Cross-Boundary Transfer Requests Administrative Procedures 1.

Parents/Guardians may request a cross-boundary transfer to allow their child to attend a school outside their regular school boundary. This is in accordance with the Policy: Students Attending Schools Outside Regular School Boundaries (But Within the Jurisdiction of the Board).

2.

The parent/guardian should discuss the request with the Principal of their current (home) school. If a receiving school staff member is contacted prior to the home school, they should re-direct the parent back to the home school without indicating if they would or would not accept the student. However, this does not apply if the reason for the transfer is child care. If the reason for the transfer is child care (elementary only), the receiving school may approve a cross-boundary transfer request.

3.

The home school Principal should assist the parent or guardian in completing the appropriate Cross-Boundary Transfer Between Schools form. There are separate forms for Elementary and Intermediate/Secondary students.

4.

The home school principal should ensure that the parent signs the form and understands that for reasons other than child care (as per Board policies and distance criteria), transportation is not provided.

5.

The home school Principal should consult with the receiving school Principal prior to signing the form.

6.

If the home school Principal does not recommend the Cross-Boundary Transfer, they inform the parent/guardian of the reason. At the same time, they inform the parent of the right to appeal to the home school Family of Schools Superintendent. The form is not sent to the receiving school Principal if the home school Principal is not recommending the transfer.

7.

If the receiving school Principal does not recommend the Cross-Boundary Transfer, they inform the parent/guardian of the reason. At the same time, they inform the parent of the right to appeal to the receiving school Family of Schools Superintendent.

8.

If both principals are recommending the transfer, then the form is forwarded to the receiving school Principal for signature.

9.

The receiving school Principal then sends the signed form to the receiving school Superintendent for approval. This step is eliminated if the reason for the transfer is child care.

10. The Superintendent approves or denies the request and the form is returned to the receiving school Principal. 11. The receiving school Principal notifies the parent/guardian and makes arrangements as needed for registration. The receiving school notifies the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority (OSTA), as needed. 12. Cross-Boundary Transfers are automatically renewed on an annual basis while the student attends the same school and the reason for the transfer still applies. 13. Cross-Boundary Transfers may be cancelled by the school Principal due to: lack of academic progress, excessive absences/lates, safe school issues, or changes to the caregiver address upon which approval was granted. 14. If a Cross-Boundary Transfer is cancelled, the student will be re-registered at their home school. Principals may consider approval of a request to transfer between schools for the following reasons: • A course is offered at one location but not at another • A significant medical reason where a physician/specialist or a psychologist/psychiatrist recommends in writing that it is in the best interests of a student that he/she be placed at a different school. • A student in Grade 11 or 12 who moves outside a school’s boundary in the final years of high school, unless directed by the Board as a result of the opening of a new school. • An elementary student who has been in one school on a cross-boundary transfer would be able to remain with their cohort as they enter high school • An elementary student (JK-6) for childcare reasons. • Compassionate grounds as determined on an individual basis. The following are examples of insufficient reasons for a cross-boundary transfer: • The offering of an extra-curricular activity at one school which is not offered at the home school does not constitute a valid reason for a transfer, nor does participation in after-school community-based activities • Friendship groups do not qualify as a reason for a transfer between schools • School policies/procedures/facilities such as split classes, uniforms, portables, music or drama rooms, etc., do not qualify.