Officials Aim for More Pupils in Choice Program

By Julia Sellers

AIKEN – Aiken County school officials say they hope for increased participation next year in a program that lets parents send elementary pupils to the school of their choice.

More than 300 pupils participated in the first year of the program, which allows any child in kindergarten through fifth grade to attend any district elementary school, provided the parent or guardian handles transportation and the chosen school has room.

“Our school board values giving our parents more available options districtwide,” said David Mathis, the Aiken County associate superintendent for administration.

The school district decided not to offer transportation because of the cost, Dr. Mathis said.

“Not offering transportation has not been an issue so far for parents wanting to change schools,” he said.

The district’s choice movement, which also includes several single-gender classroom pilot programs, is part of state Education Superintendent Jim Rex’s plan to offer more options within public schools. Although the 300 pupils represent less than 1 percent of the county’s 25,000 pupils, Dr. Mathis said the option serves its purpose, and the district hopes more families will use it in the coming school year.

“Elementary schools are sending home school choice forms this week with newsletters,” he said. “Last year more (parents) took advantage of the open elementary option than any other option in previous years.”

Aiken County also offers transfers based on hardship and for children whose schools don’t meet the federal No Child Left Behind standards.

Hardship cases are based on medical or educational needs and child care issues. Those cases are handled on an at-need basis throughout the year, Dr. Mathis said.

No Child Left Behind options are available to pupils in schools that did not meet the federal benchmarks for two consecutive years. Those options are outlined for families before the end of the school year.

Although the district expected expanded elementary choice to be popular, most families taking advantage of the program say they aren’t unhappy with the current school.

Last year Carl Dunbar transferred his three children to Area 3 schools in the Graniteville and Clearwater area. The family lives in the area zoned for Silver Bluff schools.

He said after-school care was a major factor in his family’s decision.

Jason Feemster chose his daughter’s Area 3 school because he wanted her to attend the same schools he did growing up.

Last year Aiken Elementary and Mossy Creek Elementary were the only schools that did not participate in the choice option. They were already at capacity.

Applications for expanded elementary choice will be accepted until March 14. Parents must file in the area office of their home attendance area.

Reach Julia Sellers at (803) 648-1395, ext. 106,or julia.sellers@augustachronicle.com.

Originally published by Julia Sellers South Carolina Bureau.

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