Rockdale County Public students can now attend any school in the Rockdale County Public School System, thanks to HB 251. The bill, which went into effect May 5, gives students the opportunity to transfer to any school within the same school district, as long as there is space available. The provision, however, does not apply to charter schools or schools open open for less than five years.

Students who wish to take advantage of the school choice program have until 3 p.m. on July 16 to submit applications to the RCPS. There are currently 21 spaces available in the Rockdale County School System. If more applications than spaces are received, the seats will be filled by a lottery on July 22.

Only Barksdale, Lorraine and D.L. Sims Elementary Schools have open seats. Barksdale Elementary School has one spot in kindergarten, four spots in first grade and one spot in fifth grade available. At Lorraine Elementary School, there are seven spots available in fifth grade. And D.L. Sims Elementary School has eight spaces available in the fourth grade.

Students who choose to transfer under HB 251 to a school outside of their home school must provide their own transportation. Also, if a student is served by an IEP or IAP and transfers to a school that is not set-up to serve the student's needs, the school is not required to service the IEP or IAP.

Applications are available at the student registration office located at 1143 West Avenue or on the school system's Web site at www.rockdale.k12.ga.us. Proof of residency is required to apply.

Applications for transfers under HB 251 will only be accepted for the upcoming school year and only for schools with open spaces.