Scottsdale Unified School District Arizona’s Most Excelling Schools!

The Governing Board and Cathy Rivera, executive director of Educational Operations, discussed proposed changes to the Open Enrollment Policy. Proposed changes to the policy state that students living within and outside the district can apply for Open Enrollment at any school within the district’s boundaries.

If there are more applicants than seats available, a lottery system would be used. Students living within the Scottsdale schools’ boundaries would be given priority over students from outside of the district.

There are two categories in which applicants will be placed: students currently enrolled and siblings who will be enrolled concurrently. This category also includes children of Scottsdale schools’ employees. The second category includes students who are not enrolled in school during the current school year and any siblings who would be enrolled concurrently.

Open Enrollment packets will be available to parents prior to Dec. 1. The packets are to be returned to the school by Jan.15, 2005. Parents will be notified by Feb. 15, 2005, whether or not their child is accepted to the school. Once accepted to a school through the Open Enrollment process, it is not necessary to reapply. The policy will be brought back as a Consent Agenda item at the Nov. 30 Board meeting.

In addition, The Governing Board heard a discussion on the 2005-2006 High School Planning Guide. The High School Planning Guide is reviewed and revised annually by a committee of counselors, principals, assistant principals, curriculum specialists and teachers to assure all programs and scope and sequence content descriptions are accurate and clear. The guide provides graduation requirements, which are corrected to comply with state regulations. The guide also provides a comprehensive listing of every course offered at each of the five high schools and identifies programs that are accessible to all students and parents residing in the district. The guide will be brought back as a Consent Agenda item at the Nov. 30 Board meeting.

In other action, the Board:

• Approved the observance of America Education Week. Each November a week is set aside to recognize and honor educators and support staff for their hard work and dedication to children across the nation during American Education Week. This year, American Education Week is Nov. 14-20 and the theme of the week is Celebrating the American Dream.

The next Governing Board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 30, at the Education Center.

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