House File (HF) 2589 eliminates the March 1 deadline for open enrollment. This change allows parents/guardians to apply for open enrollment at any time without the need for good cause. The receiving district may deny an open enrollment request if one of the following applies:
- The application violates the district’s insufficient classroom space policy,
- The district does not have the appropriate special education program,
- The application would adversely affect the district’s implementation of a court-ordered desegregation plan, or
- The student has been expelled or suspended.
If a parent/guardian moves and wishes for their student to continue at the original resident district under open enrollment (often known as the “continuation rule”), requests cannot be denied due to insufficient classroom space policies.
2022-2023 Open Enrollment Handbook – Provides parents, guardians, and school districts with updated information following several changes to Iowa law and rules regarding open enrollment. This handbook is divided into the following sections: Information for Parents and Guardians, Instructions for School Districts, Frequently Asked Questions, and Contacts and Resources.
2022-23 Open Enrollment Application – The application and process for open enrollment are outlined in the open enrollment application. Please mail, email, or fax copies of the application to your resident school district and the district you would like for your child to attend
Guidance on Athletic Eligibility
Unless an exception applies, the General Transfer Rule (281—IAC 36.15(3)) prohibits a student-athlete from participating in varsity athletics for 90 school days (not including summer school) after transferring from one Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) or Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) member or associate member school or school district to another.
- House File 847 and Changes to Athletic Eligibility Guidance – Provides additional information related to a student’s eligibility to compete in varsity athletics after transferring between schools or school districts.
Transportation
Parents are responsible for transporting children open enrolled to another district. This applies to all students, including those with an individualized educational program (IEP). As a general rule, if the need for transportation is stated in the IEP as a related service, the parent is responsible for this obligation under open enrollment. If a child open enrolls to a district that is contiguous to (or borders) the home district and the parents’ income meets economic eligibility requirements, the family may receive a stipend for transportation or be provided transportation by the resident district. For additional information, see the 2022-2023 Open Enrollment Handbook.
