How Interdistrict Choice Impacted One Michigan District’s Academic Programs, Financial Condition, and Local Political Support

• In Event: Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: How Schools Respond to Parental Choice

Abstract

Despite recent advances in research, there has been little attention to school districts that significantly increase their enrollments through inter-district choice programs. This paper reports on a qualitative research study of one district where over 25 percent of the K-12 population consisted of choice students. The study found that administrators’ decisions to accept choice students were based on several factors including concerns about local population loss, interest in maintaining academic programs, desire to utilize existing school space, and a commitment to maintaining the district’s academic reputation. While the inclusion of choice students enabled the district to retain academic programs and teachers, it also led to tension regarding the role of non-choice families in supporting the district through taxes and levies.

Authors

• Wang Jun Kim, Gyeongin National University of Education

• Peter A. Youngs, Michigan State University