Admission and Attendance
Resident Students Admission
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Resident Student Eligibility (RISD Policy 09.12): According to RISD policy 09.12, pupils whose parent or guardian resides within the District and has custody of the student, or those who are legal residents of the school District, are considered residents. These students are entitled to the privileges of the District’s schools, as provided by state and federal law. This ensures that resident students have automatic access to enrollment without additional approval processes required for nonresidents.
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Equal Access for Specific Populations (RISD Policy 09.12):
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Homeless Children and Unaccompanied Youth: Under RISD policy 09.12, homeless children and youth, including preschool-aged children and unaccompanied youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian, are guaranteed enrollment in the District’s schools. The policy emphasizes equal access to all educational programs and services, including transportation, without segregation or stigmatization based on their homeless status. Resident homeless students are entitled to continue attending their school of origin if deemed in their best interest, with transportation provided if they remain within the District’s service area.
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Children in Foster Care: RISD policy 09.12 ensures that foster children residing in the District have equal access to all educational programs and services, including transportation. These students are immediately enrolled in District schools, with collaboration between the District and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to ensure appropriate enrollment and transfer of records. Foster children may attend their school of origin unless it is determined not to be in their best interest, as assessed in collaboration with the child welfare agency.
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Non-Discrimination in Enrollment (RISD Policy 09.12): RISD policy 09.12 mandates that the District does not discriminate in enrollment based on race, color, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, or disability, in compliance with federal laws such as Title VI, VII, IX, ADA, and Section 504. This applies to all resident students, ensuring equitable access to education.
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Immigrant Students (RISD Policy 09.12): Per RISD policy 09.12, no student residing in the District is denied enrollment based on immigration status, and documentation of immigration status is not required as a condition of enrollment. Immigrant students who are refugees or legal aliens may participate in an approved high school program until graduation or the end of the school year in which they turn 21, whichever comes first.
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Foreign Exchange Students as Residents (RISD Policy 09.12): Under RISD policy 09.12, foreign exchange students living with a host family residing within the District boundaries are admitted as resident students, ensuring they have the same enrollment privileges as other resident students without additional tuition requirements.
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Additional Enrollment Requirements (RISD Policy 09.12): For resident students with prior expulsions or convictions (e.g., homicide, assault, or violations involving weapons, alcohol, or drugs), RISD policy 09.12 requires parents, guardians, or responsible parties to provide a sworn statement or affirmation to the school before admission. This ensures the District is informed of any relevant history that may impact enrollment or school safety.
Nonresident Students Admission
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Eligibility and Approval: Nonresident students may be admitted to the District’s schools upon approval by the Superintendent or their designee, provided the school has capacity and does not require hiring additional staff due to class size or building capacity limits set by the Kentucky Department of Education.
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Restrictions:
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Nonresident students who have been expelled, suspended, or have pending suspension/expulsion from another district are generally not permitted to enroll unless the Superintendent determines there are extenuating circumstances.
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The District reviews details of any prior charges, suspensions, or expulsions before deciding on admission, offering a hearing before the Board if admission is to be denied.
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Enrollment Process:
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An annual enrollment process is determined by the Superintendent or designee.
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Nonresident students are enrolled for a one-year term, with automatic renewal each year if the student remains in good standing (i.e., adheres to school rules, code of conduct, and disciplinary procedures).
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Dismissal or Removal:
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Nonresident students can be removed or dismissed at the end of the school year for reasons such as poor attendance (10+ unexcused absences/tardies), behavior issues, poor academic effort, or chronic disruption.
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During the school year, dismissal requires due process as per KRS 158.150.
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Special Considerations for Homeless and Foster Children:
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Nonresident students designated as homeless or in foster care are subject to enrollment under the “best interest of the child” or “school of origin” requirements per the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and McKinney-Vento Act.
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Transportation: The District does not provide transportation outside its boundaries for nonresident students.
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Non-Discrimination: Enrollment decisions must comply with anti-discrimination laws (e.g., Title VI, VII, IX, ADA, Section 504), ensuring no discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, or disability.
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Additional Requirements:
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Parents or guardians must provide a sworn statement regarding any prior expulsions or convictions (e.g., homicide, assault, or violations involving weapons, alcohol, or drugs) within five working days of enrollment notification.
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The District may withhold placement pending receipt of the student’s records from the previous school.
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Athletic Participation: Nonresident student athletes’ participation is governed by Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) regulations.