What does Open Enrollment mean in Coppell ISD?  In general, Open Enrollment is the term that is

used to define the school district’s ability to accept applications for enrollment from students who

reside outside the district. In the Coppell Independent School District, Open Enrollment specifically

applies to the elementary students who reside within the city limits of Coppell but outside the current

CISD attendance boundaries.

Why is Coppell ISD piloting an Open Enrollment process at this time?  Neighborhood associations

within the city limits of Coppell have lobbied CISD staff and board members for years to accept their

children into Coppell schools. An Open Enrollment process at this time will help the school district

accomplish multiple goals: address the decline in enrollment in the northwest quadrant of the community, operate low enrollment campuses with greater efficiency (heating, cooling, cleaning, etc.), possibly

preserve teaching positions, and generate new revenue for the school district for each additional Open Enrollment student accepted.

How much additional revenue could the school district generate from Open Enrollment?  Open Enrollment

has the potential to generate $300,000 - $500,000 for the district depending on: a.) the amount of target

revenue per student (set by the state), and b.) the number of students accepted through this process.

Are there required criteria to apply for Open Enrollment?  Yes. During the 2010-2011 school year, the

child’s attendance rate must have been maintained at 95% or better, they must have passed all classes

 as well as all sections of the most recent TAKS test (or equivalent) taken, and they may not have been

placed in any disciplinary program. (see p. 5 of the info packet for more info.)

When will Open Enrollment for the 2011-2012 school year begin? The Open Enrollment process will

begin on Monday, May 16 when applications will be accepted and continue to Thursday, June 9, at 4 p.m

How will Open Enrollment applications be accepted?  The completed application form as well as the

other required items (see Checklist on p. 8) must be submitted in person at the Coppell ISD’s Vonita

White Administration Building/ 200 South Denton Tap Road/Coppell, Texas.

Can children from all grade levels participate in the process?  No. Only elementary students entering

grades K-5 in the 2011-2012 school year will be eligible to participate. Should the Open Enrollment

process continue, students would be able to attend middle school and high school in the Coppell ISD.

What campuses will be participating in the Open Enrollment process?  Limited spaces are anticipated

to be available during the 2011-2012 school year at Cottonwood Creek Elementary, Denton Creek

Elementary, and Town Center Elementary.

Can I choose the school my child will attend?  No. Seats will be filled based on space and program

availability, the lottery process (if needed), and upon meeting all required criteria. The Open Enrollment application form does allow the applicant to rank their campus preferences.

How many seats will be available?  Preliminary enrollment numbers indicate approximately 130 seats

between the three identified campuses with the majority being at Cottonwood Creek Elementary.

How will those seats be filled? Will there be a lottery process for admission?  Seats will be filled based

on availability, available on a pre-determined campus.  In the event there are more applicants than seats available on predetermined campuses, a lottery process will be utilized.

Will I need to pay a tuition fee for my child?  No. Tuition fees will not be charged for the 2011-2012 school

year.

Will the school district provide transportation for students in the Open Enrollment process?  No.

Transportation to and from school will not be provided to Open Enrollment students. 

If my child is accepted for Open Enrollment for the 2011-2012 school year, will they need to reapply

again the following year?  Yes. The Texas Education Code stipulates that every district in Texas that has

Open Enrollment must have an annual reapplication requirement. The Board of Trustees voted to approve

the Open Enrollment process on a one year trial basis for the 2011-2012 school year. The decision to

continue or discontinue the Open Enrollment process must also be made by the Board of Trustees and they will do so in time for the 2012 spring registration period.

If one child in a family is accepted, is/are their sibling(s) guaranteed automatic admission?  No. Open Enrollment application is by student and not by family.

When will I be notified of my child’s acceptance into the Open Enrollment process?  Parents will be notified

in writing of the acceptance or denial of their child’s application

Notes from 5/11/2011 Meeting with CISD &

Coppell Greens HOA Board

While there are no guarantees that the program will be continued after the one year trial,
unless there are serious problems the program will be continued and expanded.  The
school district needs the money and would otherwise have to layoff teachers.  All other
Open Enrollment programs like this in other school districts have been continued once
started.

While there is nothing in writing, it is the intention of CISD to carry children all the way
through once admitted.  Once they are in, they are going to do their best to keep them in.

There is no harm in submitting an application.  Once you are contacted and told which school
your child (or children) would go to, then you can elect to accept or decline.

Children admitted will blend in with all the other children.  There will not be anything
that would identify them as being part of the Open Enrollment program except the fact
they are not taking a school bus to school.

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call Kim Graham at 214-496-6060.

If they don't fill all of the 130 available seats, there will not be a lottery.  Your kid(s) will
automatically get in if they meet the requirements.

Once they start building the grade school, middle school and high school at Northlake/Cypress
Waters, there will be a lot of empty seats to fill.  Open Enrollment will be even more important
to them.

CISD is genuinely on our side.  Once our kids are admitted, they will be treated just like the rest
and be given all the same opportunities.