(KAIR)--The Board of Education, for the Atchison Public Schools, has approved a new open enrollment policy for non-resident students. Prior to approval, the School Board held a hearing on the new policy prior to the start of the November 13 regular board meeting.

The policy is the result of legislation passed and signed by Governor Kelly in 2022. The law, which will take effect with the 2024-25 school year, will allow students to transfer to any school in Kansas as long as the school has space. Schools districts are required to establish a formal policy on how they will handle the new directive by January 1, 2024.

Like all districts, USD 409 will be required by May 1st of each year to determine the capacity of the district to accept non-resident students. The district also must determine the number of students expected to attend and the number of open seats available for non-resident students. Non-resident students would be required to apply for enrollment in June of each year.