Hamilton Co. Schools Agree to Respect ''The Line''

There has been much controversy and confusion in recent days regarding the traditional "Line" which forms every year for parents to sign up for their childrens' admission to CSAS and CSLA.

Parents began the line on Aug. 28, but initially school administrators indicted that line might not be valid.

However Friday afternoon Hamilton County school administrators reversed that position "in response to community input and interest."

Below is the school systems statement on the controversy and Friday's decision:

CSAS, CSLA, and the Hamilton County Department of Education value the passionate interest our parents have for the education of their children. It is this passion from parents partnered with the hard work of our educators that make our schools successful.

“The Line” that has formed for Kindergarten admissions since 1988 is evidence of this passion. This year, “The Line” began earlier than ever before. As a result, many questions arose regarding the Kindergarten admissions process. Administration initially believed it was best to halt the first come, first served process and implement a new process that had been discussed.

However, in response to community input and interest and in accordance with established guidelines that have been advertised by both schools, administrators feel it is in the community’s best interest to recognize the line that formed on Saturday, August 28, 2010. District administration agrees.

As such, Kindergarten applications will be available on Tuesday, September 7th. Applications are available at CSAS, CSLA, and on the HCDE website. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis on Saturday, September 18th, from 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. at CSAS. After 9:00 a.m. on September 18th, applications will continue to be accepted at both schools during regular school hours. All applications will be stamped with the date and time received.

School administrators and Central Office personnel are already working to fine tune the procedures for future years. Community members, parents and other stakeholders will be included in the creation and implementation of the new admissions process. The new process will be advertised prior to the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year so parents and the community are fully aware of how to apply to CSAS and CSLA for the 2012-2013 school year.