CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – The Clay County School Board approved a plan for controlled open enrollment for the 2017-2018 and subsequent school years.
The policy complies with the state’s new open enrollment law and allows students across the district and in other Florida counties to apply for a space in Clay County Schools with capacity for additional students.
“We recognize parents have more choices than ever when making decisions on how to educate their child. I am confident that families will find the education experience we offer in Clay County Schools is rigorous, relevant, and competitive,” said Superintendent Addison Davis.
In accordance with Florida Statute 1002.31, parents and legal guardians in the state of Florida may now transfer their students to any school that has available capacity provided that the student is not subject to current expulsion or suspension.
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Open enrollment is designed to give parental choice when families decide how and where they want their students to be educated. Open enrollment is being offered as another opportunity for school choice and will complement the district’s already existing variety of special pupil requests.
Parents or legal guardians who elect to transfer students through the open enrollment process will be responsible for providing transportation for their students.
The Clay County School Board has established a capacity threshold of 85 percent. This means that any school with less than 85 percent enrollment will be open and eligible for open enrollment. Currently, 11 Clay County Schools have the capacity to accept students -- six elementary schools, two junior high schools and three high schools.
Families wishing to participate in open enrollment must submit a completed online application by May 8, available on the district’s website at oneclay.net. Printed copies of the application are also available at the school district’s offices in Green Cove Springs. Printed applications submitted via U.S. mail must be received by May 8 for consideration. One application is required for each school for which the student requests consideration.
If there are more applicants than seats available at a specific school, a lottery will determine which students are granted admission. Students in the following categories will receive priority consideration in a lottery selection process:
- Dependent children of active duty military personnel whose move resulted from military orders;
- Children who have been relocated due to foster care placement in a different school zone;
- Children who move due to a court-ordered change in custody due to separation or divorce, or the serious illness or death of a custodial parent; and
- Students residing in the district.
Any school with capacity under 85 percent will be part of the open enrollment lottery. Students who qualify for one of the priority categories listed above will be drawn first, followed by any students who reside outside of Clay County. A waitlist will be maintained through the fifth day of the school year.