Open Enrollment
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.
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.