Superintendent addresses Open Enrollment questions

School Superintendent, Dr. Kathy K. Burns

Submitted by Dr. Kathy K. Burns
Superintendent, Nassau County School District
February 21, 2019

 

With a few months remaining in the 2018-19 school year, many families are making plans for the 2019- 20 school year. Parents and guardians want to know what school their child should attend as well as what school their child “may attend” based on options provided through In-County Transfers, Out-of- County Transfers, and Controlled Open Enrollment. School leaders are already receiving requests for students to attend schools outside their designated attendance zones. The Nassau County School District has an Administrative Rule (5.12) and Controlled Open Enrollment Policy that will assist you in planning for the upcoming year.

In-County Transfer – The parent or guardian requesting a transfer within Nassau County to a school outside the student’s attendance area must complete the Student Request for Transfer In-County form and obtain the approval of both the releasing school’s principal and the receiving school’s principal. The recommendation for approval of an in-county transfer by the receiving school’s principal will be based,in part, on available space at the school, comparing the current student enrollment to the number of students used in determining the teaching staff allocations. The transfer request then requires approval by the School Board. The student applying for an in-county transfer may not enroll or attend classes at the new school until the School Board has approved the transfer.

You will be notified by May 15th if your in-county transfer was approved. If there is space available prior to and up to the time school starts for the 2019-20 school year, you may also be notified.

Out-of-County Transfer – The parent or guardian must complete the Student Request for Out-of- County/State form and submit it to the Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and School Improvement at the Nassau County District Office. After initial evaluation at the district level, the request will then be reviewed by the receiving school’s principal. If approved by the receiving school’s principal, the request will be sent to the Superintendent for recommendation to the School Board. The Superintendent’s recommendation for approval of an out-of-county transfer will be based, in part, on available space at the school, comparing the current student enrollment to the number of students used in determining the teaching staff allocations. The student applying for such a transfer may not enroll or attend classes until the School Board has approved the transfer.

Controlled Open Enrollment (COEP) – Beginning with the 2018-19 school year, applications for COEP for the following school year will be available on the District website no later than January 10th of each year. Applications will be accepted for 45 days beginning January 10th of each year.

Parents will be notified by March 15th of each year concerning their student’s COEP status. Priority for enrollment under the COEP will be given to the following groups:

1) Dependent children of active duty military personnel whose move results from military orders;
2) Children who have been relocated due to foster care placement in a different school zone;
3) Children who move due to a court-ordered change in custody due to separation or divorce, or the serious illness or death of a custodial parent; and
4) Students residing in Nassau County, Florida.

Only the following schools have space available and may be considered for Controlled Open Enrollment:

1)  Callahan Intermediate School
2)  Bryceville Elementary School
3)  Hilliard Elementary School

All other schools are “at capacity” and are not eligible for consideration under the COEP for the 2019-20 school year.

The School District understands the disappointment of parents and family members when their requests are not immediately honored, however, as we continue to experience growth throughout the County,it’s important that we provide space for students in their designated attendance zones.

Contact the Nassau County School District office at 904-491-9900 if you need additional information.