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Standing in line

Alternative school enrollment process unfair

The scene is one of disorder. There is a long line of scattered tents, sleeping bags and restless people wracked with fatigue and frustration. Basketball tickets on sale? Impending Pearl Jam concert?

No, Ann Arbor's annual alternative school student selection process has begun again.

Each year, families compete for acceptance into the city's two alternative education programs at Bach Open School and Community High School. While the process is more equitable than merit-based application, the current method favors those with the substantial resources to withstand its financial strains.

There are 100 spots available this year for incoming students at Community, and a mere 51 spots at the Middle Years Alternative School, within Bach. To attain these coveted spots, families camp outside the application centers for many days before, waiting for the chance to enter their children's names. Often students stand in line -- forgoing school activities -- to ensure themselves a spot for the coming school year. Success is not guaranteed to those in line -- half of the available openings go into a lottery drawing. This year, the MYA application process became less fair; officials announced that all available openings would be offered to students from Bach, its elementary level equivalent. The change reduces the already small number of spots available to the public.

The selection system places the responsibility for quality education wholly on the parent. Through the lotteries and lines, the Ann Arbor school system has magically removed itself from the selection process. Despite paying property taxes to support Ann Arbor's public schools, parents who prefer the alternative schools are forced to take time off work to secure spots.

Some parents may not be able to afford time off, or may lose their jobs in the process. Single parents have an added dilemma as the only source of income and childcare in their families.

Whether they can stand in line, these parents pay the same property taxes other Ann Arbor residents do. Public education was designed to benefit all citizens, not just those citizens with free time.

The school board needs to redesign the application process. One possible solution is a lottery. This type of system would allow all applicants an equal chance for acceptance, regardless of their financial or academic status.

Moreover, Ann Arbor must restructure its school system to meet the needs of its students. Schools like Community are in great demand because they afford students educational opportunities not available in traditional classrooms. While such institutions deserve recognition for their excellence, the opportunities the schools provide should be made available to any student who applies, not just those with a sleeping bag and time to stand in line.