Northside ISD Launches Region-Wide Open Enrollment Amid Rising Competition

Northsid e ISD Launches Region-Wide Open Enrollment | Future Education Magazine

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Facing increasing competition from charter and private schools, Northside Independent School District (NISD), the largest in San Antonio, has introduced a bold new open enrollment initiative, “Excellence Without Boundaries.” The program, officially launched on June 18, allows any student in the greater San Antonio area to apply to attend any of NISD’s 133 campuses, regardless of their residential address.

Superintendent John Craft stated that the timing aligns with recent changes in the educational landscape, including the passage of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), which offer state funds to families for private school tuition and other education-related costs, but exclude public school enrollees. Craft emphasized that Northside Independent School District goal is to remain competitive in what he called a “new free market of educational services,” especially with over 130 charter schools operating within the district’s boundaries.

In its first week, the application portal received over 6,000 submissions. Craft noted that many applicants are likely children of parents working within NISD’s geographic zone, suggesting the district may attract students without needing to outcompete in-district schools directly.

Budget Pressures and Open Enrollment Strategy

With projected enrollment at 97,300 for the 2025–26 school year, Northside Independent School District faces a possible budget shortfall between $50 million and $70 million. The district relies on average daily attendance (ADA) to determine the level of state funding it receives, making increased enrollment a critical part of its financial strategy.

Although applying does not guarantee admission, factors like school capacity, disciplinary history, and attendance records will be considered. Craft believes any additional students will help stabilize the budget.

The superintendent stressed that boosting ADA would enable the district to safeguard programs that are often the first on the chopping block during budget cuts, especially extracurricular activities. In March, the district discussed possibly increasing student-teacher ratios in low-interest programs to save costs. Craft made clear that his team is trying to avoid eliminating these activities, which he says play a major role in keeping students engaged.

Implications Across Districts and UIL Rules

One area of concern is how the open enrollment program might affect student-athletes and their eligibility under University Interscholastic League (UIL) regulations. UIL rules typically require athletes to live within the school’s attendance zone for at least one year to be eligible to play. However, Craft noted that many open enrollment transfers should qualify, especially since they are being offered the opportunity at the program’s inception, similar to policies when a new school opens.

The initiative could also impact neighboring districts like San Antonio ISD (SAISD) and North East ISD (NEISD), which have limited school choice options. SAISD Superintendent Jaime Aquino acknowledged during a recent board meeting that NISD’s broader program may attract students from overlapping boundaries, particularly those affected by recent school closures. All three districts are grappling with budget deficits and enrollment declines tied to demographic shifts and policy changes, including the rise of ESAs.

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

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