Participation in Ohio's Inter district Open Enrollment Option: Exploring the Supply-Side of Choice

In 1993-1994, Ohio implemented an inter district open enrollment policy. Under it, students can transfer only to adjacent districts, taking about $2,900 with them. Districts can decide to be open or closed but cannot prevent student transfers. In 1994, open-ended surveys were sent to the superintendents of open and closed districts, asking the reasons for their decision. Open districts tended to be small, rural, racially homogeneous districts that had been losing enrollment. Their major reason for accepting transfers was to increase enrollment. Closed districts tended to be suburban districts with above average per pupil expenditure. Their major reason for not receiving transfers was insufficient space.