AISD priority registration waitlist causing concerns for some parents

Some parents are concerned that their kids won't get into those programs though, there can be very long waitlists if students aren't zoned for a specific school.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Priority registration is an important time for parents and students in Austin Independent School District.

It is a time when parents can register their kids and sign them up for a different AISD schools or programs that might not be offered in their area.

"We have lots of great programs," said Gabe Reyes, Director of Student Enrollment and Attendance Services with AISD.

Some parents are concerned that their kids won't get into those programs, though there can be very long waitlists if students aren't zoned for a specific school.

"Depending on which school we are talking about some schools get flooded with requests," said John Green-Otero, Director of Early Learning with AISD.

This year, AISD moved to a new system known as 'Enroll Austin' which combines all online registration, pre-K applications and transfer requests.

"It does create waitlists, but as students accept or decline their offers as they go through this process it does open up seats," Reyes said.

For Pre-K students there are eligibility requirements for students who are applying to transfer or join a specific program. The Texas Education Agency requires economically disadvantaged students, emergent bilingual students, students experiencing homelessness or those in the foster system be given higher priority when applying.

"Because it is designed by the state to ensure first and foremost that we are ensuring students who fall into those categories get placed, we have to by law ensure that," Green-Otero said. "It creates challenges, because depending on which school we are talking about, some schools just get flooded with requests."

Some parents of transfer students we spoke with tell KXAN that they are looking at options outside of AISD because of the waitlist.

KXAN asked AISD if there are any considerations they look at for students on the waitlist. AISD tells KXAN they do offer guidance to campuses on certain things to look for when considering students.

"Consider if you have a sibling on the campus, consider if they are a staff member, what are the various circumstances that the family is experiencing," Green-Otero said.

"With this system we are trying to offer to as many families as we can across the district," said Reyes.

Priority registration does allow people to transfer/apply to programs, but even if you're going to your home school, it helps if families register early. This is so if AISD does get transfer requests, the district will know how many seats there are.