Q: In its first year, has school choice significantly changed Pinellas County athletics?
A: "I haven't seen it," county athletic director Walter Weller said. On the field, teams' lineups have have changed via the usual factors - new young players, returning starters and graduation losses - rather than an influx of transfers from other schools. Weller said choice's second year would be the more likely time for player movement to happen, as students re-enter the choice system and perhaps try other schools if this year's selection did not fit.
Q: If there is recruiting, who polices it?
A: For better or for worse, the coaches. Weller said documenting recruiting allegations will be easier than ever, though coaches will have to police themselves. For example, if a child attends a sports camp at a school and later puts in a choice application to attend that school, it would be prima facie evidence of recruiting under Florida High School Athletic Association rules. Yet, Weller, said, only a coach would truly know that and it would be his or her responsibility to report the violation, even if it meant turning himself or herself in.
Q: Given that scenario, how would a school or coach get around "recruiting" students?
A: In the case of sports camps or club-sport leagues, where many recruiting allegations begin, disclaimers could clear up any doubts. Parents and coaches should look for disclaimers that tell students, for example, that if their camp includes coaches from East Lake, Osceola and Lakewood, those students should not apply to any of those schools the next year. Such disclaimers would erase any potential for confusion or situations that would put eligibility in danger.
Q: Are schools allowed to directly "sell" athletic programs just as they would, say, a magnet program?
A: No. The county established a criteria for schools to advertise their various programs, but athletic programs are not to be mentioned in depth, i.e., a baseball team could not advertise a streak of consecutive district titles. That's not to say excellence is not noticed, however. "Some schools recruit themselves just because they win," Weller said. "That's real life."
Q: A student does not get his first choice school and starts the year at another school. Soon after that he is notified there is a seat available at the first choice school. Can he move and play sports?
A: No. That student is ineligible for all sports at that school until the next school year. Generally, the same FHSAA transfer rules apply in these cases. A student cannot use choice to hop around to various schools within a year for athletic purposes.
Q: When do students choose their schools for next year?
A: The process is under way and the deadline for applications is Nov. 1. From Dec.1 to 10 parents will be able to lock in a seat at a countywide program, such as a magnet, if their child is accepted. By Feb.1 the district will begin notifying students of their choice assignments next year.
Q: Does everyone need to fill out an application?
A: No. Students entering grades other than six or nine can choose to do nothing and stay where they are.
CHOICES TO MAKE
Many families with students entering kindergarten, middle school or high school in Pinellas County should consider their options under the choice plan for next year. The deadline for applying is Nov. 1.
Students not in Pinellas public schools need to register before applying for a school or a specialized countywide program. Those in the system can send an application by fax or mail or visit one of the district's two Family Education and Information Centers at 3420 Eighth Ave. S in St. Petersburg (552-1595) and 1101 Marshall St. in Clearwater (298-2858).
Choice applications are available inside the School Choice Information Guide, a newspaper-style publication found at public libraries, any public school and many local government buildings across the county. Also, printable versions of the guide and the application are on the district's Web site: www.pinellaschoice.org
Applications for a countywide program, such as a magnet or fundamental school, are by phone only. A worksheet for the phone application is available on the district Web site or at the family centers.
To make the process more convenient, the district has set up satellite sites to accept applications and register students. The satellites will be open from 6-8 p.m. at these locations:
- Oct. 13 McCabe United Methodist Church, 2800 26th Ave. S, St. Petersburg.
- Oct. 15 High Point Elementary School, 6033 150th Ave. N, near Largo.
- Oct. 16 Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary School, 400 E Harrison St.
- Oct. 20 Maximo Elementary School, 4850 31st St. S, St. Petersburg.
