CSD Families,
We want to share an important update about a change in our enrollment process that will affect students and families across the district. Beginning next school year, Clarkston School District will return to a neighborhood school model for student placement.
Why This Change Is Happening
Several factors have led to this decision:
Enrollment has shifted across the district, and we are facing continued budget pressures that require us to be thoughtful about how we allocate staff and resources.
This year, we received more than 250 in-district transfer requests, creating crowding at some schools while others have available space.
While our district policy has always been to return students to their neighborhood school each year unless a transfer is re-approved, this process has not been consistently followed in recent years.
To ensure fairness and access to services, students living within a school’s boundaries must be given enrollment priority over transfer requests.
What This Means for Families
Because of these adjustments, approximately 20 families were affected by a change in school placement. These changes are mostly due to schools that have only one classroom at a particular grade level. Please note: Kindergarten and 4th grade are not currently affected.
Here’s how transfer requests were processed this year:
129 Approved – Including keeping siblings together.
118 Declined – Due to space limitations and enrollment priorities.
10 Withdrawn – Families who have moved or had other changes.
What Happens Next
We know that changes in school placement can be challenging. Our team is committed to working closely with impacted families to support this transition. You will receive additional information and guidance in the coming weeks.
We understand the difficulty of change and want to reassure you that these decisions are being made with care and a strong sense of responsibility to our students and community.
Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership.