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Lakota board adopts revised interdistrict open-enrollment policy after concerns over April 1 deadline
Summary
Board approved a revised interdistrict open-enrollment (ASC) policy that sets an April 1 deadline and tightens ASC-form evaluation. Superintendent Dr. Whiteley said staff sent 14 communications to families before the April 1 cutoff; some board members urged delay to avoid disenfranchising families.
The Lakota Local Board of Education voted to adopt a revised interdistrict open-enrollment (ASC) policy that moves the application deadline to April 1 and tightens the district’s evaluation process.
Board member concerned about families urged the board to vote no on the revised policy so that the deadline would remain the last business day of May. The member said the effective date and the April 1 deadline could catch families by surprise and risk leaving some students without an opportunity to file. “I would hate for families to be left out,” the member said.
Superintendent Dr. Whiteley responded that the policy change is part of broader enrollment-process reform: staff moved the deadline to allow time for staffing and scheduling decisions, noting that in past years ASC forms were effectively always approved and the new process aims to balance classroom capacity and neighborhood-school assignments. Dr. Whiteley told the board there had been “14 communications” to families about the deadline via email, ParentSquare, building newsletters and direct outreach from principals and athletic directors.
Board members debated whether the district should amend the deadline now or return the policy to committee for additional review. The board ultimately adopted the revised policy by roll call vote, with one recorded 'no' vote.
Superintendent and staff said late-submission logistics and staffing implications remain and staff will continue outreach to affected families to minimize disruption.
