More district students opting out

CHENEY – At the recent school board meeting held on February 14, the Cheney School District delved into the intricate landscape of school choice, highlighting the options available to families within and outside the district.

The presentation, spearheaded by Kelly Niccolls, the director of teaching, shed light on the fact that while there are currently 102 out-of-district students attending Cheney Schools, there are 523 in district students opting out of attending.

Within the district, 523 students spanning from kindergarten to 12th grade opted for schools outside the district’s confines. Of these, 455 confirmations and 384 renewals underscore a consistent interest in educational alternatives. Interestingly, reasons cited for choosing schools beyond district borders often revolve around online programs and aspirations for improved educational conditions.

In contrast, within the Cheney School District, the numbers paint a nuanced picture. Schools such as Betz, Salnave, Snowdon, Sunset, Windsor, and Cheney Middle School witnessed varying degrees of in-district choices, with factors like attendance, conflicts with staff or students, and proximity factoring into decision-making.

In the heart of the discussion were the mechanisms of in-district and out-of-district choices available to families within the Cheney School District. Families residing within the district boundaries have a priority window spanning from February to March to exercise their choice, with acceptances announced by the culmination of May. Notably, military transfer families enjoy their tailored choice window, due to the fact that they often don’t know where they will be stationed next.

For families residing outside the Cheney School District, the process adheres to statewide guidelines, necessitating a systematic approach to enrollment. Weekly reviews of the wait list ensure a responsive and equitable system for those seeking education within Cheney’s schools.

Suggestions ranged from bolstering sports and extracurricular offerings to fostering better communication between schools and families.

Board member Liz Winer asked,“Have you considered that it could be due to the overcrowding at our elementary schools?”

In response, Niccolls acknowledged the delicate balance between addressing needs and wants, emphasizing a commitment to not displacing students while striving to enhance educational experiences.