AISD parents submit transfer requests

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Wrapped in blankets and sleeping bags, hundreds of parents camped out at the Austin School District's headquarters. They waited in line to submit school transfer requests, since AISD transfers are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Saturday morning, the wait was over, and parents began filing in.

However, some parents decided to risk it and sleep in the comfort of their own beds.

"No waiting overnight," said Misty Neader, Mother. "It was a lot easier. It wasn't bad at all."

Kelly Kiessling wanted her son Edwin to start junior high school at the right school.

"I think he'll get a better education if he transfers to O'Henry Middle School," said Kiessling.

Unfortunately, not everyone will get what they wanted. Only two-thirds of parents will get their top choice. Around 30 schools are frozen to transfer requests including five high schools, 22 elementary schools and three middle schools.

"The District wants parents and children to attend the school they would like to be in to the extent possible," said Zoe Griffith, AISD Director of Student Services and Records.

Parents with Priority Transfers like Majority-to-Minority or Sibling Transfers have it easy.
They can skip the line all together. They just have to fill out a request before Friday February 19.

Transfer details, according to AISD:

It is not necessary to stand in line on Feb. 6, 2010 to submit a request for a priority transfer, but it is necessary to submit the request no later than Feb. 19, 2010 to be eligible for such a transfer.

Types of priority transfers are:

* Sibling Transfer - A sibling transfer request can be made for siblings of students who are, or will be, attending the requested school at the same time on an approved transfer. The transfer to that school shall be allowed if space and staff are available. To receive priority consideration for a sibling transfer, the request must be received no later than the tenth school day after the first Saturday in February of the prior school year.

* Tracking Transfer - Students who have transferred to another school and who have a history of at least two unbroken years of attendance in the two highest grades offered at the school, may request a tracking transfer to the next level (i.e., to a middle school from an elementary school or to a high school from a middle school) in order to remain with their peers. The transfer to that school shall be allowed if space and staff are available. To receive priority consideration for a tracking transfer, the request must be received no later than the tenth school day after the first Saturday in February of the prior school year. This provision does not apply to a student who has moved who wishes to seek a transfer back to the same school. In this case, the student should seek a general transfer, and all requirements of the transfer policy shall apply.

* Majority-to-Minority Transfer - Students may transfer from a school where the student's ethnic group is over 50 percent of the school's population to a school where the student's ethnic group is less than 50 percent of the school's population. The purpose of the majority-to-minority transfer is to complement the District's student assignments and promote diversity throughout the District. The transfer to that school shall be allowed if space and staff are available. To receive priority consideration for a majority-to-minority transfer, the request must be received no later than the tenth school day after the first Saturday in February of the prior school year. For the purpose of majority-to-minority transfers.