As a homeowner or resident in Montgomery County, Maryland, you may have come across the MCPS Form 335-74, also known as the "Request for Exemption from Mandatory Attendance Boundary Policy." This form is a crucial document that allows parents or guardians to request an exemption from the school district's attendance boundary policy. However, navigating the form's requirements and details can be overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with the process.
Understanding the MCPS Form 335-74 is essential for parents who want to ensure their child receives the best possible education. In this article, we will delve into the details of the form, its requirements, and the steps to follow when submitting a request for exemption.
What is the MCPS Form 335-74?
The MCPS Form 335-74 is a document that allows parents or guardians to request an exemption from the Montgomery County Public Schools' (MCPS) attendance boundary policy. This policy dictates which school a student must attend based on their home address. However, under certain circumstances, parents may request an exemption to have their child attend a different school.
Types of Exemptions
There are several types of exemptions that parents can request using the MCPS Form 335-74:
- Medical Exemption: For students with medical conditions that require specialized care or treatment not available at their assigned school.
- Family Hardship Exemption: For families experiencing extreme hardship, such as a parent's job relocation or a family member's serious illness.
- Safety Exemption: For students who may be at risk of harm or harassment at their assigned school.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible to submit the MCPS Form 335-74, parents must meet certain requirements:
- Residency: The student must be a resident of Montgomery County, Maryland.
- Age: The student must be of compulsory school age (5-17 years old).
- Good Standing: The student must be in good standing at their current school.
When submitting the form, parents must provide supporting documentation, such as:
- Medical records: For medical exemptions, parents must provide a doctor's note or medical records that support their request.
- Proof of hardship: For family hardship exemptions, parents must provide documentation, such as a letter from an employer or a doctor's note, that supports their request.
- Safety concerns: For safety exemptions, parents must provide documentation, such as a police report or a letter from a school administrator, that supports their request.
Steps to Follow When Submitting the Form
To increase the chances of a successful exemption, parents should follow these steps when submitting the MCPS Form 335-74:
- Review the form carefully: Ensure that all sections of the form are completed accurately and thoroughly.
- Gather supporting documentation: Collect all required documentation, such as medical records or proof of hardship.
- Submit the form on time: Submit the form by the designated deadline, usually in January or February for the upcoming school year.
- Follow up: Contact the MCPS administrative office to confirm receipt of the form and to inquire about the status of the request.
Timeline and Deadlines
It's essential to be aware of the timeline and deadlines for submitting the MCPS Form 335-74:
- January/February: The form is typically available for download on the MCPS website during this time.
- February/March: The deadline for submitting the form, usually on or before the last Friday in February.
- April/May: The MCPS administrative office reviews and processes the requests.
- June: Parents are notified of the decision regarding their exemption request.
What to Expect After Submitting the Form
After submitting the MCPS Form 335-74, parents can expect:
- Review and processing: The MCPS administrative office will review and process the request.
- Notification: Parents will be notified of the decision regarding their exemption request.
- Appeals: If the request is denied, parents can appeal the decision to the MCPS Board of Education.
Conclusion
The MCPS Form 335-74 is a vital document that allows parents to request an exemption from the attendance boundary policy. By understanding the form's requirements and details, parents can increase their chances of a successful exemption. Remember to review the form carefully, gather supporting documentation, and submit the form on time.
If you have any questions or concerns about the MCPS Form 335-74, we encourage you to leave a comment below. Share this article with other parents who may benefit from this information.
What is the purpose of the MCPS Form 335-74?
+The MCPS Form 335-74 allows parents to request an exemption from the Montgomery County Public Schools' attendance boundary policy.
What types of exemptions can parents request using the MCPS Form 335-74?
+Parents can request medical, family hardship, or safety exemptions.
What is the deadline for submitting the MCPS Form 335-74?
+The deadline for submitting the form is usually in January or February for the upcoming school year.