During the 2016 Legislative Session an amendment was made to Florida Statute 1002.31. It amended the existing Florida Statue on controlled open enrollment and changed controlled open enrollment from an option to a directive for district school boards.  Prior to the amended statute, Holmes District Schools had a plan in place that allowed students living in our district to attend the district school of their choice and a plan on how students from other districts could obtain a waiver to attend one of our district schools. This amendment to Florida Statute 1002.31 is requiring our district to restructure our plan for the 2017-2018 school year and beyond.

The new plan requires that any student who is living outside the zone set for each district school to complete an Annual School Reassignment Application yearly. Students who live outside the school district will also be required to complete the application. Priority will be given to Holmes District Schools students first, along with court orders, foster care and military relocation. Holmes School District has set student capacity limits at each of our schools. At this time, Holmes School District does not see an issue with students continuing to attend a school outside of their zone, but will require that the application process be followed for each student. 

A public hearing on the new plan is scheduled for February 21, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the Holmes District School Board Office, 701 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Bonifay, Florida.

Click the Related Files link for draft versions of the plan and application form, as well as a list of frequently asked questions.  You may also request a hard copy of controlled open enrollment draft in person at the Holmes District School Board Office. 

This year, in an effort to minimize distractions and interruptions to instructional time, in addition to transportation/bus safety precautions, deliveries of flowers, balloons, etc. made to the school will not be given to students during the school day.   If something is delivered to the school for a student, the student may pick it up from the office at the end of the day.  If a student rides a bus home, the student’s parent will be contacted to pick up the item(s).  These items will not be allowed on the bus.

There will be a special session of the Holmes District School Board on Friday, January 27 at 2:00 p.m. in the Board Room at the district office.  Click the Related Files link below for the agenda.

Holmes District Schools will be closed on Monday, January 16. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 17.