Goodrich School District takes aim at School of Choice program

At 6 p.m., March 29 the Goodrich School Board will host a special meeting at the Goodrich High School Cafeteria for the public to discuss School of Choice for the district.
At issue will be the district’s options regarding acceptance of students from other school districts outside of Goodrich.
During the 2009-10 school year the Goodrich School District had 41 students apply for Schools of Choice program, with a limit of 22 students under the current Schools of Choice program accepted. Following a lottery for the openings, the remaining 19 applicants were also accepted later, after school officials from their home school released the students to Goodrich.
In the Goodrich district, the Schools of Choice enrollment policy is capped at 1 percent of the enrollment, or about 20 students in the district. The school district currently participates in the GISD 105 Program, a Genesee County agreement (excluding Fenton and Swartz Creek school districts).
In addition the Goodrich School District also particpates in the State 105C plan which includes the contiguous Intermediate School Distircts. The program incorporates Brandon, Holly, Lapeer and Clarkston school districts.
Currently, about 134 School of Choice students from 18 districts in Genesee County are in Goodrich, with 59 students from Grand Blanc, 28 from Davison and16 who live in the Atherton school district. A total of 47 attend Goodrich from outside Genesee County, including 20 from the Brandon School District, 15 from the Lapeer School District and seven from the Holly School District.
Included also are 37 children of school employees from 16 school districts.
‘The purpose of this meeting will be to inform the public on the status of Schools of Choice,? said John Fazer, district superintendent.
‘The historical data regarding Schools of Choice students will be presented. If any residents have questions or concerns please bring them on Monday.?
Monday’s meeting will feature a host of facts and data regarding the Schools of Choice program in Goodrich.
A vote by the school board regarding the Schools of Choice policy is expected at 6 p.m., April 12 at a special school board meeting.