Parents who want their children to attend a school outside their neighbourhood next year have until Feb.15 to submit an application.
A new school district policy is part of the school board’s efforts to keep small schools open.
“This is a new policy,” said Katherine McIntosh, director of instruction for School District 85. “ The board wants to have a fair process that maximizes the number of students at small schools. We want to support choice while keeping schools open.”
The applications must be submitted by Feb. 15 and school principals will confirm decisions by Oct. 1.
“We do get students who move into the community or move away in the summer,” said McIntosh. “So we need September to be sure we have room for students in the neighbourhood first.”
There are some exceptions to the new policy.
Port McNeill is considered one neighbourhood and students in Grades 10 to 12 can be registered in more than one school. Students already attending a non-neighbourhood school do not need to reapply.
“Once they’re in, they’re in,” said McIntosh. Although not part of the policy, McIntosh said efforts would be made to keep siblings together.
The applications are date stamped as they are received, adds McIntosh.
“It is first come, first served, so I recommend families get their applications in as soon as possible.”
For more information contact a school for a copy of the Student Admission Policy No. 2-295/R or visit the district website at www.sd85.bc.ca.