Onalaska schools finalize open enrollment restrictions

The Onalaska school board has decided on restrictions for open enrollment in the 2018-19 school year.

“Next year, sixth and seventh grade were maxed out and we’re recommending there’s no space,” Director of instruction Roger Fruit said. “And, in eighth grade, we’re recommending that up to 9 students could be admitted under open-enrollment.”

Open-enrollment students are now automatically reserved a spot for next year, as are those who move into the district.

“As are their siblings who might not be in the school system,” Fruit said.

Schools are allowed to limit open enrollment based on class size and student teacher ratios.

District administrator Fran Finco talked about why it’s necessary.

“We can restrict any grade or any special needs program,” Finco said. “The purpose of doing that is to make sure we don’t have to add staff in order to accomodate open-enrollment needs.”