DCSS: Public School Choice Transfer Applications Now Accepted

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From DCSS

Now through May 15, 2015, the Douglas County School System will begin accepting applications for House Bill 251 (HB 251) – Public School Choice transfers.

Under this state law, parents may request to transfer their child to another public school in the district for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year if the school has available space after its assigned students have been enrolled. Available classroom space is defined as permanent classroom space and does not include the use of trailers.

The Douglas County School System considers factors such as projected enrollment, maximum class size and available teacher allocations when determining available space. Class size capacity is also considered by grade level and by subject.

SEE MORE INFO

• HB 251 Q&A
• HB251 Application

Under HB 251, students may continue to attend the school until the student completes the highest grade of the school. Due to ongoing state funding cuts, it has been necessary for us to increase class sizes.

With the increase in class size implemented due to budget challenges, transfer options are reduced. Schools that are newly opened for a period of four years from the date of their opening are excluded from offering HB 251/Public School Choice.

• Click here for more info on the process and availability by school

Beginning May 1st, interested parents may download transfer forms HERE or they may be obtained at the Douglas County Board of Education located at 9030 Highway 5, Douglasville, GA 30134. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Completed applications may be emailed to angela.thomas@douglas.k12.ga.us, faxed to 770-920-4158, hand delivered, or mailed to the address above. All applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2015, and transfer window dates will be strictly upheld.

Should the Douglas County School System receive more applications than seats available at an individual school, a lottery will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the Central Office Board Room located at 9030 Highway 5.

Parents and legal guardians, who elect the HB 251 choice option, are responsible for all costs associated with transporting the child to and from school. The Douglas County School System will not provide transportation.

Middle School and high school students transferring under HB 251 are subject to the eligibility requirements of the Middle School Conference By-Laws or the Georgia High School Association (GHSA).

Middle school students granted a transfer to another middle school will be eligible to participate in athletics as long as they meet the academic and age requirements as established by the Middle School Conference By-Laws.

High school students, other than incoming freshman, will be ineligible for varsity competition for one calendar year from the date of the transfer but can participate in 9th grade and junior varsity athletics as long as they meet the academic and age requirements as established by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA).

If a student transfers back to their districted school, he/she will be ineligible once again for varsity competition for one calendar year from the date of the transfer.