Policy Resolution EDU-23-28

WHEREAS, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) is committed to providing the highest quality education and learning environments for students;

WHEREAS, sometimes to improve educational achievement and enhance parental choice in education it may be necessary to allow students to enroll in any public school and educational program throughout their state, regardless of residence;

WHEREAS, it may be necessary to allow a parent or guardian of a student to apply for attendance in any nonresident public school, either within or outside the district of residence; the school must give timely notice of acceptance or rejection of a student application;

WHEREAS, there should not be a requirement on any school district to change its existing school structures or program requirements;

WHEREAS, school districts will be required to post information on their websites concerning schools and the open enrollment process to assist parents and guardians in making informed decisions for their students;

WHEREAS, a student application can only be rejected for admission due to lack of space, existing eligibility criteria, desegregation plan requirements, expulsion record, or late enrollment;

WHEREAS, there needs to be provisions for transportation of the student within the nonresident district and, under some circumstances, within the resident district;

WHEREAS, except under certain conditions, students accepted through the open enrollment process are entitled to remain enrolled in the school of choice through the entire school year;

WHEREAS, providing every student with a quality education is of vital importance to NBCSL.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NBCSL encourages state governments to examine policies that improve educational achievement by providing additional options for students in their state to enroll in public schools and educational programs throughout the state without regard to the student’s residence; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the Unites States, members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, and other federal and state government officials and agencies as appropriate.

• Resolution ID: EDU-23-28
• Sponsored by: Sen. Raumesh Akbari (TN)
• Policy Committee: Education (EDU)