April 1 is school choice deadline under “Open Transfer” law By Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Friday, February 27, 2009 With just a few months left of the current school year, it’s time to start thinking about next fall. One thing we know for sure: Approximately 40,000 Oklahoma students transfer to the school of their choice annually. Parents wanting to transfer their children in or out of an Oklahoma school district for the upcoming school year have until Wednesday, April 1, to make their request. Under the 2000 state law, school districts are required to adopt an Open Transfer Policy and the home school district cannot deny a transfer out. However, based on local policies and reasons such as lack of classroom space or teaching staff, requests for transfers into a school can be denied. Until a few years ago, parents had only one month to make an Open Transfer request. In 2006, legislators extended the deadline by two months. Parents transfer their children from one school to another for several reasons. Another school may offer special programs, have a specific curriculum focus, or the district might even be closer to the parents’ place of employment. In addition, Oklahoma has several elementary (Pre-K through 8) school districts that do not have a high school. When these students complete the last grade at their school they will need to apply for a transfer to an independent district. A transfer is needed only once and transportation to and from the school may or may not be provided. In order to begin the transfer process, parents must first complete and send an open transfer application to the “receiving” district (where they intend to enroll their child). Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis until the April 1 deadline. Once an application is approved or denied by the school district, parents must be notified of the decision by June 1. After the confirmation of the transfer has been received, the next step is for the parent or caregiver to confirm their child’s pending enrollment with the “receiving” district by July 1. This step is key because schools must be able to plan for appropriate size classes. Failure to confirm enrollment could result in losing the right to transfer at that time. When a transfer is approved, parents do NOT have to reapply the following year. If for some reason the April 1 deadline is missed, there is the option of applying for an “emergency” transfer, but both districts must approve the transfer. Applications for an open transfer are available on the State Department of Education’s Web site and also at each school’s main administrative office.If you have questions about Oklahoma’s Education Open Transfer Act, give us a call at (405) 521-3472. Read to a child – the benefits last a lifetime! EDITORS: For more information, contact Shelly Hickman, State Department of Education, (405) 521-3371.