‘School of Choice? is often a misunderstood topic in the Clarkston Community School District.
Many individuals mistake the Board of Educations decision to opt out of ‘School of Choice? as ending the district’s open enrollment program. To clarify, Anita Banach, Director of Marketing and Communications for Clarkston Community Schools, explains the difference.
At the May 9 meeting, board members elected not to participate in the inter-district ‘Schools of Choice? program for 2005-06.
? ‘Schools of Choice? is not feasible at this time,? said Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts. ‘Once we complete all of the construction projects and make the transition to our new grade level structure, we may study the choice option more closely.?
‘School of Choice? is a legal term for districts choosing to open their doors to students from outside the district boundaries.
‘I think the most notable advantage of ‘School of Choice? is money,? said Banach. ‘When districts choose to be a ‘School of Choice? district, they collect the per pupil allocation for each student who enters from the outside.?
The main reason for choosing not to participate in ‘School of Choice? is the growth in the community.
‘A disadvantage is that once you accept the student, they are yours until graduation,? said Banach. ‘This can be a problem when you are a growing district.?
Banach added that other disadvantages may be accepting ‘problem? students or students with special needs that the district may not be equipped to handle.
This is where the confusion sets in: Clarkston Community Schools does participate in ‘Open Enrollment? which allows students to attend other schools within the district, at the elementary school level.
Where does ‘School of Choice? stand in the future of Clarkston schools? According to Banach,the district may consider the option but only at the secondary level.
‘Once all our grade level changes are complete, we will reevaluate,? said Banach.