Albion Public Schools instituting 'Try Us Out' policy in attempt to boost enrollment

By RJ Walters / For the Jackson Citizen Patriot

The issue: The Albion School Board has implemented a “Try Us Out” policy in an attempt to increase re-enrollment of area students who have left through Schools of Choice. Those students will be granted permission to re-enroll in Albion Public Schools at any point during the year, instead of having to wait until the semester break, with the ability to leave and take their Full Time Enrollment state-funding elsewhere if they are unhappy.

What happened Monday: Superintendent Frederick Clarke said he doesn’t know any other districts that are willing to be so flexible with transfer stipulations and the district is confident it can offer a “product that is much better than probably when (a student) left.”

The background: As of Sept. 29, the district unofficially had 915 students — 48 less than the district projected for 2010 and 118 less than in 2009. The initiative was brought up by a board member earlier this year.

The vote: 7-0

What’s next? Per the new policy, the administration will establish a communication plan between the staff and parents/guardians of the student within the first two weeks of re-enrollment and a plan of academic support will also be constructed. If a parent/guardian determines a student is not being successful in the district, the school board will release the student to another district and transfer his/her state funding on a pro-rated scale.