maximum (red) capacity and would leave no room for resident students, saying, “we're essentially allowing open enrollment to the maximum capacity” and urging the board to “close open enrollment at a grade level at a school when we are at the class target size.” Administration told the board the format reflected prior presentations but said it could provide recommended lower thresholds.
Board members focused on balancing the district’s need to fill seats with commitments made to voters about class-size targets. Zimmerman pressed for a clear, generic trigger so the district would close open enrollment once grade-level classes reach the target (the “green” number), and not allow open enrollment to push classes into overcrowded “red” levels. Administrators noted that specialized programs such as DLI and SPED raise distinct staffing issues and recommended separating them in future reporting; they also referenced policy 5-2-11(a) as the governing standard for special-education ratios.
The board adopted a motion from Member Zimmerman to close open enrollment in regular education when grade levels within schools reach the governing board-approved class-size target and to close special-education open enrollment when those classes come within three students of the ratio outlined in policy 5-2-11(a). The motion was seconded and passed 5–0.
Administration said it will provide follow-up recommendations and implementation language reflecting the new trigger and will separate program types in future reports so the board can monitor capacity and staffing effects.
