The district has developed further information regarding the boundary/transfer option recently approved by the Board.  Click here for the new transfer guidelines.  Click here for a copy of the transfer request form.   (The form cannot be completed or submitted on-line). 

The Board approved the formal boundary/transfer option recommendation at the February 13^th regular meeting.  Click here to read the recommendation.  Click here to read clarifications regarding the recommendation as requested by Board members at the February 6^th Committee of the Whole meeting. 

It is part of Board policy that the district’s enrollment and boundaries be reviewed each year.  Key aspects of this process include a review of demographics, projected growth and enrollment, current enrollment numbers and trends, school capacity, and building utilization.  The Board understands that any changes made to enrollment policies or boundaries are of significant concern to parents and students.  For this reason, the Board seeks to find solutions that are positive for schools and student achievement.

As this year’s review was being done, the School Board gave guidance to district administration to minimize significant or large-scale boundary changes, to find ways to keep students in the schools they are currently in, to work to keep from splitting siblings into different same-level schools, and to be mindful of optimal building utilization and capacity.  In addition, the Board was supportive of options that would promote the concept of strong neighborhood schools.  The options initially presented for discussion followed these guidelines.

Community Feedback

A series of community forums was held throughout the district earlier in January to present the options and garner feedback from parents, students and community members.  Input was also solicited from building leadership and other district staff members – and the district has received many calls and emails.  In addition, the boundary review committee has done further research on specific issues raised during the forums and reviewed the policies of the other seven large school district members of the Urban Education Network in Iowa.

To summarize, here is what we’ve heard in terms of feedback:

1. There are varying opinions on this issue.  Many individuals want to maintain some flexibility in our transfer policies.  Others feel just as strongly that it is positive to promote home school attendance.
2. It’s important to keep kids with other siblings and with their friends/peer group
3. Parents and students need advance planning time when changes are made
4. We need to be mindful of the effects of such changes on our students and families
5. Parents purchase a home based in large part on the schools their children will attend
6. Grandfathering may need to be more expansive
7. The community wants to feel comfortable about why we are suggesting changes

We want to thank the community for their involvement and attendance at the boundary forums and for openly sharing their comments and concerns.  Such opportunities provide positive ways for both sides to communicate their expectations and concerns about important issue.  It was also important to recognize the fact that there is an amazing amount of loyalty towards our schools – at all levels – and that everyone involved, no matter what school they represent, wants to do what is best for students.