Take a moment to review and familiarize yourself with our most frequently asked questions about open enrollment. Be sure to click the red arrow at the bottom of the page.

Q: May absenteeism affect my child's transfer?

A: Regular attendance is crucial for student success. Out-of-district student transfers may be revoked due to chronic absenteeism. According to the West Virginia Board of Education, chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% of the school year, which amounts to 18 or more instructional days. This includes both excused and unexcused absences.

Q: Who can request an intra-county, non-resident, or out-of-state student transfer?

A: Any parent, legal guardian, or other person legally responsible for a student may request a transfer.

Q: When can parents submit open enrollment applications for the next school year?

A: Open enrollment applications for the next school year must be submitted between April 1st through May 30th of the current school year.

Q: What happens if I miss the deadline for open enrollment applications?

A: Late applications will be evaluated case-by-case and approved only under extraordinary circumstances.

Q: What reasons can result in the denial of an open enrollment application?

A: Denials may occur due to lack of grade level capacity, lack of required programs or services, the student's inappropriate behavior, failure to submit a timely application, excessive absences and/or tardies.

Q: Who is responsible for transportation for students attending schools outside their attendance zone?

A: Parents are responsible for arranging transportation. Intra-county, non-resident, or out-of-state regular education students may access existing transportation services. However, parents are responsible for transporting their students to and from a bus stop which serves the school in the attendance zone in which the student is transferring.

Q: How are transportation services handled for special education students with IEPs?

A: Special education students with IEPs specifying transportation needs will be provided transportation in accordance with state law, which may include various options such as transportation to and from the school of attendance or mileage reimbursement.

Q: How does the school board handle out-of-state transfers into Wood County Schools?

A: Out-of-state students may be granted permission to enroll based on the judgment of the school board.

Q: Is there a fee associated with out-of-state students attending Wood County Schools?

A: Yes, out-of-state students, with the exception of dependents of Wood County Schools employees, are required to pay tuition, which is $6000.00 annually.

Q: What documentation is required upon approval of a transfer request?

 A: Certified birth certificate, immunization records, and a statement affirming the student's behavior compliance in the last 365 days must be provided.

Q: May a student transfer within Wood County Schools for the same school year under regular circumstances?

A: No, intra-county, non-resident, or out-of-state student transfers for the same school year are only approved under extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the applying parent or student.

Q: Is the open enrollment policy compliant with laws regarding disability and equal rights?

A: Yes, the policy explicitly states that enrollment decisions will not distinguish between students based on residential or potential disability status, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and others outlined in the policy.

Q: How does the school board determine if appropriate staff and resources are available for transfer students?

A: When making enrollment decisions, the school board and superintendent will not distinguish between students based on residential or potential disability status. However, they will assess if appropriate staff, resources, services, and programs are in place at the requested school and grade level to meet the needs of the applying students.

Q: May a student who has committed a level 3 or level 4 inappropriate behavior be denied enrollment through open transfer?

A: Yes, a student's open enrollment application may be denied if, within the 365 days preceding the date of application, the student has committed a level 3 or level 4 inappropriate behavior as defined by West Virginia Board of Education Policy 4373.

Q: What if I lack internet connectivity or access to a suitable device?

A: The transfer request form can be accessed through a computer, tablet, or smartphone, as well as via the Wood County Schools app. In our commitment to ensuring equal opportunities, if you don't have internet access or a device to access the form, each school office is equipped with an iPad available for your use. For more information, please contact your school's secretary.