The program is underwritten by a group of local philanthropists, and is to run for at least 13 years . . .Hmm, LPS has declining enrollment yet exists in the middle of an area where everybody wants their kids to go to college . . .
Called the "Kalamazoo Promise," the tuition plan requires only that students live in Kalamazoo or neighboring Oshtemo township, graduate from public high school and attend a public university or community college in Michigan. Students who go from kindergarten through the 12th grade get a full ride. The program will cover 65% of tuition costs for those who spend at least their four high-school years in the city's schools, with the percentage of aid rising for those who spend more years in the system.
The fall-out from the November announcement: Immediate investment in Kalamazoo, from home builders, among other sectors . . .
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Invest in Schools and They Will Come?
From the Wall Street Journal via NSBA BoardBuzz:
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But Karl, they are redeveloping the Southglen Mall and the Marathon Oil property, so in a couple of years we should have an increase in enrollment because of the additional housing! But I don't think it is a bad thing for older areas...it also helps the state schools because of the requirement to attend an in-state college :-)
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ReplyDeleteYou're assuming quite a few things there. First, that lots of families with young children will move into those areas - I think we'll have to see. I don't know how many houses/condos are planned or what type they will be, but they're likely to be expensive - which might mean fewer children. Second, that those with children will choose to send them to LPS elementary and middle schools. I'm not sure that will happen either - too many other choices (and more every year). I don't know this for sure, but I'm guessing that if all the students that currently live within LPS boundaries went to LPS schools, we wouldn't have an enrollment problem now.
ReplyDeleteSo I think if the district is counting on those two developments to solve this problem, we may be in for a rough ride.
This weekend I found out that there will be 900 housing units at the Marathon Oil site! The rezoning is scheduled for Tuesday (3/21/06) night...
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