TOWN STAFF REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
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Discuss, consider and act regarding WA Resolution 24-42 approving amendments to the Westlake Academy Admissions Policy to eliminate the Notice of Intent to Return form currently sent to enrolled students each year and setting a defined closing date for accepting waitlist applications from secondary boundary students applying to grades Kindergarten through Grade 8. (Darcy McFarlane, Director of Accountability)
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STAFF: Darcy McFarlane, Director of Accountability
BACKGROUND:
When the Town of Westlake received the original Charter for Westlake Academy in 2003, the school implemented a process requiring all returning students to complete a Notice of Intent to Return Form each year. This form asked families to confirm whether their student intended to return to Westlake Academy for the upcoming school year and to identify any siblings who wished to apply for admission for the following year.
In addition, the school has traditionally kept the waitlist application open year-round to ensure sufficient students to fill any spaces that may become available throughout the school year.
DISCUSSION:
Notice of Intent to Return
While the Notice of Intent to Return Form was an effective tool for managing enrollment at the time of the original Charter, advancements in online registration, earlier registration timelines, and the school's accumulated historical knowledge have rendered the form largely redundant.
The form often creates confusion and frustration for parents by duplicating questions asked during the annual registration process. Additionally, because the form is distributed in February, most parents respond affirmatively to the question, "Will your student be returning to Westlake Academy for the following school year?" However, these responses frequently become outdated by the end of summer, when many families make their final decisions about the upcoming school year. As a result, the form has become an unnecessary adm...
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