Why was the priority system developed?
The goal of the learning community’s diversity plan is for 38 percent of the students in every classroom in the 11 districts to receive a free or reduced-price lunch. That would reflect the diversity of the metro area as a whole, as required by the law. When learning community students move into OPS, that 38 percent goal will determine what schools are available to them.
For its own intra-district movement plan, however, OPS proposes having 65 percent of the students in each classroom receive free or reduced-price meals, which would reflect the overall district. The OPS plan is independent of the learning community’s plan under the law.
Would my child receive a free bus ride if he or she is:
>> A student from OPS or the learning community who receives a free or reduced-price lunch? Yes. All students who receive free or reduced-price lunch will receive free transportation if they live one mile or more from their school.
>> An OPS resident who doesn’t get a subsidized lunch? Yes, if the student lives one mile or more from the school and the student’s movement would improve the building’s diversity.
>> A learning community resident who improves the choice school’s diversity? Yes. All students who improve the choice school’s economic diversity receive a ride.
>> A resident of OPS or the learning community who would not improve the choice school’s diversity? No.
What if I live in OPS and I want my child to attend school in another district?
After the Learning Community Coordinating Council votes Thursday on its diversity plan, procedures will be communicated about the application process for transfers among the districts.
OPS students on free or reduced-priced lunch are expected to have a variety of school choices in the other districts.
How can I learn more and get a copy of the required forms?
If the Omaha district’s proposal is approved, OPS plans to set up a phone bank in January to help parents navigate the process. OPS resident students will receive their forms at school in January.
Contact the writer: 444-1037, michaela.saunders@owh.com
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