How Many Exchange Students is Too Many?

The has four exchange students this year, the most anyone can remember at one time.

But when a fifth student applied to come to Easton to study, the school board voted to turn her down.

The reason, district officials said Tuesday night, is that school principals have indicated that they're maxed out. 

However, there's no actual limit in the district policy on how many exchange students the district can have at one time, something the board may look at in the future.

"Could we take a fifth? We probably could," said Steve Furst, the district director of teaching and learning. "But where do we draw the line?"

Board member William Rider said that it's better for a student to arrive at the start of the school year, to get the full educational experience.

"What if this person's six foot ten and plays basketball?" asked board member Bob Arnts.

"She's not," Furst said.

"That would be even better!" Arnts said.