NHCS committee narrows student-assignment language, preserves open access to specialty schools

The New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) policy committee on Sept. 11 amended proposed changes to Policy 4150 so the district's student-assignment plan will not add a geographic restriction that would limit countywide applications to specialty schools. The change removes proposed text that would have required students to apply only to the magnet or year-round school nearest their domicile. The committee also added a new, separate requirement that NHCS administration will develop an admissions rubric for Cooperative Innovative High Schools and that "this rubric and any alterations to it must be approved by the board." The revision followed a staff presentation by Assistant Superintendent Miss Barnum, who summarized current practice: "All lotteries will provide an equal chance for students to be selected. No weighted preferences shall be made." Barnum also described how year-round schools Eaton and Coddington operate under a split attendance zone while specialty elementary schools such as Rachel…