Question: My oversight authorities finally agreed to allow my school to join the choice program. What are some things we can do to make sure that we maintain our mission and values? Or limit government intervention as much as possible?
Answer: Great question. Several seasoned WCRIS choice schools have found the following to be helpful:
- Cap your student participation so that it never exceeds 10% of your total enrollment;
- Enroll no more than 19 choice students at any one time so you are not required to administer the state examinations;
- Develop a long range plan to operate without state vouchers, should your school need to leave the program for any reason;
- Operate for a year as if you were in the program to learn all the requirements and what it would mean for your school;
- Update your student/ parent handbook to infuse it with your religious values and expectations; and,
- Formally dedicate an appropriate amount of staff to adequately meet the requirements of the program.
When it comes to the Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP), under-promise parents what your school and staff can do for their student(s). This will allow you to over-deliver without invoking other regulations.
Remember, students must be admitted on a first-come-first-served basis or randomly (by lottery), whether or not they’re a part of your school or sponsoring church. You can’t require students and families to attend church or participate in volunteer activities.
