USD 443 proposes opening CTE programs to students from neighboring districts

What happened

The October 26 agenda asks the board to approve an agreement allowing eligible students from other districts to enroll in designated USD 443 career and technical education courses, pathways, or programs. Placements would depend on available space and approval; home districts would pay base fees of $1,500–$2,500 per student and arrange transportation.

Why it matters to families

The proposal could expand access to USD 443’s career and technical education offerings for students outside the district while making neighboring districts responsible for tuition and transportation. The agenda presents this as an action for board approval, not an adopted agreement.

The evidence

The October 26, 2026 agenda lists “Approval of MOU with Neighboring Districts” as an action item. The attached draft MOU covers participation in designated CTE courses and programs, gives USD 443 discretion over placements and available capacity, sets base fees of $1,500, $2,000, or $2,500 depending on program tier, and assigns transportation to the home district unless otherwise agreed.

The source