A Closer Examination of the Dilemmas, Complexities, and Political Tensions Surrounding Interdistrict Choice

• In Event: Leadership, Policy, and Politics

Abstract

A handful of metropolitan areas have developed inter-district choice policies over the last few decades to reverse the increased segregation between districts that exist in the U.S. today; however, little is known about the underlying dilemmas, complexities, and political tensions surrounding inter-district choice. This paper begins to address this gap in the research through a case study of one voluntary inter-district choice policy: the Rochester, NY Urban-Suburban Interdistrict Transfer Program (USITP). Based upon qualitative data including semi-structured interviews and observations, this paper uncovers tensions around the purpose and role of administrators and governing board members, as well as issues surrounding the politics of race.

Authors

• Kara S. Finnigan, University of Rochester

• Burke Scarbrough, University of Minnesota - Duluth