FRISCO, Texas — Frisco Independent School District (ISD) has rolled out a fresh initiative, Access Frisco, aiming to boost revenue and make better use of underutilized facilities and staff.Frisco ISD is shaking things up with its new Access Frisco program, offering 900 spots for students from kindergarten to 7th grade. This move not only aims to increase revenue but also ensures that empty classrooms and available teachers are put to good use.
Opening Doors: What is Access Frisco?
Access Frisco is an open enrollment plan allowing students from outside the district to apply for spots in Frisco ISD schools. Superintendent Mike Waldrip explained, “It’s to give parents in the surrounding areas an option if they want to come to Frisco.” This week, the district officially launched the program, opening up 900 seats across various campuses.
Emily Nguyen, a parent from a neighboring district, shared her excitement. “Having the option to send my kids to Frisco ISD is fantastic. The schools here have great resources, and it’s a relief knowing there are available spots.”
Filling the Gaps: Utilizing Underused Resources
Frisco ISD has identified several elementary and middle schools operating below capacity. These schools can accommodate between 20 and 100 new students each. Waldrip emphasized, “We are not going to overfill a building or give teachers a huge number of students.” This careful approach aims to maintain quality education without overwhelming staff or infrastructure.
- Available Schools and Capacity:
- Lincoln Elementary: 50 spots
- Roosevelt Middle School: 75 spots
- Jefferson Elementary: 30 spots
This strategic allocation ensures that new students are welcomed without disrupting the existing school environment.
Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
Despite the positive intentions, some parents on social media are skeptical, believing Access Frisco is a response to the recent failure of bonds and a tax rate increase (VATRE) in November. However, Frisco ISD clarified that open enrollment has been on the table for months, independent of the bond issues.
Waldrip reassured, “We’ve been planning for open enrollment well before the bond votes. Our priority is to enhance educational opportunities and make the most of our resources.”
Unique Branding Sets Frisco ISD Apart
While open enrollment isn’t new, Frisco ISD’s approach stands out thanks to its branding. Education professor Watt Lesley Black from Southern Methodist University noted, “I’ve never seen a district brand it and market it like Access Frisco.” This unique branding aims to attract attention and make the program more appealing to parents.
Black added, “The name Access Frisco is catchy and clearly communicates the program’s purpose. It’s a smart move to differentiate from other districts that offer similar policies without such distinctive branding.”
Financial Pressures and Strategic Solutions
Frisco ISD has faced financial challenges in the past two years, marking its first-ever deficit budgets. With the state’s per-student funding remaining stagnant for five years, districts across North Texas, including Frisco, have struggled to maintain financial stability.
“Frisco has never passed a deficit budget until these last two years,” Waldrip said. Declining enrollment has exacerbated the situation. “It started tapering off five years ago…two years ago it just stopped,” he explained.
Financial Snapshot
| 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 |
Access Frisco is seen as a strategic response to these financial woes, aiming to stabilize the budget by increasing student numbers and, consequently, funding.
Logistical Considerations for Families
One downside is that students accepted into Access Frisco will need to arrange their own transportation. This adds a layer of responsibility for families, potentially deterring some from applying. Despite this, the opportunity to attend Frisco ISD schools remains attractive to many.
Maria Gonzalez, a parent considering the program, noted, “Transportation is a bit of a hassle, but the quality of education is worth it. We’re looking into carpool options to make it work.”
Competitive Landscape: Other Districts Respond
Black highlighted that other surrounding districts also have open enrollment policies, though they are less publicized. “If you’re going to come after my kids, I might come after your kids too,” she said, emphasizing the competitive nature of the current school choice landscape.
This competition encourages districts to enhance their offerings and marketing strategies to attract and retain students, ultimately benefiting the educational environment.
Looking Ahead: Impact and Opportunities
Access Frisco is more than just a revenue-boosting measure; it’s an opportunity for students and families to access quality education in a thriving district. The initiative aims to create a win-win scenario where underutilized resources are optimized, and more students benefit from Frisco ISD’s educational programs.
Waldrip concluded, “Access Frisco is a bold step forward for our district. It offers financial stability while providing new opportunities for students and families seeking quality education.”
