Next year, 60 students from outside the district will attend Dartmouth High, despite concerns from parents and teachers on how this will affect athletics, opportunity, and communication.

Started in 2016, the School Choice program originally allowed 30 students from New Bedford, Westport, Fall River, Swansea, and various charter schools to study in Dartmouth in exchange for a “tuition payment” from their hometowns. The School Committee voted 4-1on March 27 to add 30 more openings for the 2017-2018 school year.

During the public hearing, Kerrie Oswald raised concerns with School Choice’s effect on high school extracurriculars, warning that outside students are taking up slots in sports programs at the expense of Dartmouth residents.

Tracy Sousa said she and other parents felt “blindsided” by the program’s approval last year. Ana Veloso, a Potter Elementary teacher, felt the program puts money before students.

The program brings in $5,000 per student per year they attend Dartmouth schools. The 30 freshmen and sophomores who started the program last year will continue through the Dartmouth system until graduation, raising the total number of School Choice students to 60 next year.

School Committee member Carol Karafotis was upset to hear allegations that the committee puts finances before residents. She noted that the program helps both Dartmouth children and those wishing to get a better education.

“The problem of opportunity is real, but it’s not just a School Choice issue. We need to expand opportunity,” said committee member Chris Garth. He suggested doing more to let the public know about future School Choice plans.

Committee member Shannon Jenkins blamed continued frustration with being unable to fund important budget requests, a problem that’s existed for a while, she said.

Dartmouth’s per pupil spending is around $12,000, but much of that is fixed costs, including building maintenance, utilities, and staffing, Jenkins said. She noted that these expenses keep the School Choice program profitable.

Chair Chris Oliver, who was originally against School Choice when the topic was first brought up, voted to give it a chance last year, and felt it had been successful. He also voiced frustration with the $711,786 in budget requests that are unable to be funded next year.

John Nunes voted against the expansion, citing a fundamental disagreement with the program. He reminded residents that information about School Choice was disseminated via broadcast on DCTV, aired on the radio, and published in newspapers, the school website, and social media.

Superintendent Bonny Gifford had originally proposed 40 additional slots for the program. School Committee members felt that number was too high.