GUSD Board member Christine Walters stressed today that the intent of new elementary magnet school enrollment policies is not to exclude neighborhood residents, but to offer choices. “This is a change,” she said, but not a big one. “All the money the district gets from the state and the federal government has strings attached to it.”
Walters said that applicants to GUSD’s special programs will first be put into two pools: one for the dual-language immersion programs, and one for the technology and the arts magnet programs. Priority enrollment goes:
First to students currently enrolled (who can stay where they are),
Second to siblings of students currently enrolled,
Third to students at “program improvement” schools**,
Fourth to students within a .5 mile radius (for up to 25 percent of available slots)
Fifth to district students enrolled in the free/reduced lunch program (up to the percentage at each school site that matches the district-wide percentage),
Sixth to any other GUSD student, and
Last to applicants outside the district.
**Currently, no GUSD elementary schools are No Child Left Behind Act “program improvement” sites failing to meet Adequate Yearly Progress goals.
Walters says she is very interested to learn what families have actually chosen for their students. The district is still processing applications for the magnet and dual-immersion programs, and a lottery will only be held if there is more demand than available slots at any site. Walters also said the district has never guaranteed that students will be able to attend the closest local elementary schools, as overcrowding at some sites has historically been a problem.
Walters was responding to community concerns about the new enrollment policies reported here.
I am a parent that lives Glendale and have been wait listed for my child to attend Franklin Magnet School. (We have a good chance in getting in but that’s not what this is about) My child will be turning 6 in October. I have been chatting with parents who have been fortunate to make it in the school and others who have been wait listed too. When speaking with these parents, a few stated that their children will turn 5 at the end of September and a few in October/November. I don’t understand how GUSD can allowed these children to fill spots that are meant for children who are the correct age. One parent said because they are a sibling and all have to be evaluated. They laughed it off stating that 2 years ago their son was told he wasn’t ready but continued to push and push the district office and they went ahead and let him in. I cannot understand how it could be acceptable, how is this? Children who are of the correct age cannot get in the school. Spots should be offered to the children who are 5 by Sept. 1st. I believe that is the law? These 4 year olds can wait another year to get in to school. For a language school, you generally only have one shot to get into Kindergarten. How can 4 year olds get in before the 5 year olds?
How is this allowed? They don’t have a shortage of students that desire a spot in the school. Hundreds and hundreds applied this year. These are not all siblings too.
I went to the school today to see if I could ask a few parents if this is the norm. Parents in the older classes had no idea what I was talking about. Then expressed concerns for people they knew were wait listed this year. “How is this fair? What does this say about our school? Are we desperate now?” They couldn’t believe what I told them and said I need to call the district. I spoke to parents in the lower levels and many expressed their disapproval and have been angry that their child is in a class with children that are 14 months younger than their children. Another Mom was very upset! She spoke to the district last year, they told her that it would be the last year they would allow 4 year olds early admission.
How is this legal? Spots have to be given to children who meet the requirements first. Many parents think that the lottery is legit and are wait listed because they believe another 5 year old had better luck! Do these applicants know that they can be pushed aside for a 4 year old? I will say they don’t and would take a stand to fight for what is right.
How can this story get out to the public? Can this be investigated? Changes need to be made.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Loren