A Comprehensive Review of "Enrollment Management: Public School District Leaders’ Experiences, and the Effects of Community Trust in Leaders"

 Link: https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/enrollment-management-public-school-district/docview/2820890113/se-2

ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT: PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT LEADERS’ EXPERIENCES, AND THE EFFECTS OF COMMUNITY TRUST IN LEADERS

 

By Jason Martin
A Dissertation Submitted in
Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for
the Degree of Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
Northern Arizona University

May 2023

Analyze and present by: Punnarat Chinnapha, Ph.D.

Student ID: 244511003

Purpose and Objectives

The dissertation aims to examine the multifaceted needs of enrollment management in public school districts serving preschool through 12th grade. It also delves into the processes required for making equitable and fiscally responsible decisions. A central theme of the research is the critical importance of community trust in enabling school districts to navigate enrollment challenges effectively.

The study addresses four pivotal research questions:

1. What are the key components of effective PreK-12 enrollment management?
2. How do district leaders use enrollment management to optimize resource allocation?
3. How is enrollment management used to ensure educational accessibility for all students?
4. How does trust influence school district decision-making regarding enrollment management?

Methodology

The author employs a mixed-methods approach, blending qualitative and quantitative analyses. Data were gathered through surveys and in-depth interviews with Arizona superintendents. The research is grounded in descriptive data analysis, offering insights into leaders’ perspectives on enrollment management challenges and solutions.

Key Findings

1. Components of Effective Enrollment Management:

·       Participants highlighted space utilization, specialized programs, and boundary management as critical factors.

·       External service providers were deemed essential for collecting and analyzing complex data.

2. Resource Optimization:

·       Strategic use of funding sources like bonds and voter-approved overrides was emphasized for maintaining and updating facilities.

·       Stakeholder communication was identified as a cornerstone of successful resource management.

3. Educational Accessibility:

·       The study underscores the role of school choice, including open enrollment, in shaping accessibility.

·       Leaders emphasized the importance of equitable educational opportunities across districts.

4. Role of Trust:

·       Trust emerged as a foundational element in decision-making processes.

·       Transparent communication, humility, and engagement with key community figures were highlighted as trust-building strategies.

Significance and Implications

The dissertation offers a robust framework for understanding the intricacies of enrollment management, especially in the context of Arizona's public school system. Its focus on trust as a vital component provides a unique lens for viewing leadership and community relations.

The author's findings hold practical implications for policymakers, educators, and administrators. The study advocates for:

• Regular assessment of facilities and boundaries to meet evolving needs.
• Leveraging community input and external expertise in decision-making.
• Promoting transparency and trust to navigate contentious issues like school closures and boundary changes.

Strengths and Limitations

The study’s strengths lie in its comprehensive approach and practical focus. However, limitations include potential biases due to the small, voluntary sample size and the constraints of a single-state focus.

Conclusion

This dissertation is a valuable contribution to educational leadership literature. It not only highlights the challenges of enrollment management but also provides actionable insights into addressing them with integrity and foresight. As public education systems continue to evolve, the lessons drawn from this research will undoubtedly guide future leaders in creating equitable and sustainable solutions.