By David Fleet
Editor
Goodrich- A possible change in the Schools of Choice policy within the Genesee Intermediate School District could impact the enrollment of the district.
The school board discussed a proposal Monday night, suggested by GISD superintendents, which provides that school districts within their boundaries open their doors to all students who apply for enrollment through Schools of Choice. However, a district would need only allow 1 percent of their total enrollment to depart to other districts.
GISD Superintendent Thomas Svitkovich said the resolution could be formally proposed as early as March.
‘The concept proposed by the superintendents takes aim at possible mass exodus of students from certain school districts,? he said. ‘In the past only about half the students who apply for Schools of Choice get to the school they choose.?
In the Goodrich district, the Schools of Choice enrollment policy is capped at 1 percent of the enrollment, or about 20 students in the district.
During the 2009-10 school year the Goodrich School District had 40 students apply for Schools of Choice program, with a limit of 21 students under the current Schools of Choice program accepted. Following a lottery for the openings, the remaining 19 applicants were also accepted later after school officials from their home school released the students to Goodrich.
‘It’s a game,? said James Bertrand, in response to the proposal. ‘Why are we worried about the GISD? Let’s advertise and get as many students in the district as possible.?
Other board members were more cautious regarding the changes in the School of Choice Policy.
‘As we work forward we’re are finding that we as a district have to look at all the options including a statewide Schools of Choice policy, said Michael Tripp, school board president. ‘A policy of virtually any student from any district across the state, provided they meet the state requirements is not out of the question. My biggest concern for district residents is their displeasure with families who do not pay taxes that support the infrastructure of our district. The concern is understandable.?
‘Still I just don’t see a mass exodus from one school district to another with the open door policy. Right now most of our school of choice students come from Davison and Grand Blanc school districts. We have an understanding with these districts that if a student wants to leave, they can.?