Approximately 14,300 students participated in the District’s Student Assignment lottery, which was conducted the evening of Thursday, March 18. Following a second year of lower than expected student growth, nearly 84 percent of students who applied between January 19 and March 5 received their first choice, according to school officials. More than 94 percent received one of their top three choices.

Last school year, approximately 79 percent of applicants received their first choice and 95 percent received one of their top three choices after the first Batch was conducted. There were approximately 900 fewer applicants processed this year as compared to 2009, officials said.

“I’m pleased that we could place that many in their first choice schools,” said Leila Muvdi, director of student assignment.

“Over the next several months, we will process the eligibility pools as vacancies occur, which will move many students into their first choice schools. We often find that many are well satisfied with their second or third choice, however.”

Some 92 percent of the students 2010 Batch 1 applied for kindergarten, grade six and grade nine, where most vacancies occur each year. The remaining eight percent of applicants were in grades where participation is voluntary and space is limited. Last year 11 percent of applicants were in the voluntary grade levels.

“We will begin mailing notices to families March 26,” said Muvdi. “We want everyone to read the information sent to them they receive very carefully.”

Any student who did not receive his or her first choice is automatically placed in the eligibility pool for their first choice school. There is no need for parents to call requesting placement in an eligibility pool it’s automatic.

The second open-enrollment period for fall classes began March 8 and continues through Tuesday, June 15 (the last day of the 2009/10 school year.) Once school ends, the District will make administrative assignments for students in grades six and nine who have not made their own school selections for next year.

Parents who have questions about the student assignment program can call the Student Assignment Office at 239-337-8247.