Policy

If you have moved after the start of school and now live in a different school zone, you can request to complete the school year at the current school by completing this form. 

Domicile Change Form

Policy

Rowan-Salisbury Schools (RSS) Board of Education assigns students to schools based on their home address. It is the intent of the Board of Education that a student should attend the school that serves his/her home address. Exceptions to this will be made within criteria provided by the RSS Board of Education.

Student reassignment only applies to students who wish to attend a school that is not currently associated with their home address. This includes students wishing to attend a school with a specialized academy. If you are moving into Rowan County or changing schools because you moved within Rowan County, refer to the enrollment section of this page.

Parents wishing to request a reassignment to a different school may do so during the Transfer Window. The transfer window for 2022-2023 was January 24, 2022-February 18, 2022.  

Reassignments for Rowan County residents that are granted are approved through the grade span of the school (K-5, 6-8 or 9-12). You do not need to reapply each year.

Reassignments for Out-of-County residents that are granted must be re-submitted annually.

Application and Notification Process

• Applications must be submitted by midnight of the day the transfer timeline closes
• Applications must be completed by the parent/legal guardian
• Supporting documentation MUST be attached for processing to begin
• Applications are submitted online only
• Applications are reviewed by the Assignment Specialist
• Applicants will be notified by letter of approval or denial by the end of June

Review Guidelines

• Requests for transfers are reviewed and appropriate decisions made based on reason(s) for request and space availability in requested school.
• Requests are approved for a valid educational purpose (see below).
• Requests for transfer should be made during the Transfer Window.
• There is no longer an Emergency Transfer Window
• No more than one reassignment request per student will be granted each year.
• Approved reassignment requests are for the duration of the current grade span.
• Parents are responsible for transportation to and from school for reassigned students.

What is a “Valid Educational Purpose”?

A valid educational purpose is one that directly affects a child’s ability to learn and includes, but is not limited to, availability of academic and vocational course offerings, hardships, or special program availability. Requests for romantic purposes, athletic participation, or racial/ethnic reasons are unacceptable. Specific regulations and procedures can be found in the RSSS Board of Education policies.

Appeal process for reassignment denials

Parents and legal guardians may contest a transfer denial by:

• Completing and submitting an Appeal Request to the Superintendent or designee.
• The statement must be received within five (5) working days after the postmarked date on the denial or within five (5) days of sent date if denial letter received by email.
• The Superintendent or designee will study the appeal requests, hold any necessary hearings, and render a decision within ten (10) working days.
• If the parent/guardian is still dissatisfied, they should notify the Board of Education Appeals Committee (through the Assignment Specialist) within five (5) days of receipt of the Superintendent or designee decision.
• The BOE Appeals Committee will hear the request (based on the reason and documentation on the original transfer application).

Circumstances where reassignment may be revoked

A Principal or the Enrollment Specialist may revoke a transfer if the student has problems with behavior, tardiness or unexcused absences. If the reassignment was granted for specific academic programs, the student must meet the expectations of that program in order to continue participation and the reassignment.

Athletic Eligibility

High School students with approved transfers will be subject to a one-year (365 days) athletic wait period that begins on the first day of enrollment in the new school before athletic eligibility can be established.

**Both the Appeals Committee and the full board shall base their decision on consideration of the best interest of the child, the orderly and efficient administration of the public schools, the proper administration of the school to which reassignment is requested, and the instruction, health, and safety of the pupils there enrolled.

In compliance with federal law, the Rowan-Salisbury School System administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law.

The deadline to apply for student transfers ended on July 28, 2022.

A student may not attend a school outside his/her attendance area without the approval of the Board of Education through the transfer process. The transfer forms for the 2023-2024 school year will open on January 17, 2023.  

Supporting Forms:

If your reassignment approval is based on medical rationale, this form must be submitted with the application:

Medical Packet

Medical Packet Spanish

If your reassignment approval is based on child care, this form must be submitted with the application:

Childcare Verification Form

Childcare Verification Form Spanish