Please Clarify IDEA Opt-Out Procedure
Dr. Carstarphen, Board of Trustees, and Mr. Sanchez:
I realize you’re scheduled to discuss allocating bond funds this evening, but I would ask that you take a few minutes to explain how parents of children assigned to attend IDEA Public Schools next fall can opt-out and instead attend a different Austin Independent School District school.
Specifically, how do parents of children set to attend K-2 at Allan Elementary opt-out of IDEA to instead attend either Govalle or Ortega?
Furthermore, how do parents of children set to enter 6th grade at any of the schools in the Eastside Memorial Vertical Team opt-out to instead attend Martin Middle School?
As it stands, the only option parents have is to submit a non-priority general transfer by January 31st.
That deadline is fast approaching, yet there’s been no public clarification from AISD as to if and when there will be a seperate opt-out process for parents.
Some parents will no doubt choose to send their kids to IDEA and therefore accept the default assignment, but it’s just as important that you give parents the choice to attend a non-charter school within AISD if they choose.
I suspect you don’t want the transfer process to be used for opting out of IDEA, but in the absence of any guidance from AISD, many parents see that as their only option.
Thank you for all you do.
By Luke M. Muszkiewicz
Sent to Dr. Carstarphen, Board of Trustees, and Mr. Sanchez on 1/23/2012
