| DeWitt Public Schools |
| Bylaws & Policies |
5113 - SCHOOLS OF CHOICE PROGRAM
Pursuant to Sections 105 and 105c of the State School Aid Act, the Board of Education (the "Board") of the DeWitt Public Schools (the "District") shall annually determine whether it will accept applications for enrollment by nonresident pupil applicants as outlined in the State School Aid Act. To implement any such determination, the Board establishes the following policy and procedures.
Section 105 (Districts Within Clinton County RESA)
The Board will accept applications for enrollment by nonresident pupil applicants residing within the Clinton County Regional Education Service Agency (the "RESA").
Section 105c (Contiguous Districts Outside of Clinton RESA)
The Board will accept applications for enrollment by nonresident pupil applicants residing within a contiguous school district in another intermediate school district (i.e., Lansing School District, Grand Ledge Public Schools, and Waverly Community Schools.)
Limitations
| A. | The Board shall annually review staffing capabilities, facility use, enrollment projections, and other pertinent criteria to determine the grades, schools, and special programs, as well as the number of pupil openings, which are available for enrollment by nonresident pupil applicants under the State School Aid Act. | |
| B. | Not later than the last Friday in November, the Superintendent or designee shall recommend to the Board those grades, schools, and special programs, as well as the number of pupil openings, which are available for enrollment in the second semester of that school year for nonresident pupils residing in an eligible district under Section 105 and 105c. | |
| C. | If the number of qualified and eligible nonresident pupil applicants exceeds the positions available in a grade, school, or program for nonresident pupils, a random draw system will be used to determined admission, subject to the preferences allowed in the State School Aid Act and the District’s need to abide by State and Federal anti-discrimination laws and court orders. |
Admission Criteria
A. The determination to enroll a nonresident pupil application shall be based on the criteria articulated in the State School Aid Act and the same criteria for resident applicants for admission into a grade or a specialized, magnet, or intra-district choice school or program.
| B. | The Board expressly reserves its statutory right to refuse to enroll a nonresident applicant if the applicant is or has been within the proceeding two (2) years, suspended from another school or if the applicant has ever been expelled from another school. | |
| C. | A nonresident applicant convicted of a felony offense may be refused enrollment if the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee determines that the applicant presents a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of District students or personnel. |
Transportation
The District will not provide transportation to those nonresident pupil applicants who are granted admission to the District. Qualified pupils with disabilities who enroll in the District will be provided transportation services consistent with their individualized education plan. At the time of enrollment, the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee shall provide to the pupil’s parent/legal guardian information about available transportation.
Annual Publication
No later than the second Friday in August each year, the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee shall publish a notice to the general public of the grade(s), school(s), and special program(s) for which enrollment may be available to and for which applications will be accepted from nonresident pupil applicants. This notice shall identify the fifteen (15) day application period, as well as the place and manner for submitting applications.
Implementation
The Superintendent is directed to take the necessary steps to implement this policy.
Legal Authority
MCL 388.1705, 388.1705c.
SB 851
PA 300.1996
Revised 7/10/00