I. Overview of Parental Choice and Continuity of School Assignments
Martin County Public Schools employs what is commonly referred to as the Neighborhood School concept. Students are generally assigned to their neighborhood school. A Parental Choice method of student assignment will be implemented. This method is designed to give all parents/guardians the opportunity to select from a range of schools offering educational program options for their children.
The current school attendance zones (neighborhood schools) will be maintained; students can continue in assigned schools. However, parents/guardians who wish to choose a school outside their attendance zone can complete a Parental Choice application.
Once an assignment is made following the School Selection, students may continue their placement if capacity is available at the school. If students are required to relinquish their choice seat, those who are in the final year (i.e. 5th, 8th, 12th grades) at the school will be allowed to complete that year.
Oversight of all Parental Choice Plan implementation strategies and actions shall be carried out by the Assistant Superintendent for Leadership Services and Planning.
II. Parent Information Centers
The District will provide information and assistance to all parents and guardians as they make choices for their children. Information will be printed in English and Spanish. A Parental Choice application will be available from any district school, or the District office. Special announcements will be provided through each school's bulletin/parent announcement/newspaper.
III. School Selection and Student Assignment
- Continuity of School Assignment
Once an assignment has been made following the School Selection and Student Assignment Process, students can continue to the highest grade level offered in their chosen school unless the school is at capacity. For students previously approved, it is not necessary to complete a choice application form. Students who move from one attendance zone to another within the District, may remain in the school in which first enrolled for the remainder of the school year if their parents/guardians apply for and receive waivers for temporary continuation of assignment unless the school is at capacity. Students in their final year (i.e. 5th, 8th 12th grades) at the school will be allowed to complete that year.
- Registration and Application Period
A registration and application period will be specified each school year (March through June). During this time, parents/guardians of students who wish to apply for new school enrollment will complete a Parental Choice Application. Parents will be notified by the first week in July if their application was approved or not. Parents/Guardians of students new to the District, can register for the current school year at the time of arrival.
Announcements will be included in, but not limited to, the following: media releases, each school's Parent-Student Handbook, newcomers' information packet, the District website, and information sent to pre‑schools, child care centers, community centers and other organizations.
- Choice Assignment Factors
A number of factors influence the student assignment. The factors include:
- Parental/Guardian and Student Preference.
- Selection Process: Assignments will be made up to the physical and instructional capacity of the school.
- Sibling Preference: Siblings, residing at the same address requesting to be assigned together will be given preference in the choice process.
- School Board Employee Preference: Employees of the Martin County School District will be given preference in the choice process.
- Special Program with Admission Criteria Preference: Students who meet the established criteria for special programs (i.e. gifted) will be given preference in the choice process.
- Instructional Capacity: Prior to making student assignments for each school year, the Superintendent will set instructional and physical capacities for each school and grade level within each school. The physical capacity for any school may include set‑aside seats for Special Programs (e.g., ESOL, Exceptional Student Education, and other programs).
- Racial and Ethnic Diversity: The District believes all students and staff should have experiences, and develop greater skills and increased sensitivity in working with people of different backgrounds. The District will continue its commitment to cultural diversity in the student assignment process.
- Special Programs: Students eligible for special programs (i.e., ESOL, ESE, Gifted) pre-assigned according to the Limited English Proficiency Plan (LEP), the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) based on a free appropriate education, the availability of programs and instructional capacity. ESE programs that cannot be efficiently replicated in each school will be placed at cluster site locations. Theme school and unique course offerings continue to follow a school's enrollment procedures.
- Guaranteed Attendance: Once a student is enrolled in a school of choice he/she can remain in that school to the highest grade available unless the school is at capacity, he/she moves out of the Martin County School District, or has disciplinary, attendance, and/or truancy problems.
- Athletic Participation: The rules of the FHSAA will govern High School transfers as they pertain to athletic participation.
IV. School Choice Zones
Geography and Distribution of Schools
The Martin County Neighborhood School Concept carefully incorporates existing and planned transportation networks, efficient school groupings as students rise from elementary to high school level.
The goal of the Martin County Public Schools is to offer an educationally equivalent range of programs, curriculum, and instruction. Special Programs that cannot be efficiently replicated in each school's attendance zone will be placed so they will be reasonably accessible to all students.
V. Assignment Appeals Process
An appeals process is available to parents/guardians who believe they have a hardship. Appeals will be reviewed first by the Assistant Superintendent for Leadership Services and Planning. Parents/Guardians whose appeals are denied at the first step can request a second step by a written appeal. Personally identifiable information shall be omitted from second‑step appeals so that applications can be evaluated.
The Student Assignment Appeals Committee shall hear the second step appeals concerning student assignments. The Committee shall consist of a racially and technically diverse group appointed by the Superintendent.
VI. Students Changing School Level and Students New to the District
During each school year, the District will hold application periods for parents/guardians of students who will enter Martin County Public Schools for the first time in August of the following school year. This registration includes incoming kindergarten children and elementary, middle and high school students new to the District.
Assignments will be made at the end of each registration period.
VII. Transportation
Transportation will be provided in accordance with Federal, State, and local requirements for students assigned to the school within their attendance zone, the District‑wide theme school, and District assigned special programs. If students move from one attendance zone to another within the District and are granted a waiver for continuation of assignment in accordance with this Plan, parents/guardians must provide transportation to their school of choice. Alternatively, parents/guardians might be able to provide transportation to an existing bus stop for the chosen school if routes exist and space is available.
The student's safety and welfare to and from that existing bus stop are the parent's/guardian's responsibility.
VIII. District-wide Special Programs with Admissions Criteria
The District will continue its District-wide special programs with admissions (eligibility) criteria. Parents/Guardians of students applying for these special programs must comply with the application procedures of this Plan and meet the eligibility criteria for the selected special program.
IX. Falsification of Information
Fair and equitable implementation of Martin County's Parental Choice Plan relies on sincere and honest compliance without intent to circumvent established procedures or to unfairly gain advantage over other applicants. If falsification of information results in an assignment outside the student's attendance zone, or if a student is found to be inappropriately attending a school, without an approved Transfer or Reassignment, corrective actions and any other remedy provided by law and School Board policy will be taken.
Falsification of information by parents/guardians of a high school student could also jeopardize the student's eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities under the bylaws of the Florida High School Activities Association.
X. Parent Involvement/Parent Liaison
Parent/Guardian involvement in their child's education is critical to his/her success. School choice gives the parent/guardian the opportunity to select the desired school to meet their child's educational need and will encourage them to be more involved.
School Board Approved 2/12/02
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