House Bill 251

HB251, passed in 2009, allows a JCSS student to enroll in a school outside the defined attendance zone as long as the requested school has space available after all its assigned students have been enrolled. HB251 students who are permitted to enroll in a school in which they are not zoned to attend may then continue attending through all the grades offered at that school (i.e., elementary, middle or high school), provided that student meets attendance, behavior and academic expectations. A new application must be submitted when the student advances to the next grade band (i.e. elementary to middle or middle to high).

Please note that acceptance under HB251 is dependent on class availability and overall school capacity.

Please review the application linked below for more information. An application decision will be made no later than July 1 of each calendar year. School leaders will consider all HB251 applications after placement of all zoned students. HB251 applicants will be considered for placement in their requested school based on class and school capacity and enrollment. The Superintendent or designee will work with school leaders to make all final decision on requests.

Please note:

If your child has a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Accommodation Plan (IAP), nothing in this framework requires the school system to develop those services at the requested school, provided those services are available elsewhere in the local school district.

Students whose HB251 applications are approved may not be eligible for interscholastic competition at the high school level for one year, per Georgia High School Association (GHSA) eligibility guidelines.

The parent/guardian is responsible for all the costs associated with transporting the student to and from the out-of-zone school. The school system will not provide transportation for these students, to or from any location, including homes of relatives or daycare centers located within Jackson County.