Greendale's New Open Enrollment Seats Approved For 2013-14

The Greendale School Board has approved adding students through the state's Open Enrollment program for the 2013-14 school year.

The board approved 13 new seats at the sixth-grade level, three new seats at seventh grade and left open the possibility of additional seats at ninth grade.

Administrators recommended 14 new seats at ninth grade, but the board opted to wait for a more clear picture of enrollment to ensure the high school isn't overcrowded.

Open Enrollment discussions have typically centered on class sizes at the elementary and middle schools, but it's also important to watch the high school, board member Anne Szcygiel said.

"With all the changing demographics we have in the district, we should also be concerned about the numbers at the high school," she said.

Officials project the total number of students attending Greendale schools through Open Enrollment next year to decrease.

Greendale has 319 students in schools through the Open Enrollment program this year, with 42 set to graduate in June. The estimated number for next year is 307. 

The Open Enrollment program allows students to attend schools outside their home district. The state pays districts for each student attending through Open Enrollment—in 2013-14, it's expected to be $6,574 per student, according to a report to school board members.