Report on School Choice and Enrollment Trends in San Antonio’s Largest School Districts

Introduction

The recent implementation of education savings accounts (ESAs) and declining enrollment in San Antonio’s major school districts have intensified competition among public and private schools. This report examines the Northside Independent School District’s (NISD) new open enrollment initiative, its implications for sustainable education development, and the broader context of school choice within the region.

Northside Independent School District’s Open Enrollment Initiative

Excellence Without Boundaries Program

NISD, the largest district in San Antonio, has launched “Excellence Without Boundaries,” an open enrollment program that permits any student in the San Antonio area to apply to attend any of its 133 campuses. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, by promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

• The program expands access beyond traditional zoning boundaries.
• It builds on existing magnet schools and in-district charters that enroll students regardless of residence.
• Superintendent John Craft emphasized the strategic timing to engage competitively in the educational services market.

Enrollment Considerations and Eligibility

Applicants to the program are not guaranteed acceptance; factors such as attendance records, disciplinary history, and campus capacity are evaluated prior to admission. This ensures responsible resource management and supports SDG 4 targets related to quality and inclusive education.

1. Application portal launched on June 18, receiving 6,000 applicants in the first week.
2. Expected majority of transfers are children of parents working within NISD boundaries.
3. Additional students contribute positively to the district’s average daily attendance (ADA), impacting funding.

Impact of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and School Vouchers

Competition and Funding Challenges

With over 130 charter schools within NISD’s boundaries competing for students, the introduction of ESAs—which cover private school tuition, therapy, transportation, and other education-related expenses—poses challenges for public schools. ESAs cannot be used by families who enroll in public schools, potentially leading to “disenrollment” and reduced funding for public education.

• Public schools depend on enrollment and ADA to secure state funding.
• School vouchers may divert students and resources away from public schools.
• This situation threatens the sustainability of public education programs, impacting SDG 4 and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Financial Implications for NISD

NISD projects an enrollment of 97,300 students for the 2025-26 school year but faces a potential budget deficit ranging from $50 million to $70 million. Increasing ADA through the open enrollment program is viewed as a strategic measure to secure additional state funds and protect ancillary and extracurricular programs, which are vital for holistic student development.

Extracurricular Programs and UIL Eligibility

Maintaining Program Quality

Extracurricular activities are recognized as key attractors for student enrollment. Despite budget constraints, NISD aims to avoid cutting these programs, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 by fostering inclusive participation in sports and arts.

University Interscholastic League (UIL) Regulations

Students transferring under the open enrollment program may face UIL eligibility requirements, which include residency within the school district for at least one year and restrictions against transferring solely for athletic purposes. However, most transfers are expected to be approved as they represent the first opportunity for students to enroll in NISD.

School Choice in Neighboring Districts

Comparative School Choice Programs

San Antonio ISD (SAISD) and North East ISD (NEISD) also offer school choice options, including magnet programs and intra-district transfers, contributing to a competitive educational environment.

• NEISD allows transfer requests for enrolled students and operates 10 magnet programs open citywide.
• SAISD offers open enrollment for select choice schools and magnet programs.
• These districts face similar challenges of budget deficits and declining enrollment due to demographic shifts and school vouchers.

Collaborative Challenges and Resource Competition

All three districts are navigating a competitive landscape for student enrollment and funding, emphasizing the need for strategic collaboration and resource management to fulfill SDG 4 and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

“It is incumbent upon us to figure out how to play in the sandbox where everybody is pretty much fighting for the same resources,” stated SAISD trustee Alicia Sebastian.

Conclusion

The evolving dynamics of school choice in San Antonio, driven by initiatives such as NISD’s “Excellence Without Boundaries” and the introduction of ESAs, highlight critical challenges and opportunities in advancing sustainable education. These developments underscore the importance of equitable access, quality programming, and strategic funding to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article discusses school choice, open enrollment programs, and education savings accounts (ESAs), all related to improving access to quality education.
   • Efforts to maintain extracurricular programs and manage enrollment reflect a focus on inclusive and equitable quality education.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Open enrollment programs allowing students from different areas to attend schools beyond their zoned districts promote equal opportunity.
   • Concerns about school vouchers potentially causing disenrollment from public schools highlight issues of inequality in education access.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article mentions commuting parents and regional strategies, which relate to sustainable urban development and community planning.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations.
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Enrollment Numbers and Average Daily Attendance (ADA)
   • The article mentions enrollment decreases, open enrollment application numbers (6,000 applicants in the first week), and ADA as key metrics affecting school funding and program sustainability.
   • These indicators measure access to education and resource allocation efficiency.
2. Budget Deficits and Financial Health of School Districts
   • Projected budget deficits ($50 million to $70 million) indicate financial sustainability and resource availability for quality education programs.
3. Program Availability and Extracurricular Participation
   • Maintenance or cutting of extracurricular programs serves as an indicator of educational quality and inclusiveness.
4. Student Transfer and Attendance Records
   • Student attendance, disciplinary history, and transfer eligibility (especially regarding UIL rules) are implied indicators for equitable access and fair participation in education and extracurricular activities.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: sanantonioreport.org