Open Enrollment program concludes March 21 Published March 18, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Diana M. Cossaboom 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The Open Enrollment program, concluding March 21, is offered so parents can apply to send their children to any school within the Sumter County School District that is outside of their attendance zone. There are 26 schools in Sumter County School District that are participating in the program. The program is offered for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. "The application process started Feb. 10, and runs until Friday, March 21," said John Kennedy, 20th Force Support Squadron school liaison officer. "The application will either have to be postmarked or returned to the district by March 21." The application for the program is offered on the Sumter School District website and can be turned in at the schools or mailed to the Sumter School District. Mary Sheridan, Sumter County School District public information coordinator, said this is the first year the district is allowing open enrollment. Last year, the district only allowed out-of-zone transfers. Sheridan emphasized that the open enrollment will not affect student-to-teacher ratios, and that no school will be overcrowded. Schools that have an overabundance of applications will hold a lottery to choose who will be accepted. This program was created so students can participate in programs that may not be offered at schools in their attendance zone, said Kennedy. This also makes it so Airmen can send their children to the school they choose even if they reside in a different attendance zone. The only caveat to the program is that parents have to provide transportation for their child to and from school, which Airmen and their families should keep in mind when changing attendance zones. Notice of accepted applications will be sent out by May 2 for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year. "We try to accommodate people to make their lives easier if we can," said Sheridan. For more information, call John Kennedy at 20th FSS (803) 895-1358.