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Board reviews state model for interdistrict transfers and ESTF voucher impacts
Summary
District staff walked trustees through the state model interdistrict transfer policy, including 90% capacity triggers, a 90-day application window, appeals procedures, and how the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) may affect tuition and enrollment.
District staff presented the state Department of Education model guidelines for interdistrict transfers and explained how the new Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) interacts with district policy. "If you're at 90% capacity for a grade level, a class, or a specialized program, then you're at capacity within those areas," said the presenter, who explained the model requires a transfer window of no less than 90 days and that districts must notify applicants of outcomes within 30 days.
Presenting the finance side, staff provided a local-per-pupil calculation and ESTF figures: the model allowed a local per-pupil tax revenue cap that staff calculated at $9,966 for the 2026-27 school year, while ESTF accounts were estimated at $7,634. Board members debated whether to set district tuition at the ESTF amount, match the ESTF, or set another local rate. "If it's the intent for the trust fund to kinda cover tuition, then certainly it would make sense there," the presenter said.
Staff also described operational requirements: districts must host online and paper applications, timestamp wait-list entries, provide written reasons for denials (which can include level-3 disciplinary offenses or excessive unlawful absences), maintain appeal procedures for parents, and report acceptance and appeal outcomes to the state department. The board directed staff to return draft policy language for first reading at a future meeting.
