Transfer Request FAQs

Intentional Integration Initiative (III) FAQs

Email questions to:  integrationinfo@somsd.k12.nj.us 

Transfer FAQ

Can I request a transfer? 

• Yes. Please log onto the parent portal and submit your transfer request. You can find it under forms on PowerSchool. CLICK HERE for PowerSchool

How often are transfers granted? 

• Each year, we receive significantly more transfer requests than we are able to accommodate. Historically, approximately 15-20% of transfer requests are approved. While every request is carefully considered, this means that we are unable to grant the majority of requests.  Because of this, we ask families to plan for the existing placement until you have received a determination from the transfer committee. 

What factors are examined when looking at my child's transfer? 

• A primary factor is available space. Each school has a limited number of seats, and we must carefully manage enrollment to ensure appropriate class sizes and staffing.

• Additionally, our district is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Intentional Integration Initiative. Transfer requests are therefore reviewed not only based on the individual circumstances of a family, but also for their potential impact on school enrollment and the goals of the district's integration initiative.

How will my transfer be reviewed? 

• Every transfer request is reviewed individually. We recognize that each family has unique circumstances, and we want to ensure that requests are considered in a consistent, thoughtful, and equitable manner.

• The district uses a rubric to help evaluate the circumstances described in each request. Requests are generally identified as either:

  • Priority 1: Circumstances that demonstrate a significant or compelling need for consideration.

  • Priority 2: Circumstances that warrant consideration but do not rise to the level of a Priority 1 request.

• Priority 1 or Priority 2 designation does not guarantee that a transfer will be approved. Available space, enrollment considerations, and the impact of the requested transfer on the Intentional Integration Initiative must also be considered.

What is the timeline for my transfer request?

• To ensure that we have accurate information about enrollment and available space at each school, transfer requests received before July 1 will not be reviewed during the month of July.

• For requests received before July 1:

  • Review begins: July 1

  • Decisions communicated: Before August 1

• For transfer requests submitted after July 1, the review process generally takes a minimum of three weeks. 

What happens if my family is experiencing a severe crisis? 

• We recognize that some circumstances may involve a severe or urgent crisis (ex: loss of your home, unexpected medical emergency) that cannotA reasonably wait for the standard review timeline.

• If this applies to your family, please also email the Intentional Integration team directly and explain the circumstances of your situation. This will allow the team to understand the urgency and determine whether additional consideration is appropriate.