Frequently Asked Questions - Waiting List Moves

QUESTION ANSWER
1. Who is moving the waiting lists?

The central office does waiting list moves during the summer so assignments can be made even when schools are closed. Beginning in mid-August, schools will make calls for students on waiting lists.

However, it doesn't matter who makes the waiting list calls. When SPS (central office or school) makes waiting list calls, the number of students who can be called is controlled by the target enrollment that has been set and funded for each school.  
2. How will I know when the waiting list has moved?

Families can call the automated assignment and waiting list line @ 252.0212 or 252.0213 to see if their child has moved up on the waiting list. (You will need the child's student ID number and birth date to access the information.)

The computer system is shut down July 18-August 3. No new information can be entered during that time period, so the automated waiting list phone line will not be updated during this time period.
3. Should I call the school? Will they be able to give me more information? Schools will not be able to provide more information. That’s the purpose of the automated assignment and waiting list line @ 252.0212 or 252.0213. (You will need your child’s student ID number and birth date to use the automated line.)
4. What's the process for waiting list moves? If we reach your child's name on the waiting list and space becomes available, we'll call you to see if you want the seat. We don't just change the assignment without checking with you first. If you will be out of town, please send your summer contact information to enrollmentplanning@seattleschools.org.
5. I know that (two) students who were assigned are going to private school. Since I'm (#2) on the waiting list, why haven't I been called yet? Schools are "overbooked" (just like colleges and airlines), so there's not necessarily an immediate, direct "one-to-one" match between students who tell us they won't be attending and waiting list moves.
6. I know families ahead of me who were called, but the information on the wating list line is the same. Why?

Waiting list assignments (or those who declined) are manually entered into the computer. It doesn't happen automatically. Depending on exactly when the information gets entered, it may not be reflected in the automated phone line immediately.
7. Who should I inform if my child will not be attending his or her assigned school? If your child will not be attending the assigned school for Fall 2009, please let us know. The student will stay on the waiting list even if you tell us that your child will not be attending the assigned school. A student is NOT removed from a waiting list unless we contact you, and you decline the offer of a seat at the waitlisted school.