Frisco Independent School District has launched a new program called Access Frisco, opening 900 seats for students outside the district from kindergarten to 7th grade. This initiative aims to address budget shortfalls and declining enrollment by utilizing empty classrooms and available staff. The program officially began this week, offering families in surrounding areas an opportunity to enroll in Frisco’s well-regarded schools.
What is Access Frisco and Who can Apply?
Access Frisco is a new open enrollment plan designed to welcome students from neighboring communities into Frisco ISD. Superintendent Mike Waldrip stated the goal is “to give parents in the surrounding areas an option if they want to come to Frisco.” The program makes a total of 900 spots available for the upcoming school year.
The opportunity has been met with excitement by parents like Emily Nguyen from a nearby district. She shared, “Having the option to send my kids to Frisco ISD is fantastic. The schools here have great resources.”
Frisco ISD has carefully identified schools with room to grow without straining resources. This ensures that class sizes remain manageable and the quality of education is not compromised. A few of the schools with open seats include:
- Lincoln Elementary: 50 spots
- Roosevelt Middle School: 75 spots
- Jefferson Elementary: 30 spots
The Driving Force Behind the Initiative
For the first time in its history, Frisco ISD has faced deficit budgets for the past two years. This financial pressure is compounded by stagnant per-student funding from the state, a challenge affecting many North Texas districts. A steady decline in student enrollment over the last five years has made the situation more difficult.
“Frisco has never passed a deficit budget until these last two years,” Waldrip noted, highlighting the severity of the financial situation.
| Year | Enrollment | Budget Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 40,000 | Balanced |
| 2020 | 39,500 | Slight Deficit |
| 2021 | 39,000 | Growing Deficit |
| 2022 | 38,500 | Significant Deficit |
| 2023 | 38,200 | Continued Deficit |
Some residents have speculated on social media that the program is a reaction to the failure of recent bond and tax rate proposals. However, district officials clarified that this has been in development for months. “We’ve been planning for open enrollment well before the bond votes,” Waldrip reassured the community.
A Unique Approach to Open Enrollment
While other districts offer open enrollment, Frisco ISD’s strategy stands out due to its distinct branding. According to Watt Lesley Black, an education professor at Southern Methodist University, “I’ve never seen a district brand it and market it like Access Frisco.”
This clever marketing helps the program capture the attention of parents searching for educational options. Black added that the name is “catchy and clearly communicates the program’s purpose.” This branding gives Frisco ISD a competitive edge in a region where school choice is becoming increasingly important.
What Families Need to Know Before Applying
A key consideration for interested families is transportation. The district will not provide bus services for students enrolled through Access Frisco, meaning parents are responsible for getting their children to and from school.
This logistical hurdle could be a deciding factor for some families. However, for others, the benefits outweigh the inconvenience. Maria Gonzalez, a parent considering the program, said, “Transportation is a bit of a hassle, but the quality of education is worth it.”
The launch of Access Frisco also heats up the competitive landscape among local school districts. Professor Black noted that other districts may respond in kind, saying, “If you’re going to come after my kids, I might come after your kids too.” This friendly competition could lead to better programs and more options for all families in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions about Access Frisco
What grades are eligible for the Access Frisco program?
The Access Frisco program is currently open for students in kindergarten through 7th grade. The district has made 900 spots available across various elementary and middle school campuses.
Is the Access Frisco program a response to the failed bond election?
No. According to Superintendent Mike Waldrip, Frisco ISD had been planning to launch an open enrollment program for months before the bond and VATRE votes in November. The primary goals are to increase revenue and better utilize existing school facilities.
Will my child get transportation if they are accepted into the program?
Frisco ISD will not provide transportation for students who enroll through Access Frisco. Families accepted into the program must arrange their own transportation to and from the school.
How does Access Frisco benefit the school district?
The program helps Frisco ISD address financial challenges caused by declining enrollment and stagnant state funding. By filling empty seats, the district increases its student count, which in turn increases its state funding and helps stabilize the budget.
