Updates to Student Transfer Policies and Magnet School Selection Process

Dear Families,

We want to take a moment to share several important updates regarding our student transfer policies and magnet school selection process. These changes reflect recent legal developments, including our Unitary Status for Students Assignment, Presidential Executive Orders, and Supreme Court decisions.

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Judge Lemelle issued the following order:

"All previous injunctions and orders entered in this matter by this Court with respect to the areas of student assignments are hereby VACATED AND LIFTED. The Court’s supervision over Defendant TPSB in the area of student assignments is hereby TERMINATED, and this matter with respect to student assignments is DISMISSED with prejudice."

This means our district is no longer under federal court supervision for student assignments. Moving forward, we must ensure that all of our practices align with current state and federal law. One key change is the removal of race-based considerations in our student assignment processes. This is not a choice but a legal requirement, and we are committed to carrying out these changes with professionalism, transparency, and integrity.

Diversity Transfer Update

We understand that any transition of this nature can raise concerns, especially for families who were approved for Diversity Transfers. Please know:

• Students with existing, approved Diversity Transfers will remain at their current school for the 2025–2026 school year. These transfers will be honored for the 25-26 school year as long as the student remains within the approved school or feeder pattern.
• Effective immediately, we can not approve any additional Diversity Transfer requests based on race. The Diversity Option has been removed from our online registration portal to comply with the law.

Families still have several transfer options available, including:

• Magnet Programs
• Academic Transfers
• JROTC Transfers
• Extraordinary Circumstances
• Joint Custody
• Child of an Employee

Policy JBCC (Student Transfers) will be reviewed at an upcoming board meeting to ensure it reflects these changes and remains legally compliant.

Magnet Selection Process Update

Previously, race was Priority #3 in our magnet school selection criteria. In accordance with the latest legal guidance, this priority has been removed. Going forward, selections will be made through a computer-generated random lottery using the following updated priorities:

1a. Students living in the new magnet school's attendance zone (first year of operation)
1b. Students continuing in the same magnet program or feeder pattern
2. Siblings of currently enrolled students in the same magnet program
3. Students with IEPs or IAPs due to disabilities or exceptionalities

All other students will be placed into the general random-lottery pool.

Please rest assured that all magnet selections and offer letters issued before the April 23, 2025, court ruling will still be honored. These changes apply only to late applications and future magnet school cycles.

We recognize that these changes may bring up questions, emotions, and uncertainties. We are here to support our families and staff through this transition. Your continued compassion, dedication, and professionalism make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.

Thank you for standing with us as we move forward together TO ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE.

With appreciation,

TPSS Administration