Farmington board reviews school-of-choice applications, recommends continuing limited Section 105 participation for Oakland County

Farmington Public Schools staff told the board on Oct. 28 that the district received 240 Section 105 school-of-choice applications for the 2025–26 year, an increase from 221 the prior year.

District staff recommended the board continue participating in limited Section 105 school-of-choice open to Oakland County residents only, citing capacity constraints in several elementary buildings (Forest, Gill, Longacre and Hillside were limited this year). The staff report noted that of the 240 applications, 171 were approved, 139 families accepted placements, and 104 completed enrollment — a 74% conversion from placement to completed enrollment.

Trustees discussed community concerns that had been raised about discipline and truancy among some out-of-district students. Several trustees asked staff to analyze whether higher absenteeism or discipline incidents correlate with school-of-choice status or with lack of district transportation, and to return with that data before any decision to expand geographic eligibility (for example, to contiguous counties) is considered.

Why it matters: Section 105 participation affects enrollment patterns, facility utilization and per-pupil state funding. Trustees noted school-of-choice revenue supports operations but said they want data-driven assurance that choice students are integrated without disproportionate impacts on school culture or services.

Next steps: Staff will return to the board at a subsequent meeting with additional analysis (attendance and discipline correlation, transportation effects) and the board will vote on the recommended Section 105 participation and building limits at the next regular meeting.