The Impact of Open Enrollment on School Bond Voting

• In Event: 26.046 - Magnets, Open Enrollment, and School Closures

Abstract

A market for student enrollment was created in Michigan when school operating funds moved to a per-pupil foundation allowance formula (circa 1994) and districts were allowed to enroll non-resident students (circa 1996). Now over 80% of Michigan school districts participate in open enrollment programs, with several districts having over 20% of their student population consist of non-resident children. This study draws upon publicly available data to estimate a series of logistic regressions to identify the impact that open enrollment has on local voting behavior with regards to local property tax bonds used to fund capital improvements. Results indicate that as the proportion of non-resident students in a district increases, the less likely a local property tax bond will pass.

Authors

• Ben Pogodzinski, Wayne State University

• Michael F. Addonizio, Wayne State University