Richfield Public Schools is limiting open enrollment for the first time

Like other district programs, the Spanish Dual Language Program draws most open enrollment students from Bloomington or Minneapolis. Bloomington Public Schools does not offer a dual language program.

In a statement, Bloomington Public Schools said the district gains more students than it loses through open enrollment. The district cited its popular gifted and talented and computer science immersion programs as key attractions for students, as well as its online K-12 school, which attracts students from across the state. “Our two high schools are currently closed because they have no more seats available,” the district said.

Minneapolis Public Schools has three elementary schools that emphasize bilingual Spanish, as well as middle school and high school programs. But programs in Minneapolis often have waiting lists. As of mid-October, nearly 300 students are on the waiting list for elementary-level bilingual programs in Minneapolis, and 178 of those students are not currently enrolled in Minneapolis public schools, according to data provided to task force members.

Difficulties with signing up for such a popular program include: source of frustration in Minneapolis as the district faces a budget crisis, partly caused by declining enrollment. The school board recently established a task force to address the issue as part of the district’s “transformation” process. There are many candidates for the Minneapolis school board this year as well Sahan told the Journal that expanding the Spanish bilingual program was a priority for them.

The task force will present recommendations in December.

Matthew Arnold, the new principal of Richfield Dual Language School, previously worked at Green Central Dual Language School in Minneapolis for 10 years. He declined to comment on the differences between the two districts, but said a sense of safety and community attracts families to Richfield Bilingual School.