JF

File: JF

SCHOOL ADMISSIONS

All children of school age who reside in the Town of West Springfield will be entitled to attend the public schools therein. A pupil's residency must be established as outlined in the School Admissions Registration Requirements (File: JF-E1), at the time of registration. Additionally, a copy of the addendum to this policy Admissions Affidavit (File: JF-E2) must be signed, under the pains and penalties of perjury, by the student’s parent/guardian and the West Springfield citizen with whom residence has been established. A student over the age of 18 or an emancipated minor (with proper written documentation) will be responsible to sign off on this policy.

In situations where a student has one parent residing in the Town of West Springfield and another residing outside the Town of West Springfield, a child's residence is determined by ascertaining where the child actually lives. The West Springfield Public Schools will use reasonable discretion in making a determination as to where the student actually resides and may ask for further information in order to make such a determination regarding the student's residence.

Investigations may be made by the West Springfield Police Department and/or West Springfield School officials to assure that the student and/or his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) maintains bonafide residence in the Town of West Springfield. Parents/guardians/students are under a continuing obligation to inform West Springfield School officials of any and all changes to a student’s and/or his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) residential status.

When a student is expelled, school districts within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be required to provide educational services to said student. If said student does apply for admission to another school or school district, the superintendent of the school district to which the application is made may request and shall receive from the superintendent of the school district expelling the student, a written statement of the reasons for said expulsion.

Any standards used as part of the admissions process to any public school, including but not limited to testing, the use of recommendations, and interviewing [as referred to in 603 CMR 26.02 (1)] shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, national origin or immigration status. Limited English-speaking ability (as defined by M.G.L.c. 71A) shall not be used as a deterrent to or limitation on admissions.

Students enrolling in the West Springfield Public Schools from another school district must present a school transfer card if transferring from within state, or equivalent information if transferring from out of state. In addition, a record of immunization and the student's health records, as required by law, must be provided.

NOTE: Updated as a result of Education Stability Audit (DESE) March 2019

LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 15:1G; 71:37H; 76:1; 76:5; 76:6; 76:15; 76:15A; 603 CMR 26:01; 26:02

LEGAL REVIEW: September 24, 2018 (Attorney Duperé)

CROSS REFS.: JC-Attendance Areas [approved 10/23/18-no changes]; JCA-Assignment of Students to School [approved 10/23/18-no changes]

Read, revised, approved: March 22, 2019[Policy Subcommittee]

Approved: March 26, 2019 [School Committee]