In the northwest area of the Peoria Unified School District, schools are becoming overpopulated. To fix this, they are changing the school boundaries and are moving students as many as 2 or 3 times in the next few years, based on estimated growth of the area. They have a program in Arizona known as "open enrollment," which allows for children to go to any school of their choosing, regardless of where their home school is, or even if they live in the district. The rule is supposed to be that as long as they can accommodate those children, they can attend the school. However, the zoning committee is now saying that once you're in the school, you're safe, meaning that the children on variances from other schools are a higher priority than the children who live within the boundaries of that school. This is not fair. Why is my child not safe when I purposely bought within the boundary for our school? Our subdivision, Camino A Lago South, will be the most affected. My son, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder, Epilepsy, and Dyslexia, will be moved several times, with no regard for his special needs or what the constant change will do to a child who needs stability and security. Change can be difficult for any child, especially those who thrive in structure and familiar surroundings. We are asking that the least changes possible be made, and that they cut the variances first before they cut the students that live within the boundaries of their beloved schools.

The rules from PUSD regarding open enrollment and variances is attached below:

What is the district policy on open enrollment? The District has an open-enrollment program as set forth in A.R.S. 15-816 et seq. The open enrollment program described in this policy shall be placed on the District website and made available to the public on request. No tuition shall be charged for open enrollment, except as authorized by applicable provisions of A.R.S. 15-764, 15-797, 15-823, 15-824, and 15-825.

Definitions

Resident transfer pupil means a resident pupil who is enrolled in or seeking enrollment in a school that is within the school district - but outside the attendance area - of the pupil's residence.

Nonresident pupil means a pupil who resides in this state and who is seeking enrollment in a school district other than the school district in which the pupil resides.

Enrollment Options

District resident pupils may enroll in another school district or in another school within this District. Resident transfer pupils and nonresident pupils may enroll in schools within this District, subject to the procedures that follow.

Information and Application

The Superintendent or the Superintendent's designee shall prepare a written information packet concerning the District's application process, standards for acceptance or rejection, and policies, regulations, and procedures for open enrollment. The packet will be made available to everyone who requests it.

Capacity

The Superintendent or the Superintendent's designee shall annually estimate how much excess capacity