Open Enrollment - Time to Stand Up and Be Counted!
For the past several legislative sessions of the Missouri General Assembly, the issue of open enrollment for all Missouri school districts has been debated. This proposed legislation is going to be debated again this year during the 2023 legislative session. We believe that this issue will be taken up quickly in the Missouri House. A copy of this House Bill 253 sponsored by Representative Brad Pollitt is attached for your consideration.
Most statewide education groups, organizations, and cooperatives are opposed to open enrollment. A number of conversations and meetings have been held as groups have begun to collaborate regarding this important issue and how we can work together to provide our respective memberships with information and ideas to voice their opposition. The first piece of this collaboration is a proposed resolution opposing open enrollment. Duane Martin (EdCounsel) has drafted a sample resolution (attached) so that administrators, in conjunction with their boards of education, can proactively take a stand in opposition to open enrollment and share that information with their local representatives and senators.
It is the opinion of many associations that open enrollment is not good for local school districts or public education in general within our state. Attached to this message is a list of some of the major talking points against open enrollment that you can share with your board and other constituents within your community.
It is my firm conviction that it is time for our local school districts to stand up and be heard regarding this damaging and potentially devastating legislation. Our goal is to secure 350-400 or more resolutions in opposition to open enrollment. We believe that this will send a clear message to our representatives and senators and that our efforts will have an impact on the discussions and votes that will be held when this issue comes up. I am respectfully asking that you share all of this information with your local BOE, have the conversation regarding open enrollment and pass a resolution in opposition.
If you do take this action, please scan and send me a copy of the signed resolution for my records. If I can answer any further questions, please reach out to me. Thank you for your consideration regarding this matter.
Open Enrollment Board Resolution in Opposition
Talking Points - Open Enrollment