DISTRICT OF CHOICE PROGRAM District of Choice Packet Fill out and submit this form for each student by December 15th deadline.
Information About the School District of Choice Program
The law allows, but does not require, school districts to accept students from other districts under the School District of Choice program. The school district of choice determines the number of transfers it is willing to accept and ensures that students are selected through a random, unbiased process.
How do I apply?
Applications are available (See download above) and submit the form for each student. Completed applications must be returned to the district office prior to January 1 for enrollment in the next school year.
When will I be notified?
Our district will notify you within 90 days after the deadline if your application has been provisionally accepted or rejected, or of your child’s position on any waiting list. You will receive final notice of acceptance or rejection by May 15 for enrollment in the next school year.
How are students selected?
After determining the number of transfer students it is willing to accept, the district selects students through a random, unbiased process. Academic or athletic abilities are not evaluated. Students will also have to meet any entrance requirements for specialized schools or programs. Priority will be given to siblings of children already in attendance in the district.
Can the district of choice reject the transfer?
The district of choice may reject the transfer if:
it would negatively impact any desegregation plan or racial and ethnic balance of the district it requires the district to create a new program or provide a new service to meet the student’s needs it would cause a student who resides or is currently enrolled in the district to be displaced the student has been expelled from another school district
Can my district of residence prohibit the transfer?
The district of residence may prohibit the transfer if it would negatively impact any desegregation plan or racial and ethnic balance of the district. The district may also limit the number of students transferring out each year.
Can I appeal a decision to reject the transfer?
There is no statutory right to appeal a rejection.
Is transportation provided to the school?
Upon request, the school district of choice may, but is not required to, provide your child transportation within the boundaries of the district to the extent that it is being provided to other students.
If my child is accepted, do I have to reapply each year?
The transfer will be renewed automatically each year unless the district withdraws from the School District of Choice program and no longer accepts transfer students.
DOC Latest Legislative Information:
Below you will find a joint statement that was released late yesterday afternoon by Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang & Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez regarding the District of Choice program. It can also be found on Assemblywoman Chang’s Facebook page.
JOINT STATEMENT by Assemblymembers Ling Ling Chang and Lorena Gonzalez:
“We had a constructive conversation today on the District of Choice school program. We agreed that while we have different opinions on how the program might operate, we also agreed that we will work with a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in order to resolve these differences. We also want to ensure parents that no child will be removed from their schools this current school year. We will work on the details of the program between now and when the program is set to end next year. We believe that education should not be a partisan issue and will work together to make sure our schools are working for all kids.”
You also may be interested in the following story:
http://www.latimes.com/local/education/la-me-edu-school-choice-20160826-snap-story.html
As you know, the legislative session is coming to a close tomorrow and with the issuance of this statement, we think it’s safe to say that AB 1771 is no longer a concern. However, we still need to be thinking and organizing for next year. While there will be some inaction during the interim, since no legislation can be introduced, it’s important we remain motivated to take action in the new legislative season which officially begins December 5, 2016.
Please get the word out so it can be shared on Facebook and twitter with the hashtags #savedistrictofchoice #DOC. A sample tweet is as follows:
Hello-As you know, AB 1771 was amended late Friday afternoon to include a grandfather clause which would apply to school site only. You can view it as:
http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB1771
We have heard from many parents and districts that this is not a compromise but rather a nail in the coffin for a successful program with no explanation. The Chairwoman of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, who singlehandedly held the bill, even posted about this on her government official Facebook page on Friday. As you will see, many parents are not buying what they are being told. We expect there to be a hearing on this proposal possibly later this week.
Email to me and I will hand deliver. In addition, please follow up by email to:
Assemblymember.Odonnell@assmembly.ca.gov
Assemblymember.Gonzalez@assembly.ca.gov
We have been contacted by many parents that they do not feel as though they are hearing enough about the status of DOC. We have explained to them that this is because the situation is very fluid. Consider sharing an update with them. You may want to consider planning an early fall meeting once the Legislature has adjourned for a full report on what took place and next steps.
Also, parents are organizing a rally scheduled for THIS SATURDAY 8/27/16 at 10:30am-The hopes is that the top 5 districts involved in DOC will attend (Walnut Valley, Oak Park, Glendora, Riverside, W. Covina). It will be held at Maple Hill Park in Diamond Bar 1355 S. Maple Hill Road, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.
It is imperative at least 300+ people show up to make a statement about the importance of this program. Media will be in attendance, as will Senator Huff and some Superintendents. We are encouraging all DOCs to hold something similar in their areas around the same time to make a united statement. If your district plans to do something, please let us know so we can help with the press operation. If parents from other schools are interested in how they are going about the planning, please reach out to me and I will get you in touch with the right people. The color for school choice is YELLOW so please try to wear that color to show unity.
Please continue to ask your parents to keep the pressure on. Keep calling, writing and emailing Assemblywoman Gonzalez, Speaker Rendon, your LOCAL Assemblyperson. You may also be interested in the petition that has been started:
https://www.change.org/p/let-parents-have-a-choice-in-their-children-s-education
http://oakparktalon.org/3451/news/47-school-districts-in-state-of-uncertainty/#comment-2