News Releases for March 2005
March 24, 2005
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven Signs Cross-Border Open Enrollment Legislation
Bill Signing Photo (40kb jpg)
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today announced the signing of HB 1194, which establishes a system of open enrollment that allows parents and students to choose which school to attend in districts along the North Dakota/South Dakota border.
"Cross-border enrollment has been an issue for many years," Hoeven said. "I commend the local residents, school board members and legislators from both sides of the border who worked together and found a solution. We look forward to working with South Dakota to implement this bill."
Hoeven was joined by Reps. David Drovdal, and Keith Kempenich and Sen. Bill Bowman along with John Pretzer, Superintendent of the Scranton School District and Ila Kelner, Scranton School Board member.
Rep. David Drovdal, prime sponsor of the legislation, said that this bill is good for the students because it takes the politics out and allows students to go to the school of their choice.
"This is a great example of how local people really can make a difference," added Sen. Bill Bowman.
North Dakota HB 1194 is a companion bill to South Dakota HB 1149, which was signed by Governor Mike Rounds on March 15. Together, the bills create parallel open enrollment provisions in both states. Receiving districts may only refuse open enrolled students if space or program services are unavailable. An open enrollment application and timelines will be worked out between the two state education agencies with input from border districts.
"This has been an ongoing process for two years," said Rep. Keith Kempenich. "This shows that when people communicate, we can find the best solution."
E-mail comments to the Governor
