2012-13 open enrollment begins

GREEN BAY - Public school open enrollment began Monday in Wisconsin.

This year, parents who want to pull their children out of their home school district have more time to send in applications to other districts. 

Traditionally, they've had three weeks, but Governor Walker signed a bill extending the period to three months.

The application deadline is April 30th.

• Learn more about the open enrollment program

While the program has gained popularity over its 14 years, some area school districts have taken a multi-million dollar hit because of it.

Switching schools seems to be a growing trend.

"This has been around since the 1990's and every year since beginning it, it has increased in the number of students that have decided to open enroll out of their home district," explained Dept. of Public Instruction Communications Officer Patrick Gasper.

14 years ago, the state received fewer than 6,000 applications, this year there were more than 36,000.

"Ashwaubenon has really enjoyed an increase in open enrollment, it's just a very desirable district, I think," said Superintendent Brian Hanes.

Districts like Ashwaubenon, have seen positive results from the open enrollment process. The state's preliminary stats show Ashwaubenon had a net gain of 649 students during the current school year.

"I think the focus here in the school district is to continue offering good programs and quality education," Hanes said.

But larger districts like Green Bay, haven't seen such positive numbers.

"We do lose several million dollars in terms of students open enrolling out," said Amanda Brooker with Green Bay Area Public Schools.

According to preliminary statistics through DPI, this school year the district had a net loss of 955 students, that's a loss of $6.6 million, based on DPI's formula for state aid.

However, school officials say they're working to combat that, like adding more open houses to showcase their assets.

“We have a lot of good choices in our district and we really want parents to experience those options,” Brooker said.

They feel the application extension will help.

"We look at this as an opportunity for parents to visit our schools to be thoughtful in the process of where they want their kids to go to school," Brooker explained.

Other major districts in our area saw a relatively small number of net gains and losses, except for Appleton which saw a net gain of 904 students.

Parents will be informed by June 8th, whether their application has been approved or denied.