Davis District easing rules on boundary variances

Though new boundary lines for high schools in Davis School District next year are up in the air, leaders are tweaking policy to smooth out the process in receiving boundary variances — something that schools could be seeing a lot of once new lines are drawn.

Schools are permitted to offer variances that are equal or less than 1.5 percent of an institution's enrollment.

Previously if junior high or high school students wanted to attend a school outside of the boundaries of their neighborhood schools, parents would have to apply for a boundary variance in the January before the following school year.

They would be granted on a first-come first-serve basis.

And if students missed that window, they would have to go through student services and plead their case, claiming a hardship made it imperative to change schools.

Michelle Beus, legal specialist for the district, said under those parameters, the process was often unfair and limiting.

But under the new rule approved this week, variances would be granted based on a random selection process.

Those students not chosen would be put on a waiting list but could be offered slots at their school of choice as they became available during the year.

Principals would also be able to work with other schools in exchange processes throughout the school year.

"This proposal will accommodate the interests of parents and students and the school as well," Beus said. "Student services just wanted to open (the process) up more but stay at 1.5 percent so it did not negatively impact school programs."

"This is student friendly and a good way to accommodate students on this that has been kind of a hot area," said Marian Storey, board president.

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