OPENING THE DOORS
Trustees vote to accept out-of-district students
By Lori Mellinger editor@bullardnews.com

Bullard ISD is getting ready to open its doors to out-of-district students.

In a vote of 5-2, with trustees Sam Smith and Doug Dotson opposing the measure, the motion passed opening the doors for students who don't live in the district to attend school in Bullard on a tuition-based basis.

While details have yet to be decided - such as cost and when it will take effect - it, most likely, will only happen at the junior high and highschool levels.

Trustee Paul Stone, who asked the item be placed on last week's agenda, said this could open up the doors for high-achieving students living out of the district and enhance the climate of Bullard schools.

"While our primary mission will always be to educate the children who reside in the district, this is very attractive to parents of some highachieving students who don't live here," Stone said in a telephone interview following the board meeting.

There will, however, be parameters.

Superintendent Jim Wright provided board members with a copy of Chapel Hill ISD's guide for taking out-of-district students.

However, Wright said, Chapel Hill and Troup, the only nearby districts who accept outof district students, don't charge tuition.

This wouldn't be the case for Bullard.

While a price has yet to be determined, talk ranged from $15-25 per day, based on a 177-day school year.

"The children we would attract under this arrangement would enhance district academically and socially," Stone said. "It would boost test scores and lower drop out rates."

Stone said it would be on a first come, first served basis, with the ultimate decision given to the administrative office.

Wright and trustees agreed that students with attendance and disciplinary problems would not be eligible. But everyone is also eyeing population.

"Bullard is going to grow and it's going to peak," Wright said. "The board can modify the policy over time based on population projections."

Stone said at this point the board would be "testing the waters."

"We will monitor it closely," Stone said. "Not only do we want to make sure we have the space to accommodate students, we want to make sure this policy is enhancing our student population."

Trustee Dr. John Alexander said space was the reason he voted for it.

He said the high school and middle school facilities had under utilized room, and while the growth has hit the elementary campuses, it has yet to reach the upper grades.

"If others could benefit, and we have the room, we should offer it - as long as it doesn't harm our taxpayers and students," Alexander said.

State funding is also a factor.

Every school in the state is given money for students in attendance.

Both Stone and Alexander agreed the funding would help the district.

"If we can do it, there's no reason not to," Alexander said.

Stone said nothing would likely take effect until a new superintendent is hired and the next school year begins.

He said the next step would be for Wright to talk to an attorney and create a clear written policy.

Wright was given instruction by the board to write out guidelines and further instruction.

Wright said he would look at overall numbers on each campus - both in enrollment and attendance.

Smith, however, doesn't see this as a long-term idea.

"Once elementary and intermediate populations begin to move upward, I'm sure we'll revisit the decision," Smith said.

In other action, the board:

! tabled action on an overhaul of the high school softball and baseball fields;

! approved a playground structure for the new elementary campus;

! went into executive session to hear updated information on the superintendent search;

! heard information on participation with the City of Bullard and Brook Hill on a welcome sign; and

! called off the trustee election.

The school board meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the district administrative office, 1426 S. Houston St.

The public is welcome to attend.