LAUSD's Open Enrollment: A Warning

The following was posted by a parent on ChangeTheLAUSD:

"I am currently applying to seven schools for my daughter for middle school. Open Enrollment Applications are currently being accepted. Open Enrollment is a chance for students to attend schools outside their residential area. It is based on a lottery system where each school is allowed a small number of spaces for open enrollment candidates. 

Today in my journey of submitting my applications I arrived at Lawrence Middle School in Chatsworth, CA. I was told that my application will not be accepted unless I submit academic records, report cards, and discipline records. Knowing the regulations for Open Enrollment I informed their attendance office that is not a requirement. The employee there was firm on requiring my daughter's academic and discipline records. I did ask if each student's application would be screened prior to being placed in the lottery, let's just say I was sent away. 

Of course I did not quit there. I emailed LAUSD Open Enrollment coordinator, Bruce Takeguma, about this situation. In less than an hour he personally called me and confirmed LMS is not following protocol. The only item needed is the one page application, no other information or records are to be submitted. He did inform me that he is speaking with the Principal and Attendance Office to reiterate the policy in place. There is absolutely no screening of applicants. All students are to be given the same opportunity. 

Parents, please share this information. This is just one out of seven schools that I found doing this horrible practice. Out of the hundreds of schools in LAUSD who knows how many are being turned away. Who knows how many schools are selecting students based on their record just to generate desirable graduation rates and API numbers. 

Parents, if you encountered a similar experience please notify LAUSD immediately."