MMSD proposes changing internal-transfer rules to let students in feeder grades move together

Madison Metropolitan School District enrollment staff presented a proposal to streamline internal transfers and align them with open-enrollment timelines.

Fatima Bentada, the district enrollment director, described the change: the district would allow students in transition grades (fifth-to-sixth and eighth-to-ninth) to remain with their cohort and move to the feeder high school without submitting an annual internal-transfer application. Bentada said the revision addresses perceived inequities between open-enrolled students and in-district internal-transfer students and reduces repetitive reapplications.

Board members asked whether students with special needs would be included. Bentada said she had consulted student-services leadership and confirmed that students with special needs would be included and receive the same opportunities.

Capacity concerns and feeder-pattern management were discussed. Staff explained that when lotteries run, principals and the district use feeder preferences and principals often confirm that cohorted students will be accommodated; the policy change aims to formalize that practice. Several board members welcomed the change as reducing parental stress and keeping peer groups together.

What’s next: Staff will incorporate technical edits into procedures and return with final language for a later read. The policy will not affect magnet/lottery programs, which have separate application processes.

Ending: No vote was taken; staff will return with refined procedures and any necessary cross-references.