Grafton will welcome School Choice students in 2020-21

Grafton will continue School Choice for another year, welcoming out-of-town students — and their tuition money, paid by the sending towns.

School Choice came to Grafton for the first time in 2014, bringing in $5,000-$6,000 per pupil depending on their educational needs. While slots may open in any grade, most new students enter in kindergarten.

“Once students are accepted into choice, they are here through graduation,” Superintendent of Schools Jay Cummings said. About 10 students per grade now are in Grafton through School Choice. “They are treated just like every Grafton student.”

The funds, Cummings added, are used to offset teacher and paraprofessional salaries. The district does not have to pay for the students’ transportation.

Applications will be immediately available on March 11 and will be due by April 17. The number of seats will be determined in May, with a lottery being held May 20.

“We get multiple phone calls, every day, about School Choice,” Cummings said. “Two years ago, we had five seats open and at least 35 applications.”

The town is not allowed to set any criteria to accept a student.

“We don’t have to hire new teachers, we don’t need to order new books, new furniture,” Cummings said.