The Marshall Public Schools Board of Education adopted a resolution Tuesday, Feb. 11 opposing legislation in the Missouri General Assembly that would establish open enrollment.

The board agreed to the resolution by a 6-0 vote, joining over a third of Missouri’s school boards in opposing bills that would allow students to transfer from their home district to another. Supt. Caleb Petet says too many unknowns make it hard for school districts to plan ahead to meet student needs, especially in smaller districts.

Petet says school leaders are visiting with lawmakers about the issue, but notes the conversations have varied depending on how the legislation’s written. Petet adds that his focus remains on the students that schools across the state are expected to educate.

Open enrollment is addressed in Senate Bill 215, sponsored by Sen. Curtis Trent (R-Springfield), which recently passed through the Education Committee. Similar legislation in the house (House Bill 711), proposed by Rep. Brad Pollitt (R-Sedalia), has also received committee approval.