Questions Remain on School Choice

School Committee members want more information before making a decision on allowing school choice.

One factor that could affect their decision is the current $522,000 budget shortfall between the proposed school budget and the amount recommended by Town Administrator Timothy McInerney.

The idea is “certainly worth vetting,’’ committee member Daryl Rynning said at last night's School Committee meeting.

But there are still details to be worked out, she said, including the budget specifics.

Accepting school choice would allow students from outside school districts to attend Grafton schools. The district would receive $5,000 per student from the student’s home school district, according to current funding formulas.

Superintendent of Schools Jay Cummings said he is revisiting the school choice discussion because one previous deterrent _ the lack of space _ will be removed when the new l opens in September.

Cummings said the committee has three options regarding school choice. The committee could reject the idea, opt to participate on a small scale, perhaps in a certain grade only, or open seats across the district.

Ninth grade can be particularly appealing for school choice, he said, because some students leave the Grafton schools at that level to pursue vocational education or private schooling, Cummings said.

Ninth grade is also a natural grade level for students to make changes, which might make it more palatable for parents in other districts to consider moving their students into Grafton, he said.

Committee member Donna Stock suggested that the district ask parents of high school-age students who currently attend schools outside the district whether they are planning to have their students return to Grafton High School when the new building opens.

School Committee members have until May 1 to make a decision.