1.1.1. Non-Open Enrollment out-of boundary variances which may be granted when there is a compelling need.
1.1.2. Open Enrollment as per Utah State Code.
1.1.3. Title I schools that are required to offer school choice as a result of failure to make adequate yearly progress in two consecutive years. Parents may choose to transfer their student to another school designated by the District.
1.2. This policy also establishes kindergarten/elementary enrollment procedures and registration procedures for out-of-district students, including foreign students.
Each student shall attend the school designated according to his or her primary residence. Choice is available to District and Utah State, out-of-district students within the procedures established by the Utah Code and State Board of Education. Kindergarten enrollment will follow rules established by the Utah Code. Out-of-state residents, including foreign students other than exchange students, shall pay tuition as established the by WCSD Board of Education.
3.1.1.1.2. the child resides in WCSD while in the custody or under the supervision of a Utah state agency, or other public or private agency authorized by the State of Utah as legal custodian; or
3.1.1.1.3. while living with a responsible adult resident of the District, and the Board of Education has determined, in accordance with policies of the State Board of Education, that the child's physical, mental, moral, or emotional health is best served by considering the child to be a resident for school purposes; or
3.1.1.1.4. if the child is an emancipated minor domiciled with the School District boundaries; or
3.1.1.1.5. if a student has attended a high school in Washington County, and the student's parent or guardian moves outside that school's attendance boundary, but still within the District, the student may complete high school at the previous school, subject to the conditions stated in 3.1.6.3.; or
3.1.1.1.6. if a student changes his or her place of residence within the District during the school year, the student shall have the option of remaining in the school where he/she was originally registered for the remainder of that school year or of moving to the school assigned to the new attendance area, without the need to comply with the application requirements of this policy, subject to the provisions outlined in 3.1.6.3.
3.1.1.2. Responsible Adult: An adult resident of Washington County designated by parent(s) or a guardian who is not a resident of the District, but is a resident of the State of Utah, to act in behalf of the parent. Such designation is required before non-resident students are permitted to enroll. The procedures for designating a Responsible Adult are set by the Washington County School District.
3.1.1.3. Legal guardianship: If guardianship of a minor child is awarded to a resident of the District by action of a court, the child becomes a resident of the District.
3.1.2. Registration Procedures
3.1.2.1. The District requires the following documents and information be provided to the school during registration:
3.1.2.1.1. Social security number: students are encouraged to provide for purposes of identification.
3.1.2.1.2. Students shall provide an accurate and complete immunization record or immunization exemption. Some latitude is provided if shot sequence is begun (see WCSD policy 2330 and Utah Code 53A-11-301 to 306). Students not in compliance shall be provided written five-day notice of intent to exclude. Exclusion shall occur if student is not in compliance. (53A-11-306)
3.1.2.1.3. Birth Certificate: A birth certificate, or other reliable proof of the student's identity and age together with an affidavit (a statement made under oath and notarized) explaining why the birth certificate cannot be provided must be provided. Parents have until thirty days after enrollment to produce the certificate. A copy of the birth certificate will be placed in the student's cum file.
3.1.2.1.4. Transcript Authorization Request. Provide a signed authorization to request official transcripts and other records from a previous school. Provide a class schedule and/or achievement record (report card) from previous school.
3.1.2.1.5. Unless required as part of an IEP, twelfth grade students who do not graduate with their class shall not be allowed to enroll again the following year in a regular high school. These students must consider other alternatives to complete their high school education such as: adult education diploma, GED testing, college credit, independent study, and so forth.
3.1.2.1.6. Youth-in-custody or similarly designated students: Prior to registration, the responsible agency shall provide current assessment information, social history, academic records, medical history, indicators or danger to self or others, gang or other criminal involvement, etc. Such students and an official representative of the custodial agency, if one is involved, shall make an appointment and meet personally with local school administration prior to the registration process to determine his/her best educational placement. The request for admission shall be approved providing the student has not been expelled from his/her previous school.
3.1.3. Kindergarten/elementary enrollment.
3.1.3.1. In each school district, the public schools shall be free to children between the ages of six and eighteen years who are residents of said District and, also, to persons over 18 who are domiciled in the State of Utah and have not completed high school and are taking courses directly related to earning a diploma. (53A-12-101)
3.1.3.2. Entry into Washington County District schools shall be determined by chronological age. Children who are five (5) years of age before September 2nd of a given school year, will be enrolled in kindergarten.
3.1.3.3. In unusual circumstances where deemed justified by the involved teachers, principal, parents, and School District office, an advanced placement of a child may be made to exclude further kindergarten involvement. Such action may be taken, however, only after the school has had adequate time (as determined by the principal) to assess the student's social, emotional and physical well- being and academic performance levels.
3.1.3.4. Children who have not completed an accredited kindergarten program may enroll in first grade provided they have reached the age of six (6) before the 2nd day of September. (01/13/87)
3.1.3.5. Students entering kindergarten must show a certified copy (see 3.2.1.3) of a birth certificate, or other reliable proof of the student's identity and age together with an affidavit (a statement made under oath and notarized) explaining why the birth certificate cannot be provided. Parents have until thirty days after enrollment to produce the certificate. A copy of the birth certificate will be placed in the student's cum file.
3.1.3.6. It is highly recommended that prior to entering kindergarten, students have a physical examination to include vision screening. Compliance with immunizations in accordance with the State Department of Health is required. (See policy 2330 Immunizations and Utah Code 53A-11-301 to 306.)
3.1.4. Enrollment of non-resident students whose parent(s) are not residents of the State of Utah:
3.1.4.1. A student seeking enrollment in the District while living with an adult (not their parent or legal guardian) whose parents are not residents of the State of Utah must be assigned a legal guardian by a court with appropriate jurisdiction prior to enrollment. The proposed legal guardian must be a resident of the District.
3.1.4.2. The student must attend the school in the attendance area of the appointed legal guardian.
3.1.5. Enrollment of non-resident students whose parent(s) are residents of the State of Utah:
3.1.5.1. A student seeking enrollment in the District while living with an adult (not their parent or legal guardian) whose parents, either of which, are residents of the State of Utah must obtain a Washington County School District Certificate of Designation of Responsible Adult prior to enrollment. The proposed designated responsible adult must be a resident of the District.
3.1.5.2. The student must attend the school in the attendance area of the designated responsible adult.
3.1.6. Attending School out of Boundary (Non-open Enrollment Variance):
3.1.6.1. Variances under this section are generally considered only when the health, safety, and welfare of the student are at issue.
3.1.6.2. To promote stability and predictability of attendance numbers, it is preferred that each student in the District attend the school designated by his or her place of residence. Notwithstanding that preference, students who reside within the District may attend any another school within the District other than their designated school of residence subject to the following conditions:
3.1.6.2.1. The capacity of the program, class, grade level, or school building
3.1.6.2.2. Maintenance of heterogeneous student populations if necessary to avoid violation of constitutional or statutory rights of students
3.1.6.2.3. School of residence not offering a program the student requires for graduation; and
3.1.6.2.4. Willingness of student to comply with District/school policies.
3.1.6.2.5. Transfer application for a current school year (i.e., changing schools after the year has begun) are considered based on factors such as: program availability, space, effect on the sending and receiving school/classroom, and the level of disruption the transfer presents to the student, classroom, and teachers involved.
3.1.6.2.6. In cases where a transfer application is made based on the intent to move into a new attendance area in the future, the school Principal may ask the applicant to produce evidence that such a move is imminent.
3.1.6.2.7. Any frequent movement of students among schools is discouraged.
3.1.6.3. If a transfer is granted the following conditions apply:
3.1.6.3.1. A student attending a school outside of the school of residence must remain in good standing. Every effort should be made on the student's part to have acceptable citizenship, attendance, and grades. If not, the student will return to the school of residence.
3.1.6.3.2. Transportation to the school is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
3.1.6.3.3. Transfer approval is granted on an individual student basis. There is no enrollment guarantee for siblings, neighbors, or friends.
3.1.6.3.4. In secondary schools the approved variance application is for all grades in the school. Reapplication must be made for the next school in the feeder system.
3.1.6.3.5. In the elementary schools, the approved application is for the current grade (school year) only. The parent/legal guardian must re-apply for subsequent years. The application fee is waived for continuing application.
3.1.6.3.6. A transfer may adversely affect the student's eligibility to participate in activities sanctioned by the Utah High School Activities Association. It is the responsibility of the parent and the student to ensure that the student is eligible under UHSAA rules before trying-out, participating in a practice, or participating in a UHSAA sanctioned activity.
3.1.6.4. Non-Open Enrollment Boundary Variance Procedures:
3.1.6.4.1. Variance applications are obtained at the school where the student desires to attend. The completed application is reviewed by the school principal. The principal of the requested school shall consult with the principal of the school of residence to assist in evaluating the application. The principal(s) may request a meeting with the parent and student to gather more information relative to the request for transfer.
3.1.6.4.2. The principal may deny applications from students who have committed serious infractions of the law or school rules, or have been guilty of chronic misbehavior. Requests may also be denied if the transfer could cause disruptions in the school, or place unreasonable burdens on school staff. The principal may allow for provisional enrollment of the student, establishing conditions under which enrollment would be permitted or continued.
3.1.6.4.3. In an effort to maintain the established teacher-pupil ratio the principal may deny applications that would adversely affect the suggested pupil-teacher ratio in the requested grade, class, program, and/or track.
3.1.6.5. No recruiting of students from one school to another shall be permitted under any circumstances. Enrollment must be in compliance with of policies established by the Utah State Board of Education in consultation with the Utah High School Activities Association.
3.1.6.6. A student whose parent(s) is at least a half-time employee of the District shall have the option to attend either the school located in his or her attendance area or any school, within the same cone site where his or her parent(s) is assigned, provided that the parent(s) resides within the District boundaries. (Subject to the provision of 3.1.6.4.3.).
3.1.6.7. The Board may limit the use of this employee option. This option may, also, be limited by the 90% rule, unless the student has already enrolled at the school.
3.2.1. Open Enrollment Definitions and Procedures:
3.2.1.1. Early Enrollment: means application prior to the third Friday in February for admission for the next school year to a school that is not a student's school of residence.
3.2.1.2. Early Enrollment School Capacity or Maximum Capacity: means the total number of students who could be served in a school building if each of the building's instructional stations were to have the enrollment specified as follows:
3.2.1.2.1. For an elementary school, an instructional station shall have an enrollment at least equal to the school District's average class size for the corresponding grade; and
3.2.1.2.2. For a middle, junior, or senior high school, an instructional station shall have an enrollment at least equal to the District's average class size for similar classes.
3.2.1.2.3. The Superintendent shall determine the instructional station capacity for laboratories, physical education facilities, shops, study halls, self-contained special education classrooms, facilities jointly financed by the School District and another community agency for joint use, and similar rooms.
3.2.1.2.4. Capacity for self-contained special education classrooms shall be based upon students per class as defined by the State Board of Education and federal special education standards.
3.2.1.3. Instructional Station: means a classroom, laboratory, shop, study hall, or physical education facility to which the local Board of Education could resonably assign a class, teacher, or program during a given class period. More than one instructional station may be assigned to a classroom, laboratory, shop, study hall, or physical education facility during a class period.
3.2.1.4. Late Enrollment: means application after the third Friday in February for admission for the next school year to a school that is not the student's school of residence; or for admission for the current year to a school that is not the student's school of residence.
3.2.1.5. Late Enrollment School Capacity or Adjusted Capacity: means the total number of students who could be served in a school if each teacher were to have the class size specified as follows:
3.2.1.5.1. An elementary school teacher shall have a class size at least equal to the District's average class size for the corresponding grade.
3.2.1.5.2. A middle, junior, or senior high school teacher shall have a class size at least equal to the District's average class size for similar classes.
3.2.1.6. Non-Resident Student: means a student who lives outside the boundaries of the school attendance area.
3.2.1.7. Non-District Student: means a student who lives outside the Washington County School District.
3.2.1.8. Open Enrollment Threshold means:
3.2.1.8.1. For early enrollment, a projected school enrollment level that is the greater of 90% of the maximum capacity; or maximum capacity minus 40 students.
3.2.1.8.2. For late enrollment, actual school enrollment that is the greater of 90% of adjusted capacity; or adjusted capacity minus 40 students.
3.2.1.9. Projected School Enrollment; means the current year enrollment of a school as of October 1, adjusted for projected growth for the next school year.
3.2.1.10. School Attendance Area: means an area established by the local School Board from which students are assigned to attend a certain school.
3.2.1.11. School of Residence: means the school to which a student is assigned to attend based on the student's place of residence.
3.2.1.12. Health, Safety and Welfare of a Student: means a situation in which enrollment in a specific school is necessary as determined by documented evidence such as a medical recommendation from a medical doctor, recommendation from a therapist or psychologist who is tracking the student, or documentation provided from the previous school.
3.2.2. Early Open Enrollment Designations
3.2.2.1. Prior to December 1st the District administration will determine the early open enrollment threshold for each school for the next school year.
3.2.2.2. The number of early open enrollment slots for each available school will be calculated.
3.2.2.3. Schools will notify interested parties of the availability of open enrollment slots at their school. Applications are made to the school where the student requests to attend.
3.2.2.4. Not withstanding the dates established the Board of Education may delay the designation of schools for early or late open enrollment if circumstances make it unable to reasonably project enrollment capacities due to:
3.2.2.4.1. School construction or remodeling;
3.2.2.4.2. Drawing or revision of school boundaries; or
3.2.2.4.3. Other circumstances beyond the control of the Board.
3.2.2.4.4.
The delay may extend no later than four weeks beyond the date the Board
is able to make a reasonably accurate projection of the early
enrollment or late enrollment school capacity.
3.4. Foreign Exchange and Privately Placed Foreign Students (6-10-03)
3.4.2. All foreign students must be approved for enrollment through the Washington County School District Office.
3.4.2.1.2. Foreign exchange students cannot be placed after the July 1st deadline. Exceptions must be approved by the Superintendent.
3.4.2.1.3. Students shall provide records that allow proper grade placement. These shall include demonstrated English language proficiency, courses completed, grades earned, recommendations from teachers or principal, health records/immunizations, and a copy of completed agency application for foreign exchange students.
3.4.2.1.4. Students shall complete a tuberculin skin test after arrival, and are expected to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
3.4.2.1.5. If tutoring is required to help a student succeed, any costs may be the responsibility of the host family or agency.
3.4.2.1.6. Students are not eligible for English as a Second Language, special education programs, or remedial programs.
3.4.2.1.7. Those not meeting these expectations will be referred back to the sponsoring agency or individual to return home.
3.4.2.1.8. Foreign exchange students may earn a certificate of completion indicating courses taken.
3.4.2.1.9. Foreign exchange students desiring a high school diploma must meet all district graduation requirements and submit request to the school office by September 1st of that school year.
3.4.2.1.10. Students shall not be allowed to enroll in Driver Education during their first semester. They may participate the second semester with written approval of the sponsoring agency or family.
3.4.2.1.11. Students shall pay all appropriate school fees and participation charges and are not eligible for fee waivers.
3.4.2.1.12. Foreign exchange students involved in Utah High School Activities Association sanctioned events must meet all UHSAA eligibility requirements.
3.4.2.1.13. Foreign students shall not be allowed to graduate if they have already done so in their home country.
3.4.2.2. Foreign Students (F-1 students).
3.4.2.2.2. F-1 Students must pay tuition in advance, along with showing proof of insurance, immunization, and Power of Attorney paperwork being completed.
3.4.2.2.3. F-1 students must be able to speak fluent English.
3.4.2.2.4. A letter from the school must be submitted to the School District indicating they will be able to take an F-1 student.
3.4.2.2.5. If a F-1 students wishes to graduate, they must meet all District graduation requirements and have applicable information in to the school by September 1st.
3.4.2.2.6. F-1 students shall provide records that allow proper grade placement. These shall include demonstrated English language proficiency, courses completed, grades earned, recommendations from teachers or principal, etc.
3.4.2.2.7. F-1 students are not eligible for English as a Second Language, special education programs, or other remedial programs.
3.4.2.2.8. F-1 students may earn a certificate of completion indicating courses taken.
3.4.2.2.9. F-1 students shall not be allowed to enroll in Driver Education during their first semester. They may participate the second semester with written approval of the sponsoring agency or family.
3.4.2.2.10. F-1 students shall pay all appropriate school fees and participation charges and are not eligible for fee waivers.
3.4.2.2.11. F-1 students are expected to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA.
3.4.2.2.12. F-1 students involved in Utah High School Activities Association sanctioned events must meet all UHSAA eligibility requirements.
3.4.2.2.13. Foreign students shall not be allowed to graduate if they have already done so in their home country.
3.5. Homeless Students (3-21-06)
3.5.7. Homeless Student Appeal process. Students who feel that there are extenuating circumstances which should be considered are invited to request, in writing, a review of those extenuating circumstances. Requests explaining the circumstances should be signed by the student, the parent or guardian, and delivered to the School District office. All written appeals will be considered by the School District Superintendent as designee of the Board, and her/his decision will be final.