A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Board of Public Education to examine the feasibility of expanding the open enrollment policy for students in schools that have been identified as overcrowded.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County is facing an approximate $85 million budget gap for fiscal year 2004-2005; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor has asked the various departments of the Metropolitan Government, including the Metropolitan Board of Public Education, to identify budget cuts that can be made; and

WHEREAS, there are certain schools within the Metropolitan Public Schools system, especially in the Antioch cluster, that have been identified as overcrowded; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has also identified that the Metropolitan Public Schools System has excess capacity for more than 15,000 students; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has adopted a limited open enrollment policy for students at the overcrowded Antioch High School, which would allow them to attend McGavock High School; and

WHEREAS, expanding the open enrollment would both reduce overcrowding and diminish the need for the construction of new schools; and

WHEREAS, such an open enrollment program should allow students from overcrowded schools to attend any other school within the school system that has the capacity for additional students; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Board of Public Education expand the open enrollment policy to relieve school overcrowding.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Board of Public Education to examine the feasibility of expanding the open enrollment policy for students in schools that have been identified as overcrowded.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Board of Public Education is further requested to respond to the Council within sixty (60) days from the date of the adoption of this Resolution as to the feasibility of and/or action taken in compliance with the request in Section 1 hereof.

Section 3. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to the Director of Schools Dr. Pedro Garcia and to each member of the Metropolitan Board of Public Education.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.