Today is the last day to return controlled choice paperwork requesting a transfer outside a child's neighborhood.
By Times Staff Writer
Published January 9, 2004
TAMPA - Today is the deadline for students who want to pick schools outside their neighborhoods to fill out a controlled choice application.
The 50,000 eligible students have until this evening to return applications ranking their top three schools within their geographic regions.
Parents can fill out applications in one of three ways: at one of seven Parent Resource Centers countywide, at the school administration building or online if they have a passcode.
All students, except 3,000 bused students who have not indicated their desire to stay at their current schools, may stay at their schools without filling out any paperwork. Bused students who do not fill out applications will be assigned to schools closer to their homes.
Controlled choice is an alternative to assigning students to neighborhood schools. When it begins next fall, it will replace busing for desegregation.
Students who participate will be assigned to schools by a computerized lottery based on where they live and space available in the schools they chose.
They are not guaranteed their first choice. Race will not be considered, but preference will be given to urban students who apply to suburban schools and suburban students who apply to urban schools.
Parents will be notified next month by mail what schools their children will attend.
Applications can be turned in until 4:45 p.m. at the school administration building, 901 E Kennedy Blvd.
For information, call the district's choice information line at 272-4692 or visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us
