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Panel recommends expanding magnet and choice programming and exploring open enrollment after district lost 2,613 students
Summary
A subcommittee told trustees that expanding distinct magnet and choice programming and cautiously exploring open enrollment could help recapture student losses; presenters noted the district lost 2,613 students last year and framed program expansion as one lever to address an $18M+ enrollment shortfall.
Miss King, speaking for the magnet-and-choice subcommittee, said the group recommends enhanced, clearly differentiated magnet programs across campuses, broader choice-program expansion at multiple levels, and a cautious study of open-enrollment options to retain and attract students. King told the board: "2,613. That's how many students left the district last year," and framed that figure as a material budget driver and an opportunity-cost calculation for the district.
The subcommittee suggested defining unique focuses for each magnet campus, applying data-driven selection to place programs where they will improve access and outcomes, and ensuring equitable processes (lottery or first'come rules) to avoid concentrating advantages. The committee also recommended community surveys and phased implementation, with further board discussion before any policy or guideline changes to existing open-enrollment provisions.
Trustees asked how open enrollment might interact with neighborhood schools and magnet programming; staff and the committee stressed that expansion should not come at the expense of neighborhood campuses and that thoughtful community engagement and modeling will be required.
