It might not come as a surprise to many in the education field to see that once again, the Missouri Legislature is discussing open enrollment.
And the Blue Springs Board of Education is making its opposition known.
“Time is really of the essence when talking about this bill,” said Blue Springs Board of Education President Dave Wright at Monday’s meeting. “It is critical that we not only talk to our elected officials, but also to community members so they too can contact those that are making these kinds of decisions.”
The board is specifically referring to Senate Bill 603, sponsored by Sen. Rob Mayer, R-25, who is from Dexter, Mo. The bill, which is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Education Committee Wednesday, would allow parents to enroll a child in a school district other than the one where they reside.
The school board is preparing a resolution on non-support for open enrollment.
Under such a law, the only way a school district could deny admission is if class size or student/teacher ratio would go above state requirements.
Unlike in previous bills, state funding would follow a student to the new school district, rather than stay in the district where they reside. Parents would be responsible for transportation.
Similar bills have also been filed in the Missouri House of Representatives – House Bill 1552 and 1553, both sponsored by Rep. Shane Schoeller, R-139. Neither has gotten to the committee phase.
“I don’t think the public truly understands the impact this could have on our class sizes and services,” said board member Rhonda Gilstrap. “This could be devastating if it goes through.”
In addition, Wright said although the “money” to educate the students follows from the sending school district, it does not take into account other costs.
“The dollars follow, but not the dollars to build a school,” he said. “It does not take into account bricks and mortar. Sure we can educate a student, but if enough take advantage (of this opportunity), where are we supposed to put them? It is a simple issue I don’t think anyone understands.”
