May 5, 2008

Dear Parents,

The Buchanan Community Schools will once again participate in the "Schools of Choice” program for the 2008-2009 school year. Students who live in other Berrien County school districts may apply for admission to Buchanan Schools without having to receive permission from their home school district. Students who are accepted under the “Schools of Choice” plan may attend Buchanan Schools without any tuition charge. Once admitted, students may remain through graduation. Future preference for admission will be given to brothers and sisters of students already accepted by the district under the “Schools of Choice” plan.

Applications for admission will be accepted starting May 12th in the Superintendent's Office at 401 W. Chicago St., Buchanan, MI. The application deadline for positions in grades with limited numbers in June 13th. For grades with unlimited slots the application deadline is September 8th. The Buchanan Schools will have the following number of openings available.

Parents applying for positions in grades with limited numbers will be notified of acceptance of their application by June 16, 2008. Enrollment information will be furnished at that time as well. High School students may complete a preliminary course registration upon filing their application. This registration will be confirmed upon official enrollment.

Student athletes should be aware of the MHSAA regulations involving “schools of choice” transfer. Students currently in grades 9 through 11 who are accepted for admission in a school system outside of their district of residence must sit out one full semester before participation in athletics. Students, who transfer for the sole reason of athletics must sit out one full year as required by the MHSAA.

If you have further questions regarding the “school of choice” program, please feel free to contact my office at 269-695-8401.

Sincerely,

Diana Davis
Superintendent